Smoky Mountain Cave Hike: Alum Cave Trail and Mount LeConte

Smoky Mountains, Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities, Smoky Mountains Recreation and Tourism

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By Core Editors Desk

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a captivating hiking experience through the Alum Cave Trail, which showcases the park’s unique cave formations and breathtaking vistas. This trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure in the heart of the Smokies.

Overview of the Alum Cave Trail

Smoky Mountain Cave Hike
Image Credit: Wikimedia

The Alum Cave Trail is a 5.0-mile (8.0 km) one-way hike, with a 4.4-mile roundtrip option. The trailhead is located near Walker Camp Prong off U.S. Highway 441 in Tennessee, providing easy access for visitors. The trail features an elevation change of 2,700 feet (820 m) from the trailhead to the junction with the Rainbow Falls Trail, making it a moderately strenuous hike.

Metric Value
Length 5.0 miles (8.0 km) one way, 4.4 miles roundtrip
Location Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, U.S.
Trailheads Mount LeConte, Tennessee (Trailhead near Walker Camp Prong off U.S. Highway 441)
Use Hiking
Elevation Change 2,700 feet (820 m) from the trailhead to the junction with the Rainbow Falls Trail
Highest Point Junction with the Rainbow Falls Trail
Lowest Point Trailhead at Walker Camp Prong
Difficulty Moderately strenuous
Season Spring to Fall

Landmarks and Features

Smoky Mountain Cave Hike

The Alum Cave Trail offers a variety of natural wonders and scenic viewpoints along the way, including:

Arch Rock

A large black slate rock with a natural arch formed by freezing and thawing processes over time.

Inspiration Point

A heath bald with commanding views of Little Duck Hawk Ridge and Myrtle Point, providing a perfect spot for rest and contemplation.

Alum Cave Bluffs

A rocky outcrop with a large overhang, offering a suitable location for lunch and rest during the hike.

Peregrine Peak

A peak with a heath bald full of mountain laurel and rhododendron, showcasing the diverse flora of the Smokies.

Hiking Experience

The Alum Cave Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike, with the distance to the Alum Cave Bluffs being 2.5 miles one way. The total distance to the junction with the Rainbow Falls Trail is 5.0 miles, with an elevation gain of 1,125 feet (343 m) roundtrip. The elevation gain per mile is approximately 511 feet (156 m), making it a moderately difficult hike.

Metric Value
Distance to Alum Cave Bluffs 2.5 miles one way
Total Distance 5.0 miles to the junction with the Rainbow Falls Trail
Elevation Gain 1,125 feet (343 m) roundtrip
Elevation Gain per Mile 511 feet (156 m) per mile
Trail Difficulty Rating 6.65 (Moderately Difficult)

Planning Your Hike

To access the Alum Cave Trail, visitors can start from the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and drive 8.7 miles south along Newfound Gap Road to reach the trailhead. Two parking lots are available, but it’s recommended to arrive early during peak tourist season to secure a spot.

Google Maps provides easy navigation to the trailhead, making it convenient for hikers to plan their route.

Safety Considerations

While the Alum Cave Trail offers a remarkable hiking experience, it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards and prepare accordingly. During the winter months, hikers may encounter ice on the trail, and loose rocks can pose a risk throughout the year. Additionally, being prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the spring and fall seasons, is crucial for a safe and enjoyable hike.

Additional Resources

To enhance your Smoky Mountain Cave Hike experience, consider the following resources:

  • Trail Map: Available for download or at the park’s visitor center.
  • Elevation Profile: Available for download or at the park’s visitor center.

References

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