About Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
Most people on the Alum Cave Trail are headed for the bluffs, and that is a fine goal. Fewer go on to the summit of Mount LeConte, which is a different day entirely. The National Park Service puts the full route to LeConte at 10 miles round trip, the shortest of the five trails to the top.
Two hikes, one trailhead
To reach Alum Cave Bluffs, walk 2.3 miles each way (4.6 round trip), a climb of roughly 1,100 feet. Along the way the trail crosses two creeks on footbridges, passes through Arch Rock, a natural tunnel with stone steps, and then climbs to the bluffs, a broad rock overhang that stays dry in a downpour. If Arch Rock is your turnaround, that is 2.8 miles round trip.
Past the bluffs the route gets serious. It continues up the ridge with steep stone steps, exposed spots and steel cable handrails, then reaches the LeConte Lodge area at 6,593 feet after about 5 miles and 2,700 feet of total climbing. The best views near the top are from Cliff Top and Myrtle Point.
When to go
October is the busiest month, and parking is gone before 8 a.m. Spring is quieter and brings wildflowers and strong creek flow. Summer afternoon thunderstorms build over the ridge, so plan to be off the upper section by early afternoon. Winter hiking is possible but ice collects on the bluffs and falling icicles are a real hazard; carry microspikes and check Newfound Gap Road status first.
Getting there
The trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road about 9 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center, roughly 25 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. The lot and roadside pullouts are small. NPS recommends arriving early or taking a shuttle.
You need a parking tag for any stop over 15 minutes in the park. It costs $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful are not accepted. Buy it at a visitor center or on recreation.gov, and display the physical tag.
Know before you go
Despite the name, Alum Cave is not a cave but a rocky overhang. Dress in layers, since the summit runs 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the trailhead, and carry rain gear all year. If you plan to overnight, LeConte Lodge is reachable only on foot and books far in advance. Pets are not allowed on the trail, and cell service drops out quickly.
Good to know
- How long is Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte?
- Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is 5 miles one way (10.0 miles round trip), with about 2,700 feet of climbing. It is rated strenuous.
- Are dogs allowed on this trail?
- No. Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Do I need a parking tag to hike here?
- A Park It Forward parking tag ($5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year) is required for any vehicle parked more than 15 minutes inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Entry is free, and federal passes such as America the Beautiful do not replace the tag.
