Mt. LeConte, TN (13.6 miles; d=19.90)
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Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Hike Route Map
My hike up Mount LeConte via the Alum Cave Trail as depicted a la Google Earth...
Mount LeConte via Alum Cave Hike Route Map
My hike up Mount LeConte, via Alum Cave Bluff, as tracked by the Gaia GPS app...
A short trail leads from the parking area to the true start of the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail. This sign gives you a good overview of what is ahead.
Alum Cave Trailhead - 3850 ft.
The standard park service trail signpost sets in front of the large bridge you will use to cross the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
For the first mile or so the trail closely follows Alum Cave Creek. It is a very scenic stream with many beautiful cascades.
Breaks in the clouds like this gave me hope that the overcast would break by the time I reached the top.
Alum Bluff Creek consists of one unnamed cascade after another. It makes for a beautiful beginning to the hike.
During the first mile the trail crosses Alum Cave Creek a number of times. This bridge is typical of what is used.
Just below Arch Rock Alum Cave Creek narrows to create this pretty cascade.
Arch Rock is an interesting formation that creates one of the more unique hiking experiences in the Smokies. The trail actually ascends via rock steps up through a six foot tall natural tunnel to the top of the rock.
I found these log bridges to be both convenient and quite scenic.
