Alum Cave Trail
Alum Cave Trail
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477 avis
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394
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Teresa M
Whitestone, État de New York58 contributions
août 2024 • En famille
We snagged the last parking spot at 9.15 , but when we were hiking we did not see a lot of people on the trail unlike Laurel Falls. I did a lot of reading on this hike. Most articles made it sound harder than it was.
Easy hike to Arch Rock and slightly harder to the cave/ bluffs. I am sorry I didn't start out earlier because I would have went the distance to Mt Leconte. No animal sitings.
Easy hike to Arch Rock and slightly harder to the cave/ bluffs. I am sorry I didn't start out earlier because I would have went the distance to Mt Leconte. No animal sitings.
Écrit le 16 août 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Ruth M
11 contributions
août 2024 • En famille
Absolutely stunning trail. Perfect for a family with older children. The views are spectacular. Moderate in difficulty
Écrit le 16 août 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Barb G
Maryville, TN145 contributions
août 2024 • En couple
Anyone in fair shape can hike to Arch Rock, just under 1.5 miles out with a gradual climb of about 500 feet. Arch Rock was what we chose to hike today, after seeing the crowds out so early in August. We consider Arch Rock a good morning hike. You can be out and back before noon.
Alum Cave itself is a day hike. The trail gets steeper near Alum Cave, which is not a cave, but a beautiful outcropping. Mount LeConte is a more strenuous day hike. We did it once in one day, and would only recommend if you are on the trailhead early, and in good shape.
Bring lots of water, you will need it. Containers can be refilled at Mount LeConte if you hike all the way up. Do NOT drink from the creek, unless you want to regret it later.
All that said, the Arch Rock hike (3 miles round trip) was lovely. The stroll along the river was a great way to get a bit of exercise.
We highly recommend this trail. We have hiked it numerous times over the years. Never gets old. 🙂
Alum Cave itself is a day hike. The trail gets steeper near Alum Cave, which is not a cave, but a beautiful outcropping. Mount LeConte is a more strenuous day hike. We did it once in one day, and would only recommend if you are on the trailhead early, and in good shape.
Bring lots of water, you will need it. Containers can be refilled at Mount LeConte if you hike all the way up. Do NOT drink from the creek, unless you want to regret it later.
All that said, the Arch Rock hike (3 miles round trip) was lovely. The stroll along the river was a great way to get a bit of exercise.
We highly recommend this trail. We have hiked it numerous times over the years. Never gets old. 🙂
Écrit le 14 août 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Kristin W
1 contribution
août 2024 • En famille
We arrived just before noon and parked about 0.3 miles from the trail head. I hiked with my husband and 3 kids ages 12, 15, and 17. We hiked 2.3 miles along the Alum cave trail. The kids loved the many access points to the creek, small waterfalls as well as the steps through the cave. The lush foliage is beautiful and feels as though you are walking through a rainforest. Once we reached Inspiration Point we took a quick break and admired the spectacular view. We were all feeling great and decided to continue to Mount LeConte and ascended to the top for another 2.7 miles. The hike gets noticeably more difficult and steep but quite doable for active families. Once you get closer to the top the views are awe-inspiring and you become level with the clouds. Although we didn’t see any bears they have been known to be throughout the area. Upon reaching the top there will be a sign that shows to the lodges, we stopped there for a quick snack. Be sure to take the 0.2 mile Cliff Top trail. The views are breathtaking. The hike in total ended up being close to 12 miles out and back, taking around 5 hours with many stops for pictures. This was one of our favorite hikes in SMNP and is a definite must do!
Écrit le 2 août 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
DianaY
15 contributions
juil. 2024 • En famille
Our family of 4 (including 2 kids age 6 and 10) made the about 5 mile route hike out the bluff/cave and back. Once you pass arch rock there hike gets noticeably tougher but our kids are troopers on hikes and the bluff/cave was worth the sweat to get there! By far our favorite hike in the Smokies and we did most of the popular ones (all the waterfallls).
Note/ lots of stairs and steep areas
Note/ lots of stairs and steep areas
Écrit le 29 juillet 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
MickeyGW65
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvanie53 contributions
juin 2024 • En couple
This was our favorite hike in the park! Be warned that parking can be a challenge. We had to park about a mile from the trailhead. It is a steady climb up (about 1,100 feet elevation gain), but the views are lovely. You walk near the stream with cascades and then through a curving cave. When you arrive at the overhang the views are magnificent. There are lots of stairs climbing up to that point, but my husband and I are in our late 50s and had no issues. Just take a break when you need too.
Bring water and snack to enjoy with the view.
Bring water and snack to enjoy with the view.
