How long does it take to hike to Mt LeConte via Alum Cave Trail?
6-9 hours
Allow 6-9 hours for the hike. It’s strenuous, but not technically challenging. Our hike took eight hours since there is so much to stop and enjoy along the way. At the top, we took a nice break at LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in eastern America at 6,360 feet elevation.
Is Mount LeConte a difficult hike?
Enjoy this 11.0-mile out-and-back trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 23 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
How long is Mount LeConte trail?
Total distance to LeConte Lodge®: 8.1 miles. Net Climb: 2,700 feet. The Boulevard Trail is a rolling trail following a narrow ridge with steep forested slopes on both sides; the trail is steep at the final ascent to LeConte Lodge®. You may occasionally encounter ice and snow in early spring and late fall on this trail.
What is the easiest trail to Mt LeConte?
Description: Alum Cave is the shortest and most popular trail accessing Mt. LeConte. We recommend arriving at the trailhead early, as parking spaces fill up quickly during the lodge season. The beginning of this hike parallels a creek until just past Arch Rock.
Is Alum Cave Trail OK for kids?
Can You Hike Alum Cave Trail With Kids? Absolutely. This is a fun trail with lots to see and kids enjoy it. You don’t have to hike the whole trail all the way up Mount LeConte if your kids are young or are not experienced hikers.
How difficult is Alum Cave Trail?
This moderately difficult hike is 4.6 miles round trip or 5.1 miles on to LeConte Lodge. The round-trip to the cave bluffs takes about 3 hours, but you should allow about 4 hours to LeConte Lodge. The Alum Cave trail is the most popular and well-known route to Mount LeConte.
What should I bring to Mount LeConte?
What should I bring? A. Hand towel and washcloth for a sponge bath–we provide the wash basin and soap. Flashlight, rain gear, layered clothing (nights can drop into 30’s even in summer), sturdy shoes, snacks for hike up and down, water for your hike up, and personal items.
Can you climb Mt LeConte a day?
There are several trails that lead to the Mt LeConte summit, so you can take your pick. No matter which trail you choose, you can think of it as an all-day hike. Plan on making this your one and only Smoky Mountains activity of the day!
Are there bathrooms on Alum Cave Trail?
So once you have parked, you can walk over to the trailhead! There is a bathroom at the Alum Cave trailhead.
Can kids hike Alum Cave?
How do I train to Mt LeConte?
During the first two weeks of training you could probably get away with walking just three days a week. During the first week, two of those walks should be at least 2-3 miles long, with the third walk being in the 4 to 5 mile range. During the second week you should ratchet up your long day to around 6 or 7 miles.
Is Alum Cave Trail Hard?