About
Length (round trip)4.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyModerate
Elevation gain1,125 ft up
Typical time2 hr 45 min
TrailheadAlum Cave trailhead, Newfound Gap Road
SurfaceDirt and rock steps
Best seasonApril to June for wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. High elevations are cold and icy from November to March.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityTrail includes multiple sets of stairs, steep sections, and obstacles like rocks and roots.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🕳️ Cave or arch🌲 Old growth

Overview Expect extreme crowding and limited parking-consider a shuttle or alternate hikes listed below Hike 4.6 miles (7.4 km) roundtrip along Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see Alum Cave Bluffs and walk through Arch Rock while enjoying old-growth forest and the sounds of mountain streams along the way. Past Arch Rock, the trail gets considerably steeper. For a more moderate hike, consider turning around at Arch Rock (2.8 miles roundtrip). Hikers also have the more strenuous option to continue to Mount Le Conte -10 miles (16 km) roundtrip. Find the trailhead and a large parking area 6.8 miles (10.9 km) south of Sugarlands Visitor Center on Newfound Gap Road (US 441). In cold weather, prepare for ice on the trail and potential falling icicles. Microspikes (chains or small spikes to slip on shoes for better traction) recommended in winter. Length 4.6 miles (7.4 km) roundtrip Parking & Trailhead Please consider a shuttle or park at Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead located on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) between mile marker 10 and 11. Don't forget your parking tag . Nearest Restroom Pit toilet available seasonally at the trailhead Alternate Hikes Charlies Bunion : 8 miles (13 km) roundtrip Andrews Bald : 3.6 miles (5.8 km) roundtrip West Prong : 5.4 miles (8.7 km) roundtrip Cove Hardwood Nature Trail : 0.75 miles (1.2 km) roundtrip

Tips
Arch Rock at 1.4 miles and Inspiration Point at 2 miles are both worth the walk on their own. Parking here fills before 8am - the park suggests a shuttle.
Location

Alum Cave trailhead, Newfound Gap Road

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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