Écrit le 4 juillet 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
brian1516
St. Louis5 contributions
juin 2024 • En famille
This is probably the most popular trail so get there early, we got there at 7am and got one of the last parking spots, it was on a Tuesday. It’s basically straight up hill. The arch way in the cave was neat. We stopped at the cave, if you continue up the mountain you will get to the lodge. Would highly recommend, my son was tired and couldn’t go any further. I went to the top another day from the rainbow falls trail, it’s an extra 2 miles than this one so I would recommend this one. As more people get there becomes a pain coming down as most walkways are only big enough for one person at a time so do it early as possible.
Don’t forget your parking pass. I read somewhere people were getting towed. People park crazy as well, took me a while to get out of my spot because a truck parked right behind me (not a real spot
After your down here, head to Clingmans Dome, it’s pretty close by.
Don’t forget your parking pass. I read somewhere people were getting towed. People park crazy as well, took me a while to get out of my spot because a truck parked right behind me (not a real spot
After your down here, head to Clingmans Dome, it’s pretty close by.
Écrit le 15 juin 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Bet543210
260 contributions
mai 2024 • En couple
Best trail in the park!! We read all of the reviews and went early. At 7:15 on a Friday the first lot was full so we were in the overflow right next to it. Chilly start but the trail climbs gradually after the first mile so we warmed up quickly. We had heard from a local that there was a momma bear with three cubs in the park this year and we saw her on the trail. She and the cubs crossed about 30 feet in front of us, which was a little close so we backed down trail a little bit to give her some space. Ate our snack at the cave/overhang and then hiked back. I forgot to time it but my guess is just over two hours total. Very doable even though it is rated moderate.
Écrit le 3 juin 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Cathy P
Binghamton, État de New York47 contributions
mai 2024 • En couple
This was my favorite hike in the park! It was marked moderate but I would also point out we are 65+ and definitely could keep up or do the pace of the 20 and 30 year old on the trail. As with any hike you have to go at your own pace and be mindful of rocks and roots! The scenery along the creek and at higher elevations were beautiful! I would like to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT TO THE TRAIL VOLUNTEERS! We had the chance to chat with two volunteers who love what they do for the safety of others!
Écrit le 23 mai 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
Sue S
Lafayette, IN125 contributions
mars 2024 • En couple
This is a beautiful trail! All ages could enjoy this, but it does involve an elevation change of 1200 feet, so take your time and be ready to climb. Get there early. We arrived around 9:30 am and had to park almost a mile away from the trail head. Take snacks and drinks to enjoy when you reach the bluff.
Écrit le 2 avril 2024
Cet avis est l'opinion subjective d'un membre de Tripadvisor et non l'avis de Tripadvisor LLC. Les avis sont soumis à des vérifications de la part de Tripadvisor.
hi, someone said "There is a foot bridge through a passage and over the water. By foot bridge, I mean a log, probably 10-14 inches wide. There is a cable to hold onto,", is this part before the Cave bluff or after the Cave bluff, I plan to go with kids (age 5 & 7) up to the Alum Cave bluff which is located at 2.3 miles from the trail head, then will turn back, so is it ok for this portion? or it is still risky to bring kids for this portion? thanks.
Rédigé le 6 juin 2021
Agreed! Definitely manageable for that age group and safe!
Rédigé le 9 octobre 2021
Hi,
We are trying to plan a quick trip down to the Smoky Mts. ~May 19-21 and are trying to find information on what hiking trails are currently open. We've hiked Alum Cave, Grotto and Rainbow Falls before and would love to at least hike Alum again next week. Does anyone have a link or phone number to call which gives more information regarding open/closed trails?
Rédigé le 12 mai 2020
Hi, I'm not really sure but you can get good information regarding the parks and trails access from the Sugarlands Visitor Centre Website. Hope this helps.
Rédigé le 13 mai 2020
Hi! We will be visiting the Smoky Mountains in late December. Is the Alum Cave trail an option for that time of the year? I know some roads are closed, but not sure if the trailhead for this hike is on one of the closed roads or not. (I believe Clingman's Dome Road and Roaring Fork Motor Trail will both be closed in December; not sure if more roads are closed).
Thanks in advance for your time!
Rédigé le 12 septembre 2019
I’m not so much an expert on road closures but I think it should be open. Seems like my friend went in mid December and hikes Alum because I remember being jealous because it was closed the last time I had been to the park (for repairs).
Its a GREAT little trail. If you’re in good shape I recommend continuing the hike and hiking up to LeConte from Alum Cave. There are some amazing views up there! Not sure of weather limitations though at that time of year. If its not snowy and you do go all the way up, go up the outside stairs in between the cabins and then hang a right and take a short trail to some beautiful scenery! Can also go left to Myrtle Point...I think its called.
Get to Alum early for parking!
Rédigé le 20 septembre 2019
How early can you begin this hike? I’d like to try to catch the sunrise if possible.
