We finished our trip to the Smokies with our longest-ever hike. Nearly 11 miles to one of the tallestmountains in the Eastern United States. For this hike, we set an alarm to ensure an early departure. I was concerned about parking for this popular hike, as well as weather and avoiding the crowds. We arrived to the trailhead just after 7:15am and started our hike around 7:30am. The first mile of the hike was pretty mellow. It felt like we were in a rain forest. I dressed in a tank top and shorts and felt a little cool to start but warmed up quickly. I brought a sweater for the summit. The first part of this hike was to Alum Cave (around 2.3 miles into the hike). The pictures online were impressive but seeing it in person was jaw-dropping.
I liked the first part of this hike (to Alum Cave) because it was broken into a few different segments. It took us 56 minutes to get to the Alum Cave and the time went by really quickly. The first segment was Arch Rock (around 1.3 miles into the hike). We crossed over a foot bridge and up the stairs and through the Rock. As we began to make our way up the mountain, the terrain wasn't too technical. At ~2 miles, we reached Inspiration Point - a beautiful view point. It was cloudy to start but thankfully most of the clouds moved away when we reached this point. Some people were taking pictures and others were resting on the rocks. Not too far beyond the inspiration point, we walked up several sets of stairs and around the corner, we were greeted by the Alum Cave (not really a cave - it looks more like a cliff). It wasn't too crowded and those who were there were spread out over the sand. It was a sight to see. This part of the trail was more family-friendly than to LeConte (although we did see a few kids hiking with their parents all the way to the top). Sadly, we didn't see the llamas that carry supplies to the lodge.
We made our way up the sand and back on to the trail to Mt. LeConte. The trail became more technical and rocky and we kept climbing and climbing. For the next 3.12 miles (80 minutes), the views became more impressive and the terrain became more technical. There were cables fixed into the rocks to help with navigating through some of the rocky sections. The overall atmosphere throughout the hike was extremely friendly and it felt like life was "normal" as we were hiking. No distractions, negative energy or worries. There were times when it felt like we would never reach the top but eventually, we approached the flat section near the top, letting us know that we were almost at the lodge. We had made our way almost to the lodge when Karel spotted a Momma deer and not too long later, her baby came too her to nurse. Oh what a sight (you can see it on the video below the pics). When we arrived to the Lodge, we used the restroom and checked out the area (on the left of the trail). You can actually stay in the lodge (although reservations are booked far in advance). The cafe/dining area doesn't open until noon (I think).
It took us ~2 hours and 15 minutes to hike to the lodge (~5.4 miles). We then made our way another 2.6 miles up the mountain to the actual senic spot - Clif Top. This section was extremely technical as you are hiking over all shapes and sizes of rocks. It was even more technical going down from the Clif. But when we arrived to the top, it was all worth it. In total it took us 2 hours and 22 minutes to hike to Clif Top (5.66 miles - starting from our parked car on the street). We had a good size snack at the top and then made our way back down the mountain. We spent around 15 minutes at the top (it started to get cooler and cloudy - thankful I brought a sweater). The clouds do pass by often so if you arrive and it's cloudy (or "smoky", just wait 10-20 minutes for the clouds to (hopefully) pass. It wasn't too busy at the top - probably around 8-10 people at the Clif top when we were there around 10am. It took us 1 hours and 58 minutes to make our way down the mountain - with the last 1/2 mile or so in the pouring rain.
In total the hike was 4 hours and 25 minutes with around 30 minutes at the scenic points (in total we spent a little less than 5 hours on the trail). This hike was well worth it and we finished our trip mentally rejuvinated and exhausted.
Quick Stats:
Name of trail: Alum Cave Trailhead
Waterfall: No
Scenic overlook: Yes
Distance: 11 miles round trip (2.2 miles to Alum Cave, 5.5 miles to the summit of Mount LeConte - also known as Clif Top).
Parking: Two paved parking lots as well as street parking (suggest to arrive early)
Elevation gain: ~3000 feet (start at ~3550 and finish at ~6550). According to the Hiking in the Smokies Website, "At 6593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies. However, measured from its immediate base to its highest point, Mt. LeConte can be considered the tallest mountain in the Eastern United States, rising 5301 feet from its base near Gatlinburg.
Difficulty: Alum Cave Trail is moderate. The LeConte trail is difficult.
Here are some pictures of our 11-mile hike. To learn more about the Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte, check out this link. To learn more about the Leconte lodge, click here.
We made our way up the sand and back on to the trail to Mt. LeConte. The trail became more technical and rocky and we kept climbing and climbing. For the next 3.12 miles (80 minutes), the views became more impressive and the terrain became more technical. There were cables fixed into the rocks to help with navigating through some of the rocky sections. The overall atmosphere throughout the hike was extremely friendly and it felt like life was "normal" as we were hiking. No distractions, negative energy or worries. There were times when it felt like we would never reach the top but eventually, we approached the flat section near the top, letting us know that we were almost at the lodge. We had made our way almost to the lodge when Karel spotted a Momma deer and not too long later, her baby came too her to nurse. Oh what a sight (you can see it on the video below the pics). When we arrived to the Lodge, we used the restroom and checked out the area (on the left of the trail). You can actually stay in the lodge (although reservations are booked far in advance). The cafe/dining area doesn't open until noon (I think).
It took us ~2 hours and 15 minutes to hike to the lodge (~5.4 miles). We then made our way another 2.6 miles up the mountain to the actual senic spot - Clif Top. This section was extremely technical as you are hiking over all shapes and sizes of rocks. It was even more technical going down from the Clif. But when we arrived to the top, it was all worth it. In total it took us 2 hours and 22 minutes to hike to Clif Top (5.66 miles - starting from our parked car on the street). We had a good size snack at the top and then made our way back down the mountain. We spent around 15 minutes at the top (it started to get cooler and cloudy - thankful I brought a sweater). The clouds do pass by often so if you arrive and it's cloudy (or "smoky", just wait 10-20 minutes for the clouds to (hopefully) pass. It wasn't too busy at the top - probably around 8-10 people at the Clif top when we were there around 10am. It took us 1 hours and 58 minutes to make our way down the mountain - with the last 1/2 mile or so in the pouring rain.
In total the hike was 4 hours and 25 minutes with around 30 minutes at the scenic points (in total we spent a little less than 5 hours on the trail). This hike was well worth it and we finished our trip mentally rejuvinated and exhausted.
Quick Stats:
Name of trail: Alum Cave Trailhead
Waterfall: No
Scenic overlook: Yes
Distance: 11 miles round trip (2.2 miles to Alum Cave, 5.5 miles to the summit of Mount LeConte - also known as Clif Top).
Parking: Two paved parking lots as well as street parking (suggest to arrive early)
Elevation gain: ~3000 feet (start at ~3550 and finish at ~6550). According to the Hiking in the Smokies Website, "At 6593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies. However, measured from its immediate base to its highest point, Mt. LeConte can be considered the tallest mountain in the Eastern United States, rising 5301 feet from its base near Gatlinburg.
Difficulty: Alum Cave Trail is moderate. The LeConte trail is difficult.
Here are some pictures of our 11-mile hike. To learn more about the Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte, check out this link. To learn more about the Leconte lodge, click here.
