Add to ORKGThe Smoky Mountains Hiking Club was formed after a group of outdoor enthusiasts hiked up to Mount LeConte in October 1924. Enjoying the spectacular views, the group returned to establish a formal hiking club to sponsor hikes into the Great Smoky Mountains. Established in Knoxville, Tennessee, the first official club hike was led by Dutch Roth in December 1924. This photograph of a group of hikers in 1930, was taken by James E. (Jim) Thompson (1880-1976), a noted photographer, hiker, and outdoor enthusiast. Thompson was often referred to as the “Official Photographer of the Great Smokies National Park Movement.” The hikers are identified on the reverse of the image