DeeThe first big hike Mike & I have ever done was the Alum Cave trail to Mount LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains. As one of the top hikes to do in the Smokies this 11 mile trail provides phenomenal mountain views, abundant plant life, and unique rock formations.
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TRAIL STATS
Distance: 11 Miles | Difficulty: Hard | Elevation Gain 3,061 Ft. | Time: 6.5 Hrs.
GETTING TO THE TRAILHEAD
SUGARLANDS VISITOR CENTER ( NORTH ENTRANCE )
From the north entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park it’s 8.7 miles or about a 15 minute drive to the Alum Cave Trailhead. Once you enter the park take US-441 south for 8.7 miles. The parking lot for the trailhead will be on your left.
OCONALUFTEE VISITOR CENTER ( SOUTH ENTRANCE )
From the south entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park it’s 20 miles or about a 30 minute drive to the Alum Cave Trailhead. Once you enter the park take US-441 north for 20 miles. The parking lot for the trailhead will be on your right.
No reservations are required to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
TIP | Arrive at the trailhead early. This is a very busy hike and the parking lot is likely to be full early in the day.
WHEN TO GO
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect location to experience every season. Spring wild flowers, lush green summers, colorful fall leaves, and frozen waterfalls in winter make anytime is a great time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. However there are some closures and events to be aware of when planning a trip here. June and July are busiest times for the park as well as weekends in October for the Fall Foliage.
SPRING
Many of the parks scenic roads are open April through November, and include the popular Clingmans Dome and Forge Creek. Weather during spring can be unpredictable. A sunny day can quickly become a filled with snow flurries. Average highs are in the 60s/70s and lows are in the 30s/40s.
SUMMER
Temperatures increase during the summer providing warm and humid days. Thunderstorms and showers are common. Waterfalls are a popular attraction during this time due to the water high flow. On Wednesdays from May to September, Cades Cove scenic drive is closed to motor vehicles providing visitors the experience of biking or walking the 11 mile loop.
FALL
Colorful leaves and cooler weather occur during September through November. This is the driest time of the year for the Smokies. First frost usually occurs in September and nightly temperatures are often near freezing. This is a great time of year to drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to experience a colorful fall wonderland.
WINTER
December through February generally have mild winters with an average snowfall of 1 to 3 inches. Most scenic roads are closed during this time and additional road closures may occur, weather pending.
Always check for current conditions before hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains.
WHAT TO BRING
Plenty of Water
The Smokies can get VERY hot during the summer so you want to make sure you have an enough water with you on the trail. We love adding LMNT’s electrolyte packets to our insulated water bottles to stay hydrated for the whole day.
Simple Modern Water Bottle with Straw and Chug Lid Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Metal Thermos | Reusable Leak Proof BPA-Free Flask for Sports Gym | Summit Collection | 32oz, Sea Glass Sage
Hiking Shoes
Many trails in the Great Smoky Mountains are steep, wet, and rocky. Having supportive hiking shoes has been so helpful in being able to enjoy the trails and avoid any injuries.
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Shoe, Elk, River Blue, 7
Sun Protectant
Weather can be unpredictable in the park so it’s best to bring your favorite sunscreen and wear sun protectant clothing when exploring.
Libin Women’s Full Zip UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie Jacket Long Sleeve Sun Shirt Hiking Outdoor Performance with Pockets Ice Blue M
Hiking Sticks
These have been a LIFE SAVER. Hiking sticks are so helpful in giving you extra support as you climb up steep trails as well as coming down steep trails. They provide extra stability and we no longer hike without them.
Montem Ultra Strong Trekking, Walking, and Hiking Poles – One Pair (2 Poles) – Collapsible, Lightweight, Quick Locking, and Ultra Durable (Black Matte)
First Aid Kit
It’s never a bad idea to carry a small first aid kit while exploring the Smokies. Cell service doesn’t really exist in the park so it’s good to be prepared in case of an emergency.
General Medi Mini First Aid Kit, 110 Piece Small First Aid Kit – Includes Emergency Foil Blanket, Scissors for Travel, Home, Office, Vehicle, Camping, Workplace & Outdoor (Red)
Energizing Snacks
Whatever your version of an energizing snack is, bring plenty. There’s not a lot of food options in the park and you don’t want to be left with chips and soda.
AMENITIES NEARBY
RESTROOMS
At the Trailhead parking lot and at the LeConte Lodge.
FOOD & DRINKS
Located 11 miles north of the trailhead is the town of Gatlinburg with many restaurants, shops, and family friendly activities.
LODGING
Located at the end of the trail is the LeConte Lodge where you can stay overnight in one of their cabins. They have a gift store, hot beverages snacks, and a water fill station.
ABOUT THE TRAIL
Distance: 11 Miles | Difficulty: Hard | Elevation Gain 3,061 Ft. | Time: 6.5 Hrs.
The Alum Cave trail Mount LeConte starts with a easy walk through flourishing green plants along the Alum Cave Creek. After 1.3 miles you will arrive to the first prominent landmark of this hike, Arch Rock. Wind and water erosion created this unique geological formation.
Take the stairs through Arch Rock and continue on the trail for about 1 mile until you get the first amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains at Inspiration Point.
Just around the bend from Inspiration Point is another notable landmark, the Alum Cave Bluff. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the views. From here you can choose to turn around and head back down the trail if you aren’t looking to go all the way to the LeConte Lodge.
For the next 3 miles you will climb about 1,500 feet in elevation as you make your way to the LeConte Lodge. Along the way enjoy the smell of the pine trees and the green moss.
There are parts of this trail with steep edges and slippery rock however you will find chains installed to help support you as you make your way on the trail.
Once you find a village of cabins you’ll know you’ve arrived to LeConte Lodge at 6,593 feet above sea level. Take a restroom break and find a comfy spot to have some lunch. We ended up eating lunch on the rocking chairs outside the gift store with a few other hikers we met on the trail.
From the LeConte Lodge there are a few other trails you can get on, Trillum Gap, Rainbow Falls, Bullhead Trail, Cliff Top, and Myrtle Point. We chose to hike to Myrtle Point because it was only 1 mile. The short trail to Myrtle Point was incredible and the views are spectacular.
Let us know your experience hiking to LeConte Lodge in the comments below!
