For The RepsBlog
SearchGet the app

Outdoors

Great Smoky Mountains Alum Cave Hike

You follow Alum Cave Creek through old-growth forest, pass under Arch Rock, a natural slate arch, then climb more steeply past Inspiration Point to Alum Cave Bluffs, a rock overhang about 23-24 m (75-80 ft) high that stays dry underneath even on the wettest days.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Great Smoky Mountains Alum Cave near Tennessee
Photo: Mycetinis scorodonius 334947 by Christine Braaten (wintersbefore), CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Tennessee, USA
Distance
7.4 km (4.6 miles) return
Climb
About 340 m (1,116 ft) net

The route

Alum Cave Trail to Alum Cave Bluffs and back (the first section of the Alum Cave route to Mount Le Conte).

The trailhead and car park are on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) between mile markers 10 and 11, 10.9 km (6.8 miles) south of Sugarlands Visitor Center. Parking is limited and very crowded.

When to go

Best from spring to autumn; in cold weather expect ice on the trail and falling icicles, and the park recommends microspikes in winter.

Permits and fees

There is no entrance fee, but any vehicle parked for more than 15 minutes needs a parking tag: $5 a day, $15 a week or $40 a year. Daily and weekly tags are sold on Recreation.gov and at automated machines in the park.

Before you go

  • Buy your parking tag before you arrive, as the car park is small and busy; the park also lists shuttle options for this trailhead.
  • For a shorter outing, turn round at Arch Rock, a 4.5 km (2.8 mile) return walk; the trail becomes considerably steeper after it.
  • The trail has several sets of stairs, steep sections, rocks and roots, so wear proper hiking footwear.
  • A pit toilet is open seasonally at the trailhead.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.

Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • Ice and falling icicles in cold weather; carry microspikes in winter.
  • The trail is rocky and can be dangerous in wet weather.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.