KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Hiking Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a one-time checkmark on lots of bucket lists. But for Larry Russell, it’s just an average Wednesday.
“It’s addictive,” said Russell, a veteran.
He joined the military during the war in Vietnam, spent an almost 40-year career in law enforcement and after retiring around a dozen years ago, he started hiking Mount LeConte. It's a signature peak in the Smokies.
“The most scenic trail in the park, in my opinion,” said Russell while on his first hike up Alum Cave Trail of 2024, after a record-setting year in 2023. “I know I’m the oldest person to ever hike this age."
He is 80 years old and notched 80 summits of the third highest peak in the national park. After the 80th summit, he simply kept on hiking. He hit the summit 100 times with his son and finished the year with 117 hikes, averaging two roundtrip journeys of more than 10 miles twice every week in 2023.
“As far as I know, there’s only four (hikers) who have done 100 in a year,” said Russell. “I just like getting out. You get 200 feet away (down a trail) in the park and it’s like you are back in time.”
He said setting records isn’t his main motivation.
“He’s kind of known on this mountaintop, Larry, who has done all the hikes,” said Sandy Martin, his regular trail companion.
The first summit of 2024 marked 472 hikes over his lifetime, all from a hiker we nicknamed “Larry Legend." He expects to hit 500 hikes all-time this year.
“Not bad for an old man,” Larry said with a chuckle.
In addition to our on-camera interview, Larry Russell also shared answers to ten questions about the influence his military service had on the rest of his life. Those questions are listed below.
1. What one person influenced you most in life?
I’m sure I was influenced by several people, but no specific person comes to mind.
2. Do you feel honored and respected for serving your country?
I believe most people do respect veterans.
3. How can people thank you for your service?
A simple thank you for your service is appreciated.
4. How do you honor your fellow servicemen and women?
I believe one way to honor our service men and women is to respect our flag and National Anthem.
5. How do you think this generation of servicemen and women is different or similar to yours?
I’m not sure, but I served during the draft, now that it is all volunteer, I would think there is probably less negativity.
6. What influence did your military service have on the rest of your life?
I came out with a new appreciation for the privileges and opportunities that we have in this country.
7. Does your family have a history of military service?
All three of my brothers served in the military. My oldest brother was in the navy during WW2 and my other two were in the army. My youngest brother fought in Vietnam.
8. Would you encourage your son, daughter or other younger generations in your family to join the service?
I would neither encourage nor discourage them but would support them in their decisions.
9. How has your opinion of war changed?
My opinion hasn’t changed, I believe we must have a strong military to protect our freedom and way of life.
10. How did your military experience shape your faith?
I don’t think the military had any influence on my faith.