Where is the Alum Cave Trail located?

The Alum Cave Trail is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along Newfound Gap Road (Rt 441). The nearest town is Gatlinburg, TN. The trailhead is at the Alum Cave Trailhead Parking Area, 3639 Newfound Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

How difficult is the Alum Cave Trail hike?

The Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte is a challenging hike but doable for most people. It involves moderate elevation gain and rocky sections, but the trail is well-marked and offers beautiful views along the way.

How long is the Alum Cave Trail hike?

The Alum Cave Trail is approximately 5 miles one-way to the summit of Mount LeConte, with a total elevation gain of around 2,700 feet. This can be completed as an out-and-back hike for a total of about 10 miles.

What gear should I bring for the Alum Cave Trail hike?

For this backcountry hike, it's recommended to bring at least 1.5 liters of water, sturdy hiking boots or trail runners, snacks, a rain shell, and layers to prepare for changing conditions. Trekking poles are helpful on steeper sections, and in winter, the trail can be snowy and icy.

Can I get a parking spot at the Alum Cave Trailhead?

The Alum Cave Trailhead is very popular, and the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially in the morning. It's best to arrive at sunrise for the best chances at a spot. Note that roadside parking is not allowed, and a parking pass is required within the park.

What is Alum Cave Bluffs?

Alum Cave Bluffs are a prominent geological formation along the trail, featuring a large, overhanging cliff that rises about 80 feet and stretches 500 feet wide. The bluffs are named for the alum deposits that were once mined here in the 1800s.

What should I expect to see along the Alum Cave Trail?

On the hike to Mount LeConte, you’ll pass through forests, cross several bridges, and see stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Notable highlights include Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, Alum Cave Bluffs, and Cliff Top, along with the chance to visit the LeConte Lodge at the summit.

What is the history behind Mount LeConte and its name?

Mount LeConte is named after Joseph Le Conte, a geologist and conservationist. It was named in his honor by the USGS. Le Conte was a co-founder of the Sierra Club and was deeply involved in the preservation of natural landscapes. Some also believe the peak is named after his brother, John LeConte, who helped with the mountain's early measurements.

Can I visit LeConte Lodge during the hike?

Yes, LeConte Lodge is located near the summit of Mount LeConte. It’s a great stop to rest and replenish with drinking water, and there are also restrooms available. It is a popular stop for hikers completing the Alum Cave Trail.

PLAY VIDEO

Hike Mount LeConte via Alum Cave

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 5, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 12 miles
Time: 6-8 Hours
Total Climbing: 3100 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Crowds: Crowded
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The hike to Mount LeConte from the Alum Cave Trail is considered the marquis trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's a challenging hike but very doable by most folks. The trail is beautiful, easy to follow, and offers lots to see along the way.

Where is the Alum Cave Trail?

Laconte Area Map — The hike is located in the heart of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, along Newfound Gap Road (Rt 441). The closest town is Gatlinburg, which is also a great place to use as a base to explore the park.

Use this trailhead address:
Alum Cave Trailhead Parking Area, 3639 Newfound Gap Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Laconte Area Parking — There are two parking lots. The westernmost lot has a bathroom. The trail starts in the middle of the two lots.

This is the most popular hike in the park. Get here at sunrise for your best chances at getting a parking spot.

Mount Lactone Hike Parking Lot — The parking lot is not big, and there is no roadside parking allowed.

Mount Lactone Hike Parking Machine — You now need a parking pass within the park, and unfortunately, the America the Beautiful passes don't work here. Pick up a pass at the nearby Sugarlands Visitor Center, or get one in advance online (you need a license plate number and a printer).

Gear Recommendations

This is a true backcountry hike, and you should prepare accordingly.

Bring at least 1.5 liters of water. You can refill at Lactone Lodge at the top.
Trail runners work best on the dirt trail, which can get wet and muddy.
Bring a snack to fuel up; this is a long hike.
Be prepared for changing conditions with some layers and a rainshell.
There's no phone coverage, so having a satellite communicator is a smart bet.
In the winter, it can be snowy and icy. Check the mountain weather link at the top of this page for the conditions, which will usually differ from those at the start of the hike or in Gatlinburg.

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Worth Noting

Joe Leconte — Joe Le Conte: he loved the outdoors so much that he died in Yosemite (true!).

According to the USGS, Mt LeConte is named after Joseph Le Conte (1823-1901), a geologist and early conservationist. Le Conte was a co-founder of the Sierra Club with John Muir in 1892. He was such a popular guy that after he died in 1901, he became the namesake for Le Conte Glacier, Le Conte Canyon, Le Conte Divide, Le Conte Falls, Le Conte Mountain, and Le Conte Lodge.
But some people say it's named after Joseph's older brother, John, who helped measure the mountain's elevation.
These mountains are some of the oldest in the world. The Smokies date back 200-300 million years.

Mount LeConte Trail Maps

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00002 — Some sections of trail have wire cables that you can hold onto.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Mount LeConte Hike Directions

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00003 — Cross the bridge at the start of the hike.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00004 — Head upstream, crossing several bridges along the way.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00005 — At about 1.4 miles, you'll reach Arch Rock.

The arch came into being as the softer rock underneath the harder rock was worn away by the cycle of freezing and thawing.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00006 — At about 2 miles you'll reach Inspiration Point.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00007 — At about 2.3 miles you'll reach Alum Cave Bluffs.

Alum Cave Bluffs, named for the alum deposits found here in the 1800s, are a prominent geological formation characterized by a vast, overhanging cliff about 80 feet high and 500 feet wide.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00008 — Continue past the bluffs on the other side.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00009 — Now you have about 2 miles of climbing.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00010 — At about 5 miles, make the right at the junction with the Rainbow Falls Trail.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00011 — Shortly after that, make the right turn onto the trail to Cliff Top. The lodge is just past this turn on the left.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00012 — At the top of the short stretch to Cliff Top, make the right.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00013 — And look for the large exposed area and viewpoint. This is Cliff Top.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00014 — Head back the way you came, but don't take the trail down. Instead go straight.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00015 — Then emerge back onto the main trail, where you'll make the right.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00016 — At the top of the hill look for the pile of rock on your right. This is the official summit.

For a better viewpoint, continue straight past the summit on the short downhill.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00017 — At the split, stay right toward Myrtle Point.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00018 — Enjoy Myrtle Point, then head back the way you came.

You can avoid the spur to Cliff Top and just go straight down.

Mt Laconte Hike Directions 00019 — It's worth stopping at Leconte Lodge on the way back. There's drinking water and bathrooms.

Originally published December 1, 2023

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