Summary:
From Alum Cave Bluffs, climb to the summit of one of the highest mountains in the Smokies for a series of gorgeous views.

From Alum Cave Bluffs, the trail continues through rhododendron and spruce fir forest. After just a few minutes, there are beautiful, open views over the valley, including the ridge of Chimney Tops in the distance.

The views continue as the trail skirts the cliff face (cables added in places, but there is no danger). There is a nice level section, alternating between rock sections and well-graded path, and then the climb begins. As you get higher, the trail gets a little more rugged in places, with some rocks and exposed tree roots.

As you traverse the hillside, you cross a landslide, the lack of trees allowing for a superb view across the valley to the rolling mountain ridges beyond. The dramatic views continue as you skirt the cliff face on the final climb to the summit. Although for a time there is a sheer slope below, the wide path and vegetation to the side of the trail means there is no sense of danger (in any case, a cable has been added).

Most of the climbing is now over. A level walk follows, through many dead trees as well as new growth, to a trail junction. From here, it is only 0.1 mile to the lodge that sits just below LeConte’s summit. There are no views from the lodge; you will need to climb a little further to reach two wonderful viewpoints. (Bear in mind that, as well as the initial climb, it will take at least 30 minutes to walk between the two points, so you need to allow plenty of time at the summit).

As you pass the lodge, look for a sign to the right pointing to Cliff Tops. A short stiff climb leads to this rocky crown and its beautiful view over the mountains.

From Cliff Tops, a trail leads left towards the second summit viewpoint, Myrtle Point. Continue ahead at the Boulevard Trail junction (turning left would take you back down to the lodge), and shortly after pass a wooden shelter on the right. 15 minutes after leaving Cliff Tops you pass the highest point on Mt LeConte at 6,593 ft; the aptly named High Top, completely shrouded by trees, is marked by a rock cairn. Soon you see Myrtle Point, at the end of a short ridge. Just a few minutes later, a spur leads ahead off the Boulevard Trail, signed 0.2 miles to Myrtle Point. It is just a few more minutes along the ridge to a rocky expanse, low-lying shrubs allowing for panoramic views to all sides. Absolutely deserted when we visited, it is a beautiful and tranquil spot.

When you are ready to leave, retrace your steps along the spur to rejoin the Boulevard Trail (if you have arranged a lift, this trail is a possible descent route – from here, it is 7.3 miles to Newfound Gap). It is straight ahead to the lodge (in 0.7 miles), where you pick up the Alum Cave Bluffs trail for the 5 mile descent back to the trailhead.

In summary, the 7 hours needed to complete this hike can be split as follows:
* Trailhead to Alum Cave Bluffs – 1.5 hour
* On to LeConte Lodge – 2 hours
* Summit viewpoints – 1.5 hours
* Descent – 2 hours

Directions: Follow US 441 – Newfound Gap Road – through the Park.

Trailhead: Parking area for Alum Cave Bluffs on Newfound Gap Road, approximately 8 miles south of Sugarlands visitor center at the north entrance and 4 miles north of Newfound Gap.

Length: 11.5 miles / 18.4 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 2,657 ft / 810 m

Duration: 6 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined and easy to follow.

Features: Rhododendron and spruce fir forest; creek; rock formations and outcrops; expansive 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. LeConte Lodge near the summit of Mt LeConte is hike-in only, reservations required. 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. Water is available near LeConte Lodge (look for a sign after descending from Myrtle Point). Be aware that black bears frequent this area, particularly in summer.

Summary:
Climb to summit formations known to the Cherokee as ‘forked antlers’ for a stunning panorama.

The first 1.1 miles climbs alongside a boulder-filled river, through beautiful deciduous trees and large rhododendron bushes. Periods of steady climbing are eased by level sections, and the track is wide and generally easy under foot. Occasionally, you cross the river using wooden footbridges.

After about 25 minutes, a couple of minutes after you cross the last of the bridges and climb away from the river, a trail junction is reached. Turn right for Chimney Tops.

10 minutes from this junction, after a steady climb, the track gets more rugged and an unrelenting, steep climb begins. Fortunately, after 20 minutes or so the gradient eases up, even descending for a short time. The path is now eroded and very narrow in places.

A level path leads along a tree-covered ridge and, after negotiating some large boulders and tree routes, the large rock mass of Chimney Tops looms before you. An exciting scramble takes you to the top (not advised if you don’t like heights). Alternatively, an easy path skirts to the right of the outcrop, just requiring a short easy scramble at the end to the top of the rock. You are greeted by an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of forested mountain slopes stretching away into the distance, with the added bonus of beautiful autumn leaf colors in October.

