Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte

The most iconic hike in the Smokies — past bluffs, cliffs, and jaw-dropping views to the third-highest peak in the park.

11.0 miDistance
2,800 ftElevation Gain
6–8 hrsEst. Time
6,593 ftHigh Point
Out & BackTrail Type
ChallengingDifficulty
Alum Cave 1

Getting There

TrailheadAlum Cave Trailhead
RoadNewfound Gap Rd (US-441)
From Gatlinburg~9 miles south on Newfound Gap Rd
From Townsend~25 miles via Little River Rd to Sugarlands, then south on US-441
From Cherokee~20 miles north on Newfound Gap Rd
ParkingLarge lot fills by 9am on weekends; arrive early or expect a line

Elevation Profile

3,8004,4985,1975,8956,593 Trailhead3,800 ft0 miArch Rock4,400 ft1.4 miAlum Cave Bluffs4,900 ft2.3 miEye of the Needle5,800 ft4 miMt. LeConte6,593 ft5.5 mi

Best Time to Visit

The best time to hike Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte depends on what you're after, but most hikers will find the sweet spot between Spring, Summer and Fall.

Spring (March–May) brings wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and cool temperatures. Trails can be muddy and creek levels high after rain.

Summer (June–August) is the busiest season. Expect full parking lots by 9am. Higher elevations stay pleasantly cool even on hot days.

Fall (September–November) offers the best combination of weather, color, and crowds. Peak foliage typically hits mid-October.

Alum Cave to Mt. LeConte Trail Notes

Alum Cave Trail is debatably the most popular hike in the entire park. Trails like the Gatlinburg Trail or Cataract Falls might see more foot traffic overall, but the Alum Cave Trail is certainly the most popular “real” hike. It’s recommended that hikers arrive at the Alum Cave trailhead VERY early. I’ve hiked it dozens of times, and I almost always aim to arrive about 30 minutes before sunrise. Parking fills up extremely quickly, so plan to be there early during peak season. If you’re a fast hiker who’s done the trail before, and you’re confident in your ability to finish before dark, starting in the mid-to-late afternoon is also a great option.

The trail starts out fairly mundane: a nice, meandering footpath along a creek. This section of trail is clearly well traveled: wide, compacted soil with roots smoothed down as a baby’s bottom. The first major landmark is just under 1.5 miles in, when hikers encounter Arch Rock. Arch Rock is a very neat natural rock tunnel that hikers walk under. The staircase is steep and short, so be sure to watch your head.

Hikers hit their next major milestone roughly a half mile later at “Inspiration Point.” Every park I’ve ever been to has a place named “Inspiration Point,” and this is the Smokies’ take on it. And it’s a good one. Inspiration Point provides some really nice views of the surrounding mountains, the “Eye of the Needle,” and some really interesting rock formations.

Only a few tenths of a mile after Inspiration Point, hikers make it to the namesake of the trail: the Alum Cave Bluffs. Just FYI, there is no “cave” on this trail. I’ve never gotten a straight answer as to why the bluffs are referred to as a cave; that’s just how it is. The bluffs are impressive, and the climb up to them is quite steep. The ground beneath them is very dry dirt that’s sure to cover anything it touches, so maybe wait to take a break. In winter, massive icicles hang from the bluff, which is a cool sight.

Many hikers stop at the bluffs, but they’re missing out, as you’re already halfway to some of the best views the park has to offer. The hike past the bluffs is steep, diverse, and beautiful. You’ll wind your way up the mountain, working your way into the ever-so-rare spruce-fir forests. After you finish the infamous “staircase bend,” the last mile of the hike provides some excellent panoramic views. Before too long, the trail takes a hard right turn, flattens out, and puts you on approach to the LeConte Lodge. The lodge has a gift shop (be sure to check operating hours if you wish to visit), water spigots (April–October only), and pit toilets.

Beyond the lodge, Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point are two of the best places to check out the views. Cliff Tops is a short hike from the lodge, and Myrtle Point is about half a mile past the LeConte Shelter. On the way to Myrtle Point, hikers pass a pile of rocks, which marks the official summit.

Mt. LeConte, and particularly the Alum Cave Trail, have a very special allure. It’s a trail that people travel from all over to hike, and one that some locals are completely obsessed with. There are many individuals who have completed the trail 50+ times. Personally, the crowds tend to drive me away from it, but some people love the social aspect. You certainly won’t feel alone out there! One thing is for sure: Alum Cave Trail is an absolute must-hike. It’s definitely a challenging one, but it’s a good one.

How We Saw It

Alum Cave 1