The Alum Cave trail in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most popular hiking trails that gets visitors started on their way to Mount LeConte. As part of an ongoing plan to restore many of the trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Trails Forever crew is putting full focus into this restoration during the trail closure. Here’s the plan for the Alum Cave Bluffs trail:
What’s Being Fixed on the Alum Cave Trail in the Smoky Mountains
According to local news station, WBIR, the Alum Cave trail will be receiving the following restorations:
- Repairs to historic cable and handrail systems
- Adding extra reinforcement to hanging trail sections
- Fixing drainage issues to prevent further erosion of the trail
- Making repairs to previously damaged areas of the trail, so hikers can safely pass one another
(See Related: Fox News Names Great Smoky Mountains National Park on List of Must-Visit Areas)
When the Trail Will Be Closed in 2015
The Alum Cave trail in the Smoky Mountains will undergo renovations every Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from May 4 through November 19, 2015. There are no further details about whether the project will take more or less time than expected, so when you are visiting the area, make sure to plan your hike with those closure times in mind.
Hiking Details About the Alum Cave Trail in the Smoky Mountains
- The trail is considered moderate in difficulty, so it’s not a good idea to hike this trail with small children
- The trailhead is located on Newfound Gap Road
- It will take approximately 3 hours to hike Alum Cave Bluffs and back to the trailhead
- The total distance of the hike is approximately 5 miles
- The trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs as the trail is dirt-packed with lots of rocks and large roots
How to Get to the Alum Cave Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road
If you are planning to visit the Alum Cave trail in the Smoky Mountains, either before the closure or during the open hours of 2015, here’s how you get to the trailhead:
Driving on Newfound Gap Road, go approximately 4 miles north of Newfound Gap for approximately 8 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center. You will find 2 large parking lots available for use, but don’t be surprised if they are very busy. These parking areas tend to fill up quickly.
Staying in Gatlinburg Near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Are you going to spend a lot of time in the Smoky Mountains while you’re visiting? if you are, you should consider staying in a Gatlinburg cabin near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When you stay in Gatlinburg, you’re only a couple of minutes from the national park as well as all of the great things to do in the Gatlinburg area. To top it off, you’re less than 10 minutes away from everything to do in Pigeon Forge, too.
After a day of hiking in the national park, you’ll appreciate having a cabin closeby, so you can retreat straight to the hot tub or relax on the couch.
We would love to have you stay with us on your vacation, so give us a call at Amazing Views Cabin Rentals anytime. We can’t wait to help you get started with planning your vacation!
