Alum Cave Trail
Hike the Smokies’ Most Iconic Trail to Alum Cave Bluffs
Lace up for the Smokies' most beloved hike!
This bucket-list trail packs more scenery per mile than almost any other in the park. Within the first couple of miles you’ll pass through Arch Rock — a natural stone tunnel with steps carved right through it — and reach Inspiration Point, where the ridgelines open into sweeping mountain views.
At about 2.3 miles you arrive at Alum Cave Bluffs, a massive 80-foot concave rock face that makes a perfect turnaround for a rewarding half-day hike (~4.6 miles round-trip). Stronger hikers can keep climbing all the way to the summit of Mt. LeConte (about 11 miles round-trip), one of the highest peaks in the East.
Well-marked, dramatic, and endlessly photogenic, Alum Cave is the hike Smith Creek Resort guests come back for — an unforgettable taste of the Smokies just up Newfound Gap Road.
Information
Opening Hours
- Trail open 24/7, year-round (a Park It Forward parking tag is required)
At a Glance
- Type of Experience: Outdoor Adventure
- Best For: Active Couples, Families with older kids, Hiking Groups
- Top Season / Time to Visit: Spring through Fall (winter can be icy)
The Essentials: What’s Here, What’s Nearby & Why You’ll Love It
From Arch Rock to sweeping ridge views, here’s everything you need to plan your hike on the Alum Cave Trail. Pick your turnaround, pack water, and enjoy one of the most rewarding trails in the national park.
What You'll Experience
Climb the stone stairway through Arch Rock
Take in the ridgeline views from Inspiration Point
Reach the towering Alum Cave Bluffs (~2.3 mi in)
Cross log bridges over rushing mountain streams
Push on to Mt. LeConte for a full summit challengeAmenities & Features
Free to hike (Park It Forward parking tag required) Roadside trailhead parking (fills early — arrive at sunrise) Well-marked trail with cables/handholds on steep sections Nearest restrooms at Sugarlands Visitor Center Note: pets are not permitted on park trailsWhy We Love It
The most scenery-packed hike in the Smokies
Flexible — turn around at the Bluffs or summit LeConte
Arch Rock and the Bluffs are unforgettable photo stops
Stunning in every season, especially fallNearby Attractions
Chimney Tops Trail – ~2 mi Newfound Gap Overlook – ~7 mi Sugarlands Visitor Center – ~8.6 miFrequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Alum Cave Trail?
To Alum Cave Bluffs it’s about 4.6 miles round-trip (moderate, 3–4 hours). Continuing to Mt. LeConte is about 11 miles round-trip and strenuous.
Do I need a parking tag?
Yes. A Park It Forward parking tag is required to park at the trailhead ($5 day / $15 week / $40 year).
Can I bring my dog?
No — pets are not allowed on trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
When is the best time to go?
Spring through fall are ideal. Arrive early, as the trailhead lot fills fast; in winter the upper trail can be icy and may require traction devices.
What Guests Are Saying About the Attractions
Stay Close to the Adventure
After an adventurous day exploring the Smoky Mountains, unwind in one of our cozy pigeon forge cabins or plan your stay in our scenic smoky mountain vacation rentals for the perfect mountain escape.Getting There from Smith Creek Resort
Route: Take the Parkway (US-441 S) through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, continue onto Newfound Gap Road into the park, and follow it about 8.6 miles past Sugarlands. The Alum Cave trailhead has parking lots on both sides of the road.
Drive time: ~50 min
Alum Cave Trailhead
Newfound Gap Rd (US-441), Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA