![]() Just prior to reaching inspiration point, you’ll note the trail color darkens, and becomes significantly more rocky, even becoming solid rock at times. If you are used to hiking at higher elevations, you’ll definitely feel it. The “Eye of the Needle”, a hole in the rock on the top of Little Duck Hawk Ridge, is also visible, although a better view is a little further up the trail.Įlevation at inspiration point is 4700 feet. Inspiration point offers views of Little Duck Hawk Ridge, and Myrtle Point, located near the top of Mount LeConte. Inspiration point is located about 2 miles from the trailhead. The next point on the trail is Inspiration point, famous for it’s scenic views. Unfortunately, you’ll also slowly move away from Alum Cave Creek and Styx branch, and will slowly lose the peaceful sound of the water. The trail also becomes a little steeper from here on up, not significantly, but enough to notice. Hikers will note that there are more rocks from here on up, and the closer you get to the top, the more rocky it gets. Once at the top of the the stairs through Arch Rock, the trail will be almost solid rock for a bit, then turn back into the soft wood forest floor. Here’s a photo of Arch Rock, looking up from the bottom of the stairs. The day we hiked, it had been raining a little, so the stairs were very slick. The stairs are pretty steep, and there is a metal cable in the wall to the left to hang on to. The trail goes through and up the arch via rough stone steps. Arch Rock is a very large black slate rock, that due to years and years of freezing and thawing caused a natural arch to form in the rock. Directly on the other side, is Arch Rock. Here are two of the many waterfall photos I took along this portion of the trail.Īt the 1.3 mark, you’ll come to another log bridge, which crosses over Styx Branch. The rush of the creek water as you are hiking up the trail is really amazing. Our kids loved taking their shoes off and wading in the shallows. We stopped often to take photos and play in the water. This portion of the trail was actually our favorite, due to all of the access points to Alum Cave Creek, which is full of small waterfalls, and nice wading areas. The trail is easy to follow, and well maintained, mostly due to the heavy traffic due to the trail’s popularity. The trial winds through an absolutely beautiful and heavily canopied old growth forest. The trail follows along with Alum Cave Creek for 1.3 miles. Elevation at the trail head is 3,830 feet. Here’s the view, looking up Alum Cave Creek from the bridge:įrom the bridge, the trail begins it’s ascent, with a very gradual upward incline. The trailhead is a long wooden bridge that really sets the expectations for the gorgeous hike you’re about to take. Consider yourself warned □ Trailhead to Archrockįrom the restrooms, the trailhead is located in the far right (looking towards the woods). The parking lot does have restroom facilities, but they are pretty typical park restrooms and are really more like modern outhouses. The parking lot in this photo, is up near the third car coming towards us, so not a short walk. Here was the view from our vehicle looking up towards the parking lot. Frankly, with all the traffic along Newfound Gap Road, walking up it is a bit dangerous, so be careful. We had to park about a quarter of a mile down from the trail along Newfound Gap Road, when we visited this past weekend. Due to the trail’s popularity, there are two parking lots at the trailhead, and unless you arrive early, both will generally be full. LocationĪlum Cave Trail is located directly off of Newfound Gap Road, about 10 miles outside of Gatlinburg TN, and about a mile from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The trail is also the most popular trail to the famous Leconte Lodge, at the top of Leconte mountain. Recommended Gear: Good hiking boots or shoes, Daypack, Dayhiker First Aid Kit, some snacks, plenty of water and of course your favorite digital camera.Īlum Cave Trail is one of the most popular trails in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park due to it’s variety of scenery, geological points of interest, and ease of access. Vehicles are often found parked along the road. Alum Cave Trail is very popular, and there are two parking areas, which fill up quickly. Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, off Newfound Gap Roadįeatures: Scenic Views, Geological features, Creeks, small waterfalls, bridges, old growth forestĭirections: From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, TN drive 8.7 miles south along Newfound Gap Road to the Alum Cave Trailhead parking area on your left. Over Memorial Day weekend, we decided to head out and hike up Alum Cave Trail, located in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Īlum Cave Trail is a family favorite, that provides a beautiful creekside hike, dense hardwood forests, scenic views, bridges, and two very unique points of interest.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |