Alum Cave Trail to Mt. Leconte in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park - NC & TN

Apr 21

“Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.” — Janine di Giovanni

“I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and true love. Don’t even try to tell me different.” — Dolly Parton

“If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.” - Dolly Parton

“There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Having knowledge does not make you wise.” - Ginger Shields

The Story -

Oh what an April it has been! Our latest adventure took Ginger, Alex, and me to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park where we tried to have as much fun as we could in a time-crunched activity-filled four-day trip. On one of those days, Easter Sunday coincidentally, we hiked twelve miles on the out and back Alum Cave to Mt. Leconte Trail, reaching the summit of the sixth highest peak in elevation east of the Mississippi River late in the morning to the sound of Amazing Grace being played on the bagpipes. Was this heaven?

Amazing Grace - Bagpipe Master

Alex, of course, reached the summit before his old and slow parents (we might be old, but definitely not slow - Alex is a really fast hiker 😂) and he ventured to the edge of Mt. Leconte on the Cliff Tops Trail. Here he discovered a group of thirty people and a bagpipe player standing on the ledge playing Amazing Grace.

We were scheduled to meet at the Mt. Leconte Shelter, just above the Leconte Lodge, yet with limited cell service, the messages were delayed and we were initially unable to connect with him. Eventually, we were reunited and were able to sit, have lunch, and listen to the melodic bagpipes overlooking the Newfound Gap Gorge. It was an unexpected blessing, and truly a spiritual moment that even our teenage son appreciated.

Mt. Leconte & Leconte Lodge -

Mt. Leconte is the sixth highest peak in elevation east of the Mississippi River at 6593ft and the highest peak completely in Tennessee. Leconte Lodge is also located here, two hundred feet below the summit, where guests can stay at the highest guest lodge in the eastern United States.

The Lodge serves as a grand amphitheater for the entire Park with spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas. The Lodge is only accessible by hiking on one of five trails, ranging from five to twelve miles. And note that you cannot just show up and expect a room at the lodge, a waiting list for a room is currently your only option. There is a gift shop and you can purchase lunch, snacks, drinks, or souvenirs and sign the logbook noting your Mt. Leconte summit accomplishment. Cash is king so don't try to pay with credit card or your good looks like I did, it won't work 😮😂

Spill The Tea -

The twelve-mile Alum Cave Trail to Mount Leconte is a hiking and outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with abundant water, views, adventure, length, difficulty, and many items of special interest including a million-year-old tunnel, a giant bluff, massive rockslides, and a gorgeous gorge filled with three-hundred-year-old trees once home to the Cherokee. The trail is long and strenuous, yet the rewards are great and well worth the effort.

The first two miles follow beside the Alum Cave Creek with five unique single log bridge crossings and many picturesque rolling cascades and rapids. Next up is Arch Rock, a long, deep tunnel staircase carved into the mountain and natural bridge that was formed millions of years ago. Then, after leaving the Arch Rock, the trail climbs to Inspiration Point with spectacular views of Chimney Tops and the Newfound Gap Gorge. Not far beyond Inspiration Point are the Alum Cave Bluffs, which range from sixty to eighty feet high, extend over five hundred feet long, and completely cover the trail. Next is decision time and the turnaround for most hikers. If you decide to continue, the summit is another three miles of gradual climbs with several resting spots to take in the views. You can have lunch at the picnic tables of Leconte Lodge, or continue on one of the trails to the cliffs as we did.

Wrap It Up -

The Alum Cave to Mt. Leconte Trail is the most popular and arguably the best trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It isn’t just that it is the longest or most challenging, but rather that it is unrivaled in diversity, truly having something for everyone and even a few surprises. If you are looking to visit and/or hike in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the Alum Cave Trail to Mt. Leconte should be at the top of your list.