Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
Basic Information: |
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| Type: | Day Hike - Out and Back |
| Distance (Total): | 10.0 miles / 16.1 km |
| Elevation Gain: | 2,800 feet / 853 meters |
| Minimum Elevation: | 3,800 feet / 1,158 meters |
| Maximum Elevation: | 6,593 feet / 2,010 meters |
| Hiking Season: | - All Year Long |
| Things To See: | - Cascades - Caves - Cliffs - Creeks - Forest - Mountain Views - Rock Formations - Scenic Views - Streams - Summit - Valleys |
| Difficulty: | Strenuous |
| Rating: | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Nearby Town: | Gatlinburg, Tennessee, United States |
Description: |
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The Alum Cave Trail takes you to the summit of Mount LeConte along a cascading stream, ridges, scenic views and cliffs. This trail has an amazing variety and offers something new to see at every point during this strenuous hike.
The frist part of the hike starts along Alum Cave Creek, a nice cascading stream. Then the trail will start to climb towards the first mountain views and around 1.3 miles the trail reaches Arch Rock. Shortly after, the trail reaches Alum Cliffs at around 2.3 miles. This is about the half way point. The trail then starts to climb more steeply and the views start opening more and more. Near the top, you will come across the cabins that can be rented. A short distance past the cabins the trail finally reaches the summit of Mount LeConte.
The weather can be tricky in the Smokies and can change rapidly. Be prepared for large temperature changes. If the views are obstructed by clouds, they will usually clear up a few moments later.