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Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4.7

#6 of 18 in Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hiking Trail Nature / Park

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The quickest route to the Le Conte massif, Alum Cave Trail meanders along a creek, through an old-growth forest of mountain laurel and rhododendron, tracing the edge of a narrow ridge in its final third. This very popular, 4 km (2.5mi) hike passes by many notable landmarks, including Arch Rock and Inspiration Point, a rocky outcrop offering sweeping views of the rugged valley. The narrow tunnel of Arch Rock is considered to be the highlight of this trek. Stop at the LeConte Lodge for a well-deserved respite over a refreshing cup of hot coco before continuing to the summit. Work out when and for how long to visit Alum Cave Trail and other Great Smoky Mountains National Park attractions using our handy Great Smoky Mountains National Park day trip planner.

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Alum Cave Trail Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

389 reviews

Google

4.4

facebook

5.0

966 likes

• By Travel_Addict_Cyprus

  This is a moderate 5.0 mile RT trail, with just a little over 1,000 feet of elevation. The first part of the trail is along a creek. *At about 1.3 miles you reach Arch Rock and actually go through.....  more »

• By lewis9504

  We’ve done this trail many times and highly recommend it. It’sGreat for families with kids and there are some Amazing places to take pics with some Amazing scenery. It’s pretty easy until you hit...  more »

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Google

• By Joshua Baltajan

  In my opinion, one of the best routes to LeConte!

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• By Ashley

  Easily one of the most (if not THE most) beautiful places I've ever seen! The hike isn't too rough, either. 🏞️♥️ Just be careful if you want to go in closer to the the stream to get pictures—some of the ground gets rather loose and crumbly near the water. I almost fell in. Would've been a memorable story, though…

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