Are dogs allowed on Alum Cave Trail?

No, dogs are not permitted on Alum Cave Trail. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Alum Cave Trail?

No, Alum Cave Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Alum Cave Trail?

Alum Cave Trail is rated moderate. It is 4.6 miles long with 1,450 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Alum Cave Trail?

Alum Cave Trail is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Use caution — current conditions warrant extra care

"Peregrine Peak" is not an official NPS-recognized destination in GRSM. The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail itself is open per the GRSM closure list, but the "Peregrine Peak" branch is unofficial / off-trail and not maintained. Treat as caution — leaving the maintained Alum Cave Bluffs Trail in this terrain is consequential. Source: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm Check forecasts, dress for the conditions, and turn back if anything feels off.

Status updated 05/24/2026

ModerateOut and Back

Great Smoky Mountains National Park/Tennessee

Alum Cave Trail

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

4.6 mi

Distance

1,450 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 30m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data

Climbs from Newfound Gap Road alongside Alum Cave Creek, passing through Arch Rock — a stone tunnel with steps — and the open Inspiration Point heath bald before reaching Alum Cave Bluffs, an 80-foot concave rock overhang that stays dry even in rain. The grade steepens noticeably past Arch Rock. The bluffs are the standard day-hike turnaround; the trail continues beyond to Mt LeConte.

From Wikipedia

The Alum Cave Trail, also known as Alum Cave Bluff Trail, is a hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Sevier County, Tennessee. The trail ascends Mount Le Conte, the sixth highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, and passes by many notable landmarks, such as Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, and the Duckhawk Peaks before merging with Rainbow Falls Trail near the summit.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Caution

Updated May 24, 2026 — may be out of date

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

Steep, rocky grade past Arch RockSlick rock and cable-assisted ledgesDrop-offs near Inspiration Point and the bluffsIcy steps in winter

Trail Details

No dogs

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Rock

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:865-436-1200
Address:107 Park Headquarters Road · Gatlinburg, TN · 37738

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Highlights

Arch Rock stone tunnel and stepsInspiration Point heath bald viewsAlum Cave Bluffs (80-foot overhang)Old-growth forest and mountain streamsPeregrine falcons nesting on the cliffs