| Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee |
 Trail Name:Alum Cave Bluffs Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| A wooden bridge leads over Little Pigeon River and the trail heads into the forest. Cross a second wooden bridge and follow beautiful, boulder-filled Alum Cave Creek, through birch, hemlock and Rosebay rhododendron, spectacular in July with its large white flowers. The track is generally easy underfoot and pretty level, just climbing gently in places as it follows the creek.
After 25 minutes, you come to the first of three narrow bridges hewn from half a tree trunk (not as bad as it sounds, there is a wooden handrail). Continue climbing, a little steeper than before. 5 minutes later, you cross the third log bridge to arrive at Arch Rock (1.3 miles from the trailhead). Steep stone steps lead up and through the rock. Now there is a short rocky section of trail, with a drop on the left down to the creek (cables added, although in good weather you should have little need to use them). Cross another log bridge, and the trail is again easy under foot as you move away from the river. Continue climbing steadily through the forest. 15 minutes later you emerge onto a bald, an area of bare rock and low vegetation that allows great views over the valley. The trail bears right and continues to climb, with Alum Cave Bluffs (not a cave at all but a huge rock overhang) only another 15 minutes away. More rocky trail (cables added in places) and more open views of distant mountain ridges, with a final steep, but short, push to the overhang. The views from here are partially obscured by trees. From here you can continue 2.8 miles up the trail to the summit of Mount Leconte (recommended). However, if you are not able to do this, at least continue up the trail a few more minutes for more wonderful views. Useful Link |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: The center of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, south-east Tennessee.
Directions: Follow US 441 – Newfound Gap Road – through the Park. Trailhead: Signed parking area on Newfound Gap Road, approximately 8 miles south of Sugarlands visitor center at the north entrance and 4 miles north of Newfound Gap. Length: 4.4 miles / 7.0 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 1,115 ft / 340 m Duration: 2.5 hours Trail Condition: Well defined and easy to follow. Features: Rhododendron, hemlock and birch forest; creek; rock formations; views. Climate: Hot and hazy by mid-summer, with thunderstorms. Changeable conditions in early spring and late fall. Plenty of snow in winter at these high elevations. Accommodation: Camping in the Park – the nearest sites are Smokemount to the south or Elkmont to the north-west. Plenty of motels just north of the Park in Gatlinburg, or south of the Park in Cherokee, North Carolina (both on US 441). Trail Notes: Trail maps and guides available from Sugarlands visitor center at the north entrance or Oconaluftee visitor center at the south entrance. Be aware that black bears frequent this area, particularly in summer. |
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