Hiking the Alum Cave Bluff Trail to Mount LeConte: Everything you Need to Know

The Alum Cave Bluff Trail to Mount LeConte starts along a babbling brook surrounded by rhododendron and climbs through the Alum Cave bluff to the summit of Mount Le Conte. Right on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this was our favorite hike in Smokey Mountain National Park. This popular trail offers water, rocks, and views across the Smokey Mountains. Read below for a complete guide to the Mt LeConte hike via the Alum Cave Trail.

Overview of Hiking the Alum Cave Bluff Trail to Mount LeConte

Distance: 5 miles round trip to Alum Cave Bluffs and 11 miles round trip to Mount LeConte (7 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate/challenging
Elevation: 1200 feet

This is one of the most popular hikes in Smokey Mountain National Park. The trail itself is mostly packed dirt with a steady incline, which makes it a great hike with kids (especially the lower part below the Alum Cave Bluff). Above the Alum Cave Bluff, the trail does have a few steep drop-offs to one side. Since the hike follows a beautiful stream through the rhododendron before getting to the Alum Cave Bluff and mountain views, you will enjoy the trail even if you don’t make it to the end.

The trail is generally well-marked and you will find backpackers on the trail as well as hikers.

If you are specifically looking to hike to Mount LeConte, note that there are actually 6 Mount LeConte Trails:

Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte.
The Boulevard to Mt. LeConte.
Rainbow Falls to Mt. LeConte.
Trillium Gap to Mt LeConte. Grotto Falls.
Bullhead Trail to Mt LeConte.
Brushy Mountain Trail.

Where is the Alum Cave Trail?

To access the Alum Cave Bluff Trail, park at the Newfound Gap Road Trailhead. The trailhead is on rt 441 close to the North Carolina and Tennessee border. This lot fills up and was pretty crowded when we were there in early May. There were some cars parking along the street when we came back at the end of our hike. The trail starts right from the parking lot.

The drive from Gatlinburg to the Alum Cave Trailhead in about 30 minutes. From Cherokee, NC to Alum Cave Trail, the drive is about 40 minutes.

Best Time to Hike the Alum Cave Trail to Mount Leconte

The trail is open year-round but the best time to hike is in the spring, summer, and fall, starting in April and ending in November. During the winter months, the temperatures often drop below freezing and you can expect snow at the higher elevations. Fall is a wonderful time to visit as the leaves change in September. June is also a wonderful time as many of the flowers are in bloom.

River Crossing on the Alum Cave Bluff Trail

Complete Guide to the Alum Creek Trail to Mount LeConte

The Alum Cave Trail begins alongside a small river. After just a few hundred feet, it crosses the river on a bridge and continues very gradually on a well-marked trail through the forest. We loved walking along the river and while there are no specific waterfalls, it was very pretty. On our way back down, we stopped at a few places to soak our feet.

At 1.3 miles, the trail goes through Arch Rock. The trail goes through this arch on stairs that have been carved from the stone. We all loved this fun little part of the hike.

Hiking the Alum Cave Bluff Trail: Hiking through Arch Rock

From here the trail ascends slightly steeper to a small bald spot called Inspiration Point. From here you get your first views across to Little Duck Hawk Ridge and Myrtle Point and it isn’t much further to the Alum Cave.

The Alum Cave is not really a cave but an overhanging area where the overhead rock towers over at a height of about 80 feet. The area is huge so there is plenty of space for large groups of people. You can stop for a snack or lunch and either turn around here or continue up to Mount LeConte. During the 1800’s, Alum Cave was mined for Epson Salts and Saltpepper and has historic significance as well as the obvious wow factor. It’s a great place to get out of the sun or take a break from the rain.

If you decide to continue up to Mount LeConte, you will follow the trail that leaves from the upper side of the Alum Cave Bluff. The trail from here is slightly more difficult with rocks and several areas that have drop-offs down a steep slope to one side. The trail never gets too steep but is consistent and steadily grains elevation. After the cave, it’s about 3 more miles to Mount LeConte.

When you arrive at Mount LeConte, you will find the LeConte Lodge. If you’ve booked a place in advance you can spend the night, but there are also restrooms and you can purchase something to drink if needed. Don’t expect to show up and spend the night as spaces sell out well in advance.

From Mount LeConte, you simply turn around on the trail and hike back down the way you came.