Trip Planner:   USA  /  Tennessee  /  Great Smoky Mountains National Park  /  Alum Cave Trail

Alum Cave Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

4.7
#4 of 54 in Trails in Tennessee
Hiking Trail · Nature / Park
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.
Create an itinerary including Alum Cave Trail
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Alum Cave Trail reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
418 reviews
Google
4.4
TripAdvisor
  • By Emily M
    4.5 stars We did the hike today and had a really fun time-the first part of the hike wrapped around the river with lots of turnouts to go to the water. Numerous fun bridges, and we really enjoyed...  more »
  • By HMom2
    We only set out to do the 1.5 to arch rock. As usual the parking was already crazy by 8:30am. The hike was easy to arch rock and the climb through the rock was interesting.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Joshua Baltajan
    In my opinion, one of the best routes to LeConte!
  • 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…
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Roaring Fork ©
Wildlife Area
Roaring Fork
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Newfound Gap Road ©
Scenic Drive
Newfound Gap Road
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Clingmans Dome ©
Mountain
Clingmans Dome
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Chimneys Picnic Area ©
Park
Chimneys Picnic Area
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Grotto Falls Parking ©
Hiking Trail
Grotto Falls Parking
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Gatlinburg Trail
Hiking Trail
Gatlinburg Trail
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
Rainbow Falls Trail
Hiking Trail
Rainbow Falls Trail
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Nature in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Laurel Falls ©
Waterfall
Laurel Falls
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Mount LeConte ©
Mountain
Mount LeConte
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Abrams Falls Trail
Waterfall
Abrams Falls Trail
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Chimney Tops Trail ©
Geologic Formation
Chimney Tops Trail
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min

Hidden gems in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ramsey Cascades
Waterfall
Ramsey Cascades
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
The Sinks ©
Outdoor Activity
The Sinks
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Spruce Flats Falls ©
Waterfall
Spruce Flats Falls
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Charlies Bunion ©
Hiking Trail
Charlies Bunion
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Little River Road ©
Scenic Drive
Little River Road
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Oconaluftee Visitor Center ©
Visitor Center
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Middle Prong Trail
Hiking Trail
Middle Prong Trail
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Jump Off Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Jump Off Trail
5.0
Duration: 4 hours

Kid-friendly things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cataract Falls ©
Waterfall
Cataract Falls
4.4
Duration: 2 hours
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area ©
Park
Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Alum Cave Trail by other users

7 days in Maggie Valley BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Maggie Valley Rock Shop Newfound Gap Road Clingmans Dome 4 days in Gatlinburg BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Kanamfun Ole Smoky Whiskey Barrelhouse 18 days in Gatlinburg BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Gatlinburg First United Methodist Church Gatlinburg SkyLift Park Guinness World Records Adventure 22 days in Albuquerque & Whittier BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Albuquerque Whittier 53 days in Whittier BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Nantahala on the Fly River Rafting & Tubing Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine 7 days in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & Nashville BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg Nashville