Hike to Mount LeConte on Alum Cave Trail

This 10.0-mile (16.1-km) roundtrip hike begins at the Alum Cave Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road.

Bob Carr Photo

Overview

Parking is often full—please arrive early or consider using a shuttle; trail is often icy in winter months

At 10.0 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip, this is the shortest of the five routes to Mount LeConte, a challenging and rewarding experience in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Park at Alum Cave Trailhead along Newfound Gap Road (US 441), but plan to arrive early for this popular hike.

Enjoy dense forest along Alum Cave Creek on the way to Arch Rock and admire Alum Cave Bluffs at 2.3 miles (3.7 km). This is not a cave but an 80-foot (24-m) tall cliff that is curled inward. Spruce-fir forest lines the trail past the bluffs and hikers are rewarded with one of the steepest and highest mountains in the Smokies. Near the summit, the best views are at Cliff Top and Myrtle Point, both marked with signs.

Length

10.0 miles (16.1 km) roundtrip

Parking

Alum Cave Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road (US 441)
Parking is often full—consider a shuttle or arrive early

Nearest Restroom

Pit toilets at Alum Cave Trailhead parking area

Alternate Hikes

• Hike to Alum Cave Bluffs: 4.6 miles (7.4 km) roundtrip
• Appalachian Trail & Boulevard Trail to Mount LeConte: 16.2 miles (26.1 km) roundtrip
• Bullhead Trail to Mount LeConte: 13.6 miles (21.9 km) roundtrip
• Trillium Gap Trail to Mount LeConte: 13.0 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip
• Rainbow Falls Trail to Mount LeConte: 13.0 miles (20.9 km) roundtrip

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

No

The Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail are the two park trails where pets are permitted. Pets are also allowed in picnic areas, in campgrounds, and on roads.

Activity Fee

Yes

A parking tag is required to park in the Smokies for more than 15 minutes.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

This trail is steep and rocky, and includes stairs and bridges.