May 16th-19th 2024
As the sun sets you gaze at the smokey mountains and start to feel just like them - fierce and strong. You feel accomplished, amazing and in awe - and to top it off your belly is full of the delicious food provided by the Mt Leconte Lodge. The hike up to Mt Leconte lodge was the perfect challenge with views all around. You will never forget this moment.
As you sit and gaze out at the mountains with some really amazing new friends you watch the clouds in constant shift. These mountains are called "smoky" for a reason. The cloud formations are in constant shift making for outstanding sunsets and sunrises.
As you take the short hike back to your sweet little mountain top cabin after the sunset you are so thankful for the comfortable beds! It is time to rest up so you can be ready for the short hike to an unforgettable sunrise complete with mountain top yoga & meditation.
Mt Leconte Lodge + A Luxurious cabin in townsend, TN are the perfect places to spend 4 days and 3 nights....
....Challenging yourself to invigorating hikes in the Smokies, learning restorative yoga techniques that will help soothe your sore muscles as well as yoga poses that will make you feel fierce and strong.
Do you want to get off the beaten path and experience a bucket list hike?
We've got you covered. The hike up to Mt Leconte Lodge is totally unique, inspiring and not for the faint of heart. You will not be disappointed after you discover this gem and will feel inspired after conquering this mountain!
Are you ready to step into the strength and vitality of your body?
Happy to help! The hike up to Mt Leconte Lodge is not for the faint of heart. Your body will thank you for the challenge. It is a 6 mile hike up The Alum Cave trail and takes about 3 hours. You definitely need to train for this trip and Heather is happy to help. Just ask. Be prepared to carry a light day pack up the mountain.
Do you want to know more about how you can feel stronger in your body & mind so you can take your fitness and life to the next level?
We'll dive into this topic together! Heather will teach you yoga practices that will make you feel grounded and strong so you will have the confidence to pursue life goals that maybe once felt out of reach.
The Venues...
Mt Leconte Lodge + A Luxurious Cabin in Townsend, TN- You will spend 1 day and 1 night at Mt Leconte Lodge and 2 days, 2 nights in a luxurious cabin in Townsend, TN which is away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg.
Mt Leconte Lodge sits just below the summit of the mountain at an elevation of about 6400 feet. It is one of only 5 hike in lodges, a place you can only reach on foot, in the United States. The lodge provides comfortable beds, the bedding and food which are all carried up weekly by llamas. You will need to carry a light day pack up to the cabin with PJ’s, 2 to 3 liters of water, snacks and a toothbrush.
There is a magical charm about Mt Leconte Lodge. The cabins which are hand built rough hewn log cabins with propane heat, kerosene lanterns, wooden bunk beds, clean linens and warm Hudson Bay wool blankets. This is far from camping and nice to have a comfy bed in the wilderness.
After the experience at Mt Leconte Lodge….
It’s time to be treated like Kings & Queens!
Your jaw drops when you experience the amazing views of The Great Smoky Mountains from your cabin. You are blown away by the truly fantastic and views as you sip a glass of wine or cup of tea.
You SO deserve this! Each morning you awaken in your beautiful room, and step out onto the deck for morning meditation and yoga. It is so peaceful.
Then, it is time for breakfast. You are blown away by the gorgeous table settings and breakfasts. This is the type of breakfast you sit and enjoy. Breakfasts each morning are prepared by yours truly, with seasonal and fresh ingredients. Did you know I am a trained culinary chef?
All of this pampering paired with the contrast of Mt Leconte Lodge plus the challenges of hiking is the perfect combination.
The Eats...
You will enjoy fiercely delicious food at Mt Leconte Lodge and at the Cabin. You are so hungry when you reach Mt Leconte Lodge that the hearty, family style meals are just what you crave - plus, the bottomless $11 wine hits the spot too! All dietary needs can be met! Simply let Heather know if you have any special needs.
The meals at the cabin are planned and prepared by Chef Heather. The delicious food paired with with the elegant dining and stellar view of the smokies are so relaxing and inspiring. You enjoy the fresh coffee each morning and seasonal foods made with fresh herbs, eggs from free range chickens, fruit and honey and veggies.
Most meals are vegetarian tho you may enjoy some bacon from breakfast. It feels good to eat healthy all weekend yet feel indulgent with some dishes like Chocolate Avocado Mousse, Yogurt Pancake Strawberry Stacks with Fresh Whipped Cream, Quinoa Enchiladas and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
The Delights...
Oh yes, the downtime!
After hiking down the mountain you will have some chill time. You decide to take a float down refreshing, crystal clear Little River in a tube. You had no idea this could be so much fun! It is the perfect way to relax, unwind and giggle as you float through the fun rapids. It is beautiful!
Or perhaps you decide to get a massage and enjoy the view with a good book...
A masseuse comes to the B&B where you will enjoy your massage.
The Treasures...
You leave this adventure feeling accomplished, strong and confident.
