Probably the fastest I’ve ever ascended Clingman's via this route. I went up the observation tower (a requirement for these FKTs) and then headed off to what I thought would be some faster miles!! Then I broke my trekking pole and the descent was really tough, especially the first few miles nb on the AT off the top of Clingman's. Fell several times!! Got some injuries to prove it. Icy conditions. By the the time I got about half way down Sugarlands (about 8 miles later) I was still only averaging the same pace down as I did up! The many blow-downs on Sugalands was slowing me down. At least the views on Sugarlands make up for the poor condition--many times running on a narrow ridge with great views to the East and West. Then it got more runnable and I was able to do some faster miles to finish. The weather was great though-- holding around freezing for most of the ascent and then warmed up as I descended to hit about 50 as I approached Elkmont around 1PM. This FKT is soft. With the right conditions the descent should have been much faster. Anyone debating it should go try it! This is a soft FKT!
Athletes
Route variation
big loop
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
6h
2m
11s
Verification
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