alum cave trail

We started at noon and was back about 3. It was a great hike to complete for the day. There are some great views past the tunnel.

We did this hike the year before going on up to the top and we really enjoyed ourselves. We hiked up to the bluffs and ate lunch under them. The views from Inspiration Point are breathtaking, and I believe we saw some Peregrine Falcons near the Eye of the Needle! Awesome hike!

We hiked this trail in December. It was drizzling most of the day so the path was extremely muddy; however, the views were stunning! The sound of the rushing water coupled with the beauty on both sides of the path made for an enjoyable hike. The path is well marked. There are 2 wide bridges at the beginning, and 3 log bridges further on in the hike. The stone steps underneath a huge natural arch was neat. We made it to Inspiration Point and then turned around as it was getting dark. If you only have time to hike 1 path, this one is definitely a must!

Me & my 18 year old son made this hike on December 15, 2014. It was a strange weather event that day because of an inversion. The temperature at the highest point was about 10 degrees warmer than at the base. The trail at the base and for the first mile and a half or so was covered in snow and ice but at the top it was muddy or dry. The views were breathtaking from the bluff. There is a bathroom at the base but it was closed.

I have done this trail a lot. It tends to be one of the more busier trails up to Mt. Leconte lodge. Beautiful views up towards the top. They are closing this trail down next year starting in May-Nov. of 2015 during the week for repairs. So if you have your heart set on it, you may want to plan accordingly. Its the shortest trail to the lodge. But I'd have to say I have done Rainbow and this one is much nicer. Not as many rocks. I have seen a lot of people over 70 do this trail. So don't let the reviews scare you. You will get that WOW view.

We hiked the Alum Trail during the first week of December. There was some snow melt and ice on the trail at the top. It would be a good idea to pack some crampons into your daypack if you plan on making the trek in winter. The trail itself is absolutely beautiful though. It was just the right amount of challenge for me (30 years old, moderately fit). As soon as I started to get tired from all the incline, the trail started to level off again. Allow yourself about 7 hours to do the trip to the top of Mt. Leconte. You can do it in less time, but there are a lot of beautiful places to stop and take pictures, eat lunch, and enjoy the scenery. We actually spent an entire hour walking around the top of Mt. Leconte before starting our hike back down the mountain.

We have hiked the Alum Cave trail a few times, as it's always been a favorite. The hike starts off crossing and then following the creek for a mile or so, before crossing it again. During this stretch, it's an easy to moderate hike, and maybe a little boring for the true mountain hiker. But, take time to notice the large Western Hemlock trees, and vegetation along this beautiful creek. As you cross back over the water, this is where the hike becomes a little more strenuous. You ascend thru a cave-like overhang via stone steps and a cable wire handle for about 50'. This area can get a little tricky for some, especially in bad weather. After that, it's a fairly steep and rocky hike the next mile or so to Inspiration point. This is a clearing in the tree line offering the best views, along this hike, of the Smokies. You'll recognize it from the path taking a sharp right turn in a very rocky area. Note- if you look closely toward the adjacent ridge line, you may notice the nest of Falcons near the "eye of the needle". It's a small rock formation that you can see all the way through. Don't be disappointed if you don't see the birds, as many don't. We've only spotted them a few times over the yrs. this is a picture takers dream. From here, it a short 10 min hike on to Alum Cave. There's plenty of room to eat lunch, or just relax and take in the scenery. If you're truly adventurous, the trail continues another 2.8 mikes to The Lodge at the top. That's a whole other hike and a whole different review. As it's not meant for beginners. (Much More strenuous). All in all, the Alum Cave trail is one of the best day hikes in the park. And offers a little of everything. Please remember, especially if you're headed past the cave, to pack some essentials. Plenty of water, snacks, a light source, dry socks and good hiking shoes or boots. Bring a rain shell as the weather turns nasty quick. We got pounded with snow coming down on our last hike. And yes, there is wildlife that can be spotted at times, and that means bears as well. We saw tracks in the snow. We highly recommend this trail...

beautiful views the entire hike! If you are day hiking, and want to make it to the top and back, get an early start. Takes the average person 3 hours up and 2 hours doen without stopping.

Our family really enjoyed this trail. We had done Rainbow Falls the day before and had enjoyed that but we all agreed that we liked Alum Cave better. The first mile along the water was beautiful and pleasant. Once you pass through the arch, the elevation climb was evident but it was not too bad. I do have a bit of a fear of heights and the last 500 ft or so made me a little nervous . The actual Alim Cave was really pretty and the kids enjoyed climbing up there. It was a great hike for a family with teens!

Don't get me wrong, I have always wanted to hike up Mt. Leconte and I am glad I did it. Actually, I can't believe it made it up there. But it was worth the very difficult hike just to say I made it. Almost 12 miles total, over 5.5 up there and back. We hiked it as a day trip. The people at the lodge were VERY nice. Beautiful views abounded. A lot of people were saying it was harder going back down, but for me (an overweight, out-of-shape, middle-aged woman) that simply was not true. IT WAS MUCH, MUCH EASIER GOING BACK DOWN.On the way up, I had to stop every 3 to 4 steps near the top just to catch my breath, but I made it! YAY! Take plenty of water for trip up; you can refill bottles at the top. Also, there are pretty nice outhouse style bathrooms up there, too. I took chapstick for all the panting, to keep from getting chapped lips, Kleenex for drippy nose, and TP, just in case. The trail is a climb right from the start. I noticed lots of hikers older than me, but better weight and obviously fitter. My 16 year old son wasn't even panting! It took us 4 hours to get up and 3 to get back. Very nice all day outing.

We have two younger children -one is 11 the other 7 – it took us almost 2 hours to get 2.3 miles up to the bluff and then about an hour to come back down. Definitely a workout - there are some challenging parts - must be able to climb on steep steps and cross narrow bridge over water without double railings.

Hiked this trail all the way to Mt. Le Conte Lodge, the first mile you walk beside a creek, listening to the water, the trail gets a little steeper, lots of tree roots, log foot bridges, Arch Rock is pretty amazing, Alum Cave is much taller than I had thought it would be, from there to Mt. Le Conte you pick up more elevation, part of the trail is like walking in a creek bed with all the rock and some narrow rock wall ledges, the views are amazing, seems like you can see forever. The last mile there are more pine/fir trees which smells like Christmas! The last 1/2 mile is flat grounded, heavy wooded forest, like being in a wonder land. Awesome hike!

We enjoyed this hike because there were so many different things to see along the way. My daughter loved climbing on all the different rocks, although at times it was difficult with all the tree roots & rocks along the trail path. Nice gradual climb and areas to stop and take a rest break. There were a few one handed bridges that we got to cross and climbing up through a cave made us feel like real adventurers! The top of the trial at Alum Cave was awesome. Spectacular view! We did not go all the way to Mt. LeConte as I didn't feel our kids (or us adults) could handle the steep trail. I would definitely recommend this hike to anyone going to the national park.

The most beautiful hike I have ever been on, and ive done a lot of hiking. You must put this on you bucket list and be sure to stay the night at Mt LeConte at the top.

This is the trail we chose to hike to Mt LeConte...& totally blown away by the views along the way. If you're only hiking to this area & turning back, it's still one awesome hike!!! Try it!