WARNING! You will be inspired to tackle a goal you once feared pursuing OR you just may consider a new goal that once seemed out of reach. The confidence gained from the hike and new yoga tips learned bring you into your strong body and fierce self - you return home ready to flourish!
You will gain an amazing new community of people who will support and encourage you as you leap into this healthier life.
The people you meet on this trip will be a priceless addition to your new treasure chest!
What's Included:
5 Yoga Sessions
Most Meals (you will be responsible for 1 dinner + 1 lunch)
2 nights @ a luxurious cabin in Townsend - ask Heather about sleeping options
1 night at Mt Leconte Lodge - double occupancy, shared queen bunk beds
Daily guided hikes
What's Not Included:
Massage
Tubing
Transportation to & from Townsend, TN
What participants had to say about this trip…
“My favorite part of the trip was the challenging climb, laughter, and the food.. food... food. It is rewarding to see yourself climb a mountain and the views are worth the climb. The food is incredible and it is rejuvenating to fill yourself with such nourishment. One big takeaway for me on the trip was to GO THE EXTRA MILE.”
“I signed up for the Mt Leconte Excursion because I was looking forward to hiking an area different from the Rockies and WOW! The hikes, yoga, memories, the people, the views, and the pictures were amazing. The big thing was the contrast in Gracehill B&B and Mt Leconte lodge. Both, equally impressive, although so very different, from 5 star to rustic! Adapting to both was easy and exhilarating! I have been empowered & ready to accept new challenges from this Excursion. I enjoyed learning more about yoga and mantra. The yoga was geared toward everyone and I felt so good after each session! Although, there was a schedule on the trip I enjoyed the ease of how everything happened. There didn’t seem to be any pressure to get to the top of the mountain, to do yoga, to eat, etc. It was all amazing… even the snacks. I had a blast!”
“My dear friend Carol asked me to go on The ‘Be Fierce & Flourish’ Mt Leconte Climb Excursion. At first, I said ‘no’ after watching some of the videos about the trail. Then, for some reason, I just felt I needed to do this. Things in life happen for a reason. I’m so glad I went! This was a ‘Mountain Top’ experience!! I feel I’m stronger physically and emotionally than I thought. I plan on tackling some things I have put off. I have more confidence. My favorite things about the experience were the people, the yoga & the beautiful B&B. I enjoyed learning some details of others “stories” & everyone was so nice & interesting! After the trip, I am inspired to do yoga now on a regular basis. I learned to step out of my comfort zone and will try some new experiences as well as be more accepting of others. You should definitely go on an Elevate Excursion to challenge and strengthen yourself. Go for the adventure. Go to find a part of yourself that perhaps was lost.”
“I’m always interested in deconstructing the myth that senior citizens are weak and incapable of doing many things. What attracted me Elevate Mt Leconte first was the notion of hiking up a mountain! I knew it would be challenging and I wanted to accept that challenge and believe in myself. The energy I received from doing the excursion has continued to be with me. Even though I know it will eventually happen, slowing down right now is not an option for me. I know I will continue to look for and accept some physical challenges in the future. My favorite part of this trip was the unique experience of doing yoga at sunrise on the top of Mount Leconte. It is something I will always remember. I came home inspired to take yoga classes and continue to practice at home. I also realized I need to take better care of my feet! When your feet hurt, the world is a bleak place! Elevate Mt Leconte also reminded me that growth at any stage of your life is possible and can not only come from within yourself, but also from those around you. There is no time like the present! You should go on an Elevate Excursion. You will not regret accepting the opportunity and the challenge. Go alone and experience your uniqueness, or go with a friend to help you along.”
About Your Guide, Heather:
I absolutely love an active lifestyle, feeling strong & confident in my body. In my opinion, there his no other way to go through this life! I am a marathoner, ultramarathoner, triathlete, long distance swimmer, avid hiker and 500-hour trained yoga instructor.
But, it hasn't always been this way...
I used to feel insecure and lacked confidence in my body and in myself...
I exercised to look good, not necessarily to feel good and the hike to to Mt Leconte was one of the first experiences I had that made me realize there was so much more to fitness. I was 25 years old on a girls trip and that hike made me feel so strong and curious about more off the beaten path adventures I could conquer. That trip began to shift my mindset about health and fitness from one of doing it to be “skinny” to doing it to be healthy and strong. It felt like a much healthier approach.
While an active lifestyle can be tough to maintain there are ways to inspire yourself back into fitness...
I can't wait to share with you two of my biggest passions - hiking and yoga - with you so you can see how they will inspire you to love your fierce, strong body too.
I went to Mt Leconte for the first time in 2005 and it inspired me dig deeper and go further with my fitness. I remember climbing to the to and feeling so strong and powerful. I felt like I could do anything!
I can't wait to share this fairy tale like place with YOU. I know when you strike a warrior pose on the top of Mt Leconte you will feel like you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.