THE EARNEST TRAVELER
Alum Cave Trail is widely rated one of the finest trails in the entire national park system — and you can take as much or as little of it as you like.
The First Two Miles
Even a short out-and-back is worth it. The first stretch follows a rushing creek, passes through Arch Rock (a stone tunnel with stone steps), climbs to Inspiration Point, and reaches Alum Cave Bluff — a massive overhanging cliff face — at about 2.2 miles. Turn around there and you have already seen the highlights.
All the Way to Mount LeConte
Continue past the bluff and the trail climbs to the summit of Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the park and home to the hike-in LeConte Lodge. The full round trip is about 11 miles with real elevation gain — a long, rewarding day for hikers in good shape. Cables help on the exposed upper sections.
What to Know
The upper trail has narrow ledges with cable handholds and can be icy well into spring; footing matters. Start early — the trailhead lot on Newfound Gap Road fills by mid-morning, and there is no machine there for parking tags, so buy one ahead.
The upper sections are exposed and hold ice into spring. Good footwear and an early start are not optional on the full LeConte route. Check current trail conditions with the park before you go.
Grip, layers, and water for a long mountain day.