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Alum Cave Trailhead
The trailhead for the hike to Mt. LeConte.
Plan Around Alum Cave Trailhead
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Alum Cave Trailhead Details
The trailhead for the hike to the summit of Mt. LeConte is located 8.7 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The 5.5 mile trail gains 2,763 feet and passes Alum Cave, which isn't actually a cave at all but rather and 80-foot-high concave bluff which was once mined for epsom salts, and saltpeter for gunpowder. For a shorter, less-steep hike, you can turn around at Alum Creek, which is about a 2.5 mile roundtrip that still allows you to see Arch Rock, a natural tunnel caused by erosion.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Newfound Gap Road
Nearby Parks Around Alum Cave Trailhead
Compare nearby parks around Alum Cave Trailhead when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Alum Cave Trailhead
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Alum Cave Trailhead while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Alum Cave/Mount Le Conte Trail
Remarkably popular despite its difficulty.
0.2 mi away
Stream Exhibit
Details the role 800 billion gallons of rainwater play.
0.2 mi away
Cove Hardwood Exhibit
Details the diverse flora and fauna of the Park.
0.9 mi away
The Loop
A quirky feature that some say was the result of too much road.
1.1 mi away
Chimney Tops Trail
One of the most beautiful, and also challenging trails in the Sugarland area.
