Alum Cave Trail — Great Smoky Mountains

180

min visit

A moderate 5-mile round-trip trail featuring a dramatic cave shelter, old-growth hemlock forest, and stunning mountain vistas, offering one of the most scenic hikes on the Tennessee side.

Visiting Alum Cave Trail: FAQs

How long does a visit to Alum Cave Trail take?

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Plan for about 3 hours at Alum Cave Trail.

When is the best time to visit Alum Cave Trail?

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Early morning on a clear fall day (September 20–October 15), aiming for the trailhead by 7:30 AM to secure parking and enjoy hemlock canopy light with minimal crowds.

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