This moderately difficult hike is 4.6 miles round trip or 5.1 miles on to LeConte Lodge. The round-trip to the cave bluffs takes about 3 hours, but you should allow about 4 hours to LeConte Lodge. The Alum Cave trail is the most popular and well-known route to Mount LeConte.
The trail is dirt-packed and there are lots of plant and tree roots along this hike, so it’s not one of the most family friendly hikes in the mountains. There are a few steep sections along the hike as well, which could make the hike feel more strenuous, especially if you are making your way to Mount LeConte. How long is alum cave trail.
What is the shortest trail to Mt LeConte?
Alum Cave Trail Description: Alum Cave is the shortest and most popular trail accessing Mt. LeConte. We recommend arriving at the trailhead early, as parking spaces fill up quickly during the lodge season. The beginning of this hike parallels a creek until just past Arch Rock.
What is the easiest trail to LeConte Lodge?
Alum Cave Trail Description: Alum Cave is the shortest and most popular trail accessing Mt. LeConte. We recommend arriving at the trailhead early, as parking spaces fill up quickly during the lodge season. The beginning of this hike parallels a creek until just past Arch Rock.
How long is the Mount LeConte hike?
summit of Mount LeConte (third highest peak in the Smokies) from the parking area on U.S. Highway 441, you’ll climb 2,853 feet in elevation during the 5.5 miles on the Alum Cave Trail [The Alum Cave Trail (also referred to as Alum Cave Bluff Trail) is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Sevier County, Tennessee]. If you hike to the two best viewpoints on the summit, you will add almost two miles to your hike – a 13+ mile round-trip hike.
Is Alum Cave an actual cave?
A common misconception about Alum Cave Bluff is that it is an actual cave. Its actual scientific designation is that a rock shelter. The cave-like overhanging is about 100 feet above the ground. During the winter, large icicles form here, making it very dangerous for hikers.
How long does it take to get to the top of Mt LeConte?
Allow 6-9 hours for the hike. It’s strenuous, but not technically challenging. Our hike took eight hours since there is so much to stop and enjoy along the way. At the top, we took a nice break at LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in eastern America at 6,360 feet elevation.
What is the shortest trail in the Smoky Mountains?
At only 4 miles in length, the hike to the Walker Sisters Cabin from the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area is one of the easiest, shortest hikes in the Smokies.
What is the hardest trail to Mt LeConte?
To do the most challenging version of the hike, you’ll want to take the Bullhead Trail up to Mount LeConte, due to the trail’s total elevation gain being close to 4,000 feet it is rated as one of the most strenuous trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park [Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an American national park in the southeastern United States, with parts in North Carolina and Tennessee. The park straddles the ridgeline of the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are a division of the larger Appalachian Mountain chain].
How hard is Mt LeConte hike?
Leconte. The trail gains 502 feet per mile with a total elevation gain of 2363 feet. This trail is rated strenuous.
How long is alum cave trail, From the Sugarlands Visitor Center, drive 8.6 miles east on Newfound Gap Road. There, you will find two parking areas where a gravel path leads to the beginning of a 2.3 mile hike to Alum Cave Bluffs. You gain 2,600 feet on the way to 6,400 feet in elevation. When you gain elevation like this, it’s a good idea to have a light jacket or sweatshirt with you.
Some hikers are able to recognize the elevation change based on the drop in temperature (even in the hot, summer months!).