Rédigé le 19 mars 2018
To take advantage of the beautiful sunrise, you would need to go to the top of Mt LeConte. The trail is not closed, however hiking up 5 miles on the Alum Cave Trail in the dark is a little risky and perhaps not recommended. I would suggest hiking up the day before and staying at the LeConte Lodge or at the backpacker shelter. The lodge takes months to reserve. The backpacker shelter is a three sided open air lean-to with wooden platforms to lay out a sleeping bag. No other amenities are available at the shelter. This can be reserved 30 days in advance through the National Park Backcountry Permit site. Reserve them early. The 12 available spaces/night are gone rather quickly. The shelter is $4 per person - one night only. Then hike out 1/2 mile or so to Myrtle Point for the sunrise. The night before you can head over to Cliff Tops for the sunset - Absolutely breath taking.
Rédigé le 19 mars 2018
myconquistador
Panama City Beach, Floride
Just curious. I would love to take my kiddos ages 9 to 18 on this hike as well as my gbaby's ages 2.5 and 4 (by July 2018). I see the snow and ice now but during July how is the trail? Driving from FL to see Cades Cove and Clingmans Dome came across this and thought very cool. Please advise or share opinion.
Rédigé le 28 février 2018
Alum Cave Trail begins on the Newfound Gap Road 8.6 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail terminates in 5.0 miles near the top of Mt. LeConte on the Rainbow Falls Trail. The trail has an elevation gain of about 2500 feet. This trail would be considered moderate to strenuous by Smoky Mountain standards. This trail would be very tough for a 9 year old, however I have seen many at this age at the top. I would highly discourage trying to take a 2 1/2 and a 4 year old. This being one of the most popular trails in the park, solitude will not be available. The trail begins level and smooth on a well used trail. The trail will gradually increase in steepness over the first mile, then will continue the same rate of climb for most of the trail. Soon after crossing Styx Branch at mile 1.1 the trail reaches Arch Rock at mile 1.4. At Arch Rock the trail will climb thru a narrow passage thru the rock on hewn out steps. At mile 2.0 reach a viewpoint spur known as Inspiration Point. Just past Inspiration Point you will reach Alum Cave Bluffs at mile 2.3. The bluffs above overhang so far that rain doesn't reach the ground close to the base of the bluffs causing the ground below the bluffs to be very dry and dusty. This is a great resting place or lunch spot. Many hikers will turn around at the bluffs and head back down, so the crowds will be lessened dramatically for the remainder of this hike. Soon after the bluffs the trail will level out and actually have a short downhill run for quarter mile or so. At mile 2.9 the trail begins the uphill push to the top of Mt LeConte. There will be several sections of trail with handholds provided to assist the hiker with icy sections. These are helpful from falling and to assist in icy conditions during winter. Near the top the trail will enter into a beautiful Frasier Fir forest. The last 1/4 mile of Alum Cave Trail will be level before reaching Rainbow Falls Trail. Turning left on Rainbow Falls Trail will take you to Cherokee Orchard in 6.6 miles. 200 yards to the right is the LeConte Lodge.
Rédigé le 8 mars 2018
how far and hard is the hike to the cave
Rédigé le 20 janvier 2018
The Alum Cave Bluffs are about 2.3 miles from the trail-head on Newfound Gap Road. The trail will gradually increase in steepness over the first mile, then will continue the same rate of climb for most of the trail. About 300' elevation gain the first mile. About 600' elevation gain the 2nd mile. About 200' elevation gain in the last 0.3 mile. The trail is very well maintained and is absolutely beautiful. If you read my review, it will give you more detail. - Bill P
Rédigé le 22 janvier 2018
Has anybody recently seen any bear activity in the trail?
Rédigé le 9 novembre 2016
we saw no bear activity
Rédigé le 17 novembre 2016
Planning on hiking the Alum cave trail and was wondering if anyone out there seen any bear activity on the way.
Rédigé le 10 octobre 2016
Of all the info I've read on-line, I've never heard of any bear sightings along the trail. I do believe I recall some sightings up near the Lodge.
Rédigé le 11 octobre 2016
I haven't seen any reviews mentioning taking their dogs on this hike. Are dogs not allowed in Alum cave trail?
Rédigé le 8 octobre 2016
Because of wildlife, dogs are generally not allowed on trails in national parks.
Rédigé le 8 octobre 2016
Wanting to know best trail for scenic views to hike in the Smokies. Have to negate Alum Cave trail because I heard it's closed Mon-Fri. We only have two days in the Smokies. Not interested so much in the waterfalls as a destination, but the panoramic views of mountains are the real highlight for me. Open to suggestions! Thanks!
P.S. Hikes up to 10 miles/day are about all I can do. So anything over will have to be on the bucket list for another trip.
Rédigé le 8 juillet 2015
I know this is over a year late, but the views are the same. For Mountain Views without the crowds, I recommend fighting the crowds at Clingmans Dome then hiking west on the Appalachian Trail towards Silars Bald. Silars Bald is 4.5 miles from Clingmans Dome. Views from Silars Bald are very limited, but there are many beautiful views into TN and NC along the way. The crowds will diminish greatly after a mile or so from Clingmans Dome.
Rédigé le 29 juillet 2017
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