Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
A challenging 11-mile hike through the Smokies, featuring unique caves, arches, and rewarding summit views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
Best Time
Secure parking & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 11-mile hike through the Smokies, featuring unique caves, arches, and rewarding summit views.
"One of the most popular and challenging hikes in the Smokies, offering unparalleled views."
🚗 Arrive Before Sunrise
Parking is extremely limited. Aim to be at the trailhead before dawn, especially on weekends.
🥾 Trekking Poles are Key
Essential for navigating the steep ascents and descents, saving your knees on this challenging hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alum Cave Bluffs
Approx. 2.3 miles in
A stunning natural overhang and sandy bluff offering unique geological formations and great photo ops.
Arch Rock
Approx. 1.2 miles in
A natural stone archway carved by wind and water, providing a picturesque stop along the trail.
Mount LeConte Summit
End of the trail
Reach the third highest peak in Tennessee for breathtaking panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
Myrtle Point & Cliff Top
Near Mount LeConte summit
Extend your hike past the summit for even more spectacular, unobstructed vistas of the surrounding peaks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Start Early!
Prepare for a Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Before Sunrise
Parking is extremely limited. Aim to be at the trailhead before dawn, especially on weekends.
🥾 Trekking Poles are Key
Essential for navigating the steep ascents and descents, saving your knees on this challenging hike.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, as this is a long and strenuous hike with significant elevation gain.
🥾 Hike Past the Bluffs
Many people turn back at Alum Cave Bluffs. Continuing to Mount LeConte offers incredible views and fewer hikers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Before Sunrise
Parking is extremely limited. Aim to be at the trailhead before dawn, especially on weekends.
🥾 Trekking Poles are Key
Essential for navigating the steep ascents and descents, saving your knees on this challenging hike.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring plenty of water, as this is a long and strenuous hike with significant elevation gain.
🥾 Hike Past the Bluffs
Many people turn back at Alum Cave Bluffs. Continuing to Mount LeConte offers incredible views and fewer hikers.
🦙 See the Lodge Llamas
If you want to see the LeConte Lodge llamas, plan your hike for a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.
☁️ Weather Can Change
Be prepared for unpredictable mountain weather. Layers are essential, and check the forecast before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This trail is a highly rewarding but challenging hike, praised for its stunning geological features like Arch Rock and Alum Cave Bluffs, and the breathtaking summit views of Mount LeConte. Visitors consistently highlight the need for an early start due to limited parking and recommend trekking poles and ample water for the strenuous climb. While the initial section is popular, continuing to the summit offers a more solitary experience and unparalleled scenery.
"Very popular trail. I would recommend starting as early as you can. Very limited parking. We did not encounter many people on the way up but it was pretty packed on the way down. Most people don’t go all the way to the top though, so it thins out as you get higher. We were not blessed with great views all the way at the top, but had really nice views along the way. It was a very enjoyable hiking trail, but the start seemed to take forever. There was an emergency rescue when we were there, so be sure to take your time and be careful."
Jacqueline Zwack
"What an amazing trail. We hiked to the top of Mt Le Conte . The views are incredible. The trail is definitely not for anyone out of shape. You have to get there super early in order to get a parking spot. Also bring plenty of water. Trekking poles are also pretty key for this hike. My knees only hurt by the very end. Expect it to take about an hour a mile if you wanna rest and take in the views. I would love to do this again on the rainbow falls trail."
MrDjdoughd
"The trail to Mt. Leconte, via Alum Cave trail.
4/5/25
I arrived just after daylight to one of the last spots available on the trailhead. If you want to hike this trail and summit, you have to come early. (Unless you're camping here) After securing my spot, I took my time to gather my things and prep my backpack for the days journey. Hiking to the summit can easily take 8 hours or more, there and back.
There are two notable stops along the way in Alum Cave, and Alum Cave Bluff. There's also Alumn Cave creek that will keep you company through the first third of the trip. Once you pass the Bluff, which is roughly halfway, the landscape totally changes as you climb to the higher elevations. It's no surprise that this trail is arguably the most popular AND one of the most challenging that the park has to offer.
