Summary:
Striking rock formations, a feature of this remote area of Tennessee, are the major draw of this easy loop.

Across the road from the parking area, the Indian Rockhouse Trail descends gently into the forest. The way is clear and easy under foot, just some exposed tree roots. It only takes about 5 minutes to get down to the Rockhouse, a huge sandstone overhang. Take a closer look and you will see parts of the rock carved over time into intricate shapes, and beautifully colored by algae and lichen.

Return to the road and cross to the Hazard Cave Trail. Concrete steps and a well-formed path lead down into the forest. Turn left towards a rock overhang, continuing to descend as you go. A boardwalk has been placed where it is very wet, but under the main part of the overhang the ground is dry and sandy. A large cave has formed at the far end. The overhang, a huge formation, continues beyond the cave, and you can venture along a path for a closer look. You will need to return to the cave though to continue on the loop.

The trail leads on up through the forest – the path may not be obvious at first, so look out for the white blazes on the trees. The narrow path is eroded in places and there are some short, steep descents that can be slippery. You pass more overhangs, now on both sides; it is rather like walking through a gorge. Parts of the trail are rugged, with lots of fallen trees, but it is generally very easy.

30 minutes along Hazard Cave Trail, turn right at the Ridge Trail junction, continuing to follow the white blazes. A few seconds later, bear right (away from the bridge). Not long after that, Hazard Cave Trail turns sharp right (ignore the trail ahead), signed Natural Bridge 1 mile, Hazard Cave 1.25 mile.

After a gentle climb, the trail forks. Take the right fork to continue on Hazard Cave Trail (the left fork is the first of two short connecting trails to Natural Bridge). Soon you pass another spur trail to Natural Bridge leading off to the left – this is the shorter route to the beautiful rock arch. It connects with Natural Bridge Trail, which heads east through the forest directly to the arch. It is not far, perhaps no more than 0.6 mile there and back. (If you don’t want to walk it, the arch is close to Hwy 284 and therefore easily accessible from the road – a parking area is just north of the Hazard Cave trailhead).

Back on Hazard Cave Trail, the remaining 15 minutes is a nice easy walk through the forest back to the trailhead.

Directions: On Hwy 154, 12 miles north-east of Jamestown.

Trailhead: Parking area on Hwy 154, 0.7 mile south of the Park office.

Length: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: Negligible

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Generally well maintained and easy to follow. Marked by blazes – Indian Rockhouse, orange; Hazard Cave, white; Natural Bridge, brown.

Features: Rock formations (overhangs and natural bridge), forest.

Climate: Hiking possible year-round.

Accommodation: Cabins (2-night minimum stay), tent and RV sites inside the Park. Motels and B&Bs in Jamestown.

Trail Notes: A hand-drawn trail map is available from the Park office.

Summary:
An interesting loop with several spurs to a beautiful waterfall and gorge overlooks.

At the sign for Fall Creek Falls, cross the swing-bridge over Cane Creek and climb the concrete steps. At the top, bear right and soon you come to a trail junction, the start of the loop. Fork left to Fall Creek Falls, 0.55 mile via Woodland Trail.

Woodland Trail is wide and well defined, and soon it levels to an easy path through the woods. At the Gorge Overlook Trail junction, turn left for Fall Creek Falls. Head down some stone steps, across a couple of small wooden footbridges and finally a very short ascent to the first lookout, almost adjacent to the dramatically beautiful waterfall. The path follows the gorge rim to the second, upper overlook a few minutes further on. It could be very crowded here in summer, being close to a parking area, but off-season you may well have it to yourself.

From here, take the Fall Creek Falls Trail, which winds down into Fall Creek Gorge. It is pretty steep, descending 300 ft in 0.4 mile. The trail ends at the beautiful pool at the base of the waterfall.

Climb back up to the upper overlook and retrace your steps 0.25 mile to the Gorge Overlook Trail junction. Continue straight ahead to loop back to the trailhead via the rim of Cane Creek Gorge. There are a series of short spurs off this 0.6 mile section of the hike. The first you reach after only a couple of minutes of climbing through the trees. A short path heads left to Fall Creek Falls Overlook, where you should be able to see the top of the falls through the trees.

Back on the main trail, in no time at all you are on the level spur to Rocky Point Overlook (‘Danger. High Bluffs’). At the end, make a short, steep descent and then climb to the top of the rocks for views of Cane Creek Gorge.

Backtrack along the spur and bear left to continue the loop. The easy, level trail continues to wind through the trees at the edge of the gorge. After just a couple of minutes, pass the left turn for a third overlook, Cane Creek Gorge (not recommended – there is an extremely sheer drop at the end and any view is largely obscured by trees).

As you approach the end of the trail, turn left for the final overlook, Cane Creek Falls. This short spur leads down to a view of the falls tumbling over the high gorge wall, with the Nature Center above.

Return up the spur and continue straight on; there is more steady climbing, and then a level section, to complete the loop. Now bear left to return to the Nature Center in 0.2 mile.

Directions: From Hwy 111, take Hwy 30 east and then Hwy 284 to the north entrance, or Hwy 284 east to the south entrance.

Trailhead: Behind the Nature Center, just off the 284 close to the north entrance.

Length: 2.7 miles / 4.3 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 200 ft / 61 m
Total ascent 500 ft/152 m.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow. Trails are blazed: Woodland, yellow; Fall Creek Falls, orange; Gorge Overlook, red.

Features: Forest, waterfalls, gorge.

Climate: Hiking possible year-round.

Accommodation: Inside the Park, a 144-room Inn, cabins, tent and RV sites.

Trail Notes: A hand-drawn map showing general routes of the trails is available from the information office.

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.