This past weekend I took a two-day hike to Mt. LeConte, the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (elevation: 6593 feet). On Sunday the group hiked a rolling trail (Boulevard) that gained 1000 feet in elevation over 8.5 miles that, at times, ran alongside the Appalachian Trail. That evening we slept at the LeConte Lodge, a wilderness lodge atop the mountain. Perched on the cliff tops of Mt. LeConte, the group watched the sun drop behind the peaks of the nearby mountains and the night-lights of Gatlinburg began to twinkle. Monday morning’s hike down the mountain was a 5.3 mile trail (Alum) that dropped 3,000 feet and held sweeping views of the Smokies. It was hard to imagine the travails Scottish settlers endured to live in these mountains over 200 years ago. As someone remarked as we traveled, it makes you appreciate your heritage.