-the NPS workers that tend to this trail are far beyond amazing! It can't be said enough how important they all are here, and in every national park across the country. They make places like this possible for all of us to enjoy!"
Jonathan Crouch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Alum Cave Trailhead is located along Newfound Gap Road (US-441) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's about a 30-minute drive from Gatlinburg, TN, and parking is extremely limited. Arrive very early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
Yes, there is a parking area, but it fills up incredibly fast. Many visitors report arriving just after daylight to find one of the last spots. Consider arriving before sunrise to guarantee parking. +1
Public transportation options directly to trailheads within Great Smoky Mountains National Park are very limited. It's best to drive your own vehicle or arrange a shuttle service if available from nearby towns like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
The Alum Cave Trailhead is approximately a 30-minute drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, depending on traffic conditions within the park.
The drive along Newfound Gap Road is scenic but can be winding. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee or ticket required to hike the Alum Cave Trail or enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, a parking tag is now required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes within the park.
The trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, due to parking limitations and safety, hiking in the dark is not recommended.
While there's no fee to enter the park, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes. These can be purchased online or at visitor centers.
No, you cannot book spots on the trail. It's first-come, first-served for parking. Arriving early is the best strategy.
No permits are required for day hiking on the Alum Cave Trail. However, if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry, you would need a backcountry permit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The round trip to Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Trail is approximately 11 miles and can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your pace, fitness level, and how much time you spend at the summit. +1
This trail is considered strenuous and challenging due to its length (11 miles round trip) and significant elevation gain (over 3,000 feet). It's not recommended for beginners or those not in good physical condition.
Key highlights include Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluffs, and the summit of Mount LeConte. Many also recommend continuing to Myrtle Point and Cliff Top for superior views.
Yes, it's one of the most popular trails in the park. Crowds are heaviest near the trailhead and Alum Cave Bluffs. The higher you go towards Mount LeConte, the fewer people you'll encounter. +1
There are restrooms available at the trailhead. Beyond that, there are no facilities along the trail until you reach LeConte Lodge at the summit.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
No, there are no food services available along the Alum Cave Trail itself. You must pack all your own food and snacks.
Dining options are available in nearby Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. These towns offer a wide range of restaurants, from casual diners to fine dining.
Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit. For a full day hike, consider sandwiches or other substantial, non-perishable items.
There are no water sources to refill bottles on the trail until you reach LeConte Lodge. Bring enough water for the entire round trip, or consider a water filter if you're experienced.
While there are no designated picnic areas directly on the trail, you can enjoy a packed lunch at the trailhead before or after your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluffs, and the summit of Mount LeConte offer fantastic photo opportunities. Don't miss the panoramic views from Myrtle Point and Cliff Top.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography. Sunsets from Mount LeConte can be spectacular, but be prepared for a dark descent.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures, but keep your pack light.
Drones are generally prohibited in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest NPS regulations.
While wildlife sightings are possible, they are not guaranteed. Maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals. Telephoto lenses can be helpful if you spot any creatures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a strenuous hike to reach these viewpoints, and consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards!Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Alum Cave Bluffs
This section of the trail is approximately 2.3 miles one-way and gains about 1,200 feet in elevation. It's a rewarding hike in itself, showcasing some of the park's unique geological features without requiring the full commitment to summit Mount LeConte. Many visitors find this part of the hike to be the most visually striking and accessible.
Conquering Mount LeConte
Upon reaching the summit area, you'll find LeConte Lodge, a rustic backcountry lodge that offers overnight accommodations (reservations are essential and book up far in advance).
While the lodge itself is a destination, the true reward for hikers are the panoramic vistas from various viewpoints near the summit. Myrtle Point and Cliff Top are highly recommended extensions from the main summit area, providing unobstructed, breathtaking views that make the strenuous effort entirely worthwhile. Essential Gear and Preparation
Layered clothing is essential due to the unpredictable mountain weather. Even on warm days, temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. A rain jacket is a wise addition. Consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight if you plan to start very early or stay for sunset, but be aware of the challenges of hiking in the dark.
+1 A first-aid kit and a map of the park are also advisable for any backcountry excursion. 
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