Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Gatlinburg area, and for good reason. It’s a great way to get exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and take in some stunning scenery.
There are all sorts of different hiking trails out there to suit every level of fitness and interest, from gentle nature walks to challenging treks up mountains. One of the most popular hiking trails in the country is the Alum Cave Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Let’s take a look at just what makes the Alum Cave Trail so special.
Alum Cave Trail Highlights
The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains for a reason – it’s simply gorgeous. It is considered to be one of the most scenic trails in the Smokies due in part to the many interesting rock formations along the way. One of the most popular features is Arch Rock, a natural archway that hikers can walk through. The trail is also home to wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
Despite its name, the Alum Cave Trail is actually only a small section of the much longer Mount LeConte Trail. The Mount LeConte Trail is a 32-mile loop that goes around the entire mountain.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Arch Rock: This natural archway is one of the most popular features on the trail. It’s located about 1.9 miles from the trailhead.
- The Chimneys: The Chimneys are a series of rock formations that resemble, you guessed it, chimneys. They’re located about 2.4 miles from the trailhead.
- Alum Cave: The cave for which the trail is named is located around the 3-mile mark. It’s a large shelter cave where Epsom salt and saltpeter were previously mined.
Along the way, hikers will enjoy views of several waterfalls, as well as wildflowers in the springtime. The trail also passes by the iconic Alum Cave, a large rock shelter that was once used by Native Americans.
No matter how far you hike, the Alum Cave Trail is sure to give you an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Where Do I Start the Alum Cave Trail?
The Alum Cave Trail is a 5.5-mile round trip hike that starts at the Alum Cave Bluffs Parking Area and ends at the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the tallest mountains in the Smoky Mountains.
The best time to hike the Alum Cave Trail is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler. However, it can be hiked year-round as long as hikers are prepared for potentially hot and humid conditions in the summer months.
How Long Is Alum Cave?
The Alum Cave Trail is a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) hike to the fifth largest cave in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. The round-trip hike from the trailhead to the cave and back takes about 3-4 hours.
The trail is rated as moderate to strenuous, depending on how far hikers want to go. For those who just want to enjoy the views of the cave and waterfalls, the round trip is only about 3 miles. However, those who want to summit Mount LeConte will need to hike all the way to the end of the trail for a total round trip of about 11 miles.
History of Alum Cave
The Alum Cave was used by Native Americans and early settlers as a source of saltpeter (used in gunpowder production). In fact, this is how the cave gets its name. The Alum Cave is also home to a number of bats, which help to control the mosquito population in the area.
In the late 1800s, the cave was briefly investigated as a potential site for a hotel. However, the project was ultimately abandoned due to the difficult terrain and lack of water in the area.
Today, the cave is a popular stop for hikers on the Alum Cave Trail. It’s also occasionally used as a shelter by backcountry campers.
Can You Hike Alum Cave Trail With Kids?
The Alum Cave Trail is a great option for families with kids who are interested in hiking. The trail is rated as moderate, which means it’s not too challenging for most children. However, the long trip to the summit might prove too challenging for younger kids, as the trail becomes quite steep.
Families with small children can still enjoy the trail by hiking to Arch Rock or The Chimneys, which are both located within the first 2 miles of the hike. These shorter hikes offer stunning views without the challenges of a longer hike.
Those who are interested in summiting Mount LeConte should consider hiring a guide, as the trail can be difficult to navigate.
No matter how far you hike, the Alum Cave Trail is sure to give you an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Directions From Oak Haven Resort
The Alum Cave Trail is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 1 hour away from Oak Haven Resort. To get there, take US-441 W/Parkway to Gatlinburg. From there, follow signs for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and look for the Alum Cave Parking Area.
