Join us for our EXIT Southeast Climb for the Kids, Appalachian Trail event. From September 30 - October 2, 2022, our team will take climbers to the Great Smoky Mountains during one epic weekend. We’ll summit multiple peaks, enjoy large waterfalls and fall colors, and hike almost 15 miles to raise funding for a very worthy cause – St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Our fundraising goal for this climb is $50,000, with 100% of participant donations going to St. Jude. Partner with us to help make the biggest impact possible for St. Jude and help thousands of families in need. EXIT Southeast will match the first $20k of donations!

Event Details 

Dates: 9/30 - 10/2, 2022

Entry Fee: $300 (75% off for all EXIT Realty Southeast participants. Email [email protected] for the promo code.)

Available Spots: 40 climbers

Registration Deadline: August 26, 2022

Distance: 14.5 miles total over 2 days. 

• Day 1: 11 miles to the summit of Mt. LeConte and descent. 
• Day 2: 3.5 miles to the top of Clingman's Dome, highest point on the Appalachian Trail and in Tennessee.

Difficulty: 

• Day 1: Mt. LeConte = Difficult with 11 miles and 2,808 feet elevation gain over rocky terrain. 
• Day 2: Clingman's Dome = Moderate with 3.5 miles and 1,283 feet elevation gain over rocky terrain.  

Fundraising Minimum: $750 per participant with 100% of donations going to St. Jude. EXIT is matching the first $20k!

Schedule of events (subject to change)

• 9/30: Arrive by 4pm to campsite for group dinner. Group transportation from the Knoxville airport upon request. 
  
• 10/1: Hike to Mt. LeConte's peak ascending and descending via the Alum Cave Trail, enjoying the amazing scenery, including scenic waterfalls. 11 miles with 2,808 feet elevation gain.  
• 10/2: Hike to Clingman's Dome on the Appalachian Trail (highest point in Tennessee and on the Appalachian Trail). 3.5 miles with 1,283 feet elevation gain. Depart late afternoon.

What's Included

• Keep Climbing Foundation event t-shirt.
• Fundraising social media graphics. 
• Fully guided expedition with certified guides. 
• Meals prepared by our camp host.
• Permit to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
• Group campsite. (Cosby Group Camp, Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Recreation.gov)
• REI tent rental for the weekend. Sleeping bags and pads can be rented for $33 upon request. 
• Group transportation to/from trailheads provided by our guide company. 
• Group transportation to/from Knoxville airport provided by our guide company, upon request. (Shuttle will leave airport for camp at 2:30 pm. Please plan flights accordingly.)
• Additional hiking equipment rentals available upon request. 

Gear List: Hiking shoes or Boots (broken in), hiking poles recommended, water for the day, bug spray, sunscreen, hat for sun protection, rain jacket, rain pants recommended, quick dry clothing, first aid kit, flashlight, backpack for hiking, sleeping bag and sleeping pad (rentals available), camp chair if desired (limited seats available).

Training Plan: How to Train for Hiking - REI

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Inspiration

100% of participant donations will support our charitable partner!

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a global leader in advancing cures and means of prevention for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases through research and treatment. Keep Climbing Foundation is proud to partner with St. Jude with our 2nd Climb for the Kids, Appalachian Trail.

Join us or donate today! 

1. Click the "Register or Donate" button to purchase your entry ticket.

2. Click the "Fundraising" button on the top of this page to start fundraising.

Title Partner

EXIT Southeast made this event possible as our exclusive Title Partner and donation match partner. Thank you!

Keep Climbing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that organizes mountain climbing fundraisers in order to raise money and awareness for children’s and Veterans’ causes.

KeepClimbingFoundation.com