This is a popular hike in a popular National Park, so start early and avoid the weekend if possible. We hiked mid-week in October, and the trail was relatively quiet (unexpected, given the number of cars at the trailhead), but it did get a bit crowded at the top.

Directions: Follow US 441 – Newfound Gap Road – through the Park.

Trailhead: Signed parking area on Newfound Gap Road, approximately 6.5 miles south of Sugarlands visitor center at the north entrance and 5.5 miles north of Newfound Gap.

Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 1,300 ft / 396 m

Duration: 2.5 hours

Trail Condition: Clear and easy to follow. Very steep in places and some easy scrambling required at the end.

Features: Panoramic view over forested mountain ridges.

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.

Summary:
A trail that combines interesting rock formations with beautiful valley views.

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
For more information on all aspects of the Great Smoky Mountains – including news, weather, activites, events and wildlife – visit GreatSmoky.com.

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.

Summary:
A peaceful walk along creeks and through forest, with the bonus of colorful leaf displays in fall.

Just beyond the car park, the level, wide Deep Creek Trail heads alongside the creek to a bridge. This tends to be the busiest part of the hike, and as you cross the bridge and start a gentle climb, things begin to get quieter. The first trail junction is reached after 15 minutes, marking the start of the loop.

Turn right along the Indian Creek Trail, and soon you pass the small cascade of Indian Creek Falls. The trail continues to climb gently as you head to the top of the cascade. Cross a wooden bridge and continue climbing with the creek now on your right. 10 minutes from the Indian Creek Trail junction, the trail levels (ignore the turning on your right to Stone Pile Gap Trail), and 5 minutes later turn left along the Loop Trail.

A steep climb now, on a narrow path through rhododendron bushes and possibly a couple of muddy patches. A trickle of water flows on the left and deciduous trees rise overhead. The humidity in the forest is noticeable, and particularly oppressive with the effort of climbing (fortunately only the first half of the Loop Trail climbs, the other 0.5 mile is all downhill).

Climb steadily as the trail curves to the left. Through the trees you catch glimpses of forested hills in the distance. 0.5 mile along the Loop Trail, the Sunkota Ridge Trail heads off sharp right. You continue ahead following the sign to Deep Creek, the trail quickly bearing right.

The climb is now over and you head down through the forest (in autumn, a thick covering of leaves on the ground hides exposed tree roots). Through the trees you can see the hazy blue outline of the Smoky Mountains in the distance. This part of the trail is especially delightful, deserted and tranquil, with just the sound of wind rustling the leaves and woodpeckers drilling on tree trunks overhead.

Soon you start to hear the river again, hidden from view for the moment. The rush of the river grows louder as you descend, and soon you can see it through the trees to the left. The descent eases into a level gradient and, an hour or so after setting out from the trailhead, you reach the junction at the end of the Loop Trail.

Take a left over the bridge to rejoin the Deep Creek Trail (as indicated by the sign, there is now only 1 mile to the final trail junction and 1.7 miles to the end of the hike). Head along the wide, level track with the river to your left. The path veers away from the river for a short time; when you rejoin it, look behind for a beautiful vista of the river with a backdrop of forested hills – especially lovely in autumn with the vivid leaf colors of rusts, oranges and greens.

Continue on, crossing a couple of bridges to the final trail junction. This marks the end of the loop. The car park is now just 15 minutes away, following the same route along Deep Creek that you took on the way in.

Useful Link
For more information on all aspects of the Great Smoky Mountains – including news, weather, activites, events and wildlife – visit GreatSmoky.com.

Directions: From Cherokee at the south entrance of the National Park, take US 19 into Bryson City. Turn right, following the signs to Deep Creek Campground. This will take you onto Deep Creek Road, and soon you re-enter the National Park.

Trailhead: Car park on the left, at the end of Deep Creek Road.

Length: 4 miles / 6.4 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 820 ft / 250 m

Duration: 2 hours

Trail Condition: Generally wide tracks, well-signed and easy to follow.

Features: Forest, creeks and small cascades.

Climate: Changeable in winter and early spring, with some snow at these lower elevations. Hot and hazy in mid-summer, with thunderstorms. Late spring and autumn tend to be warm and sunny, but expect rain at any time.

Accommodation: Camping at Deep Creek. Plenty of motels in Bryson City or further away in Cherokee.

Trail Notes: Trail maps and guides available from the Oconaluftee visitor center at the south entrance of the National Park.