Alum Cave Bluffs

Alum Cave Bluffs is a rocky overhang on Alum Cave Trail, with a ceiling about 75 feet above its ledge, above Alum Cave Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is no cave: the broad shelf under the high, concave roof is the destination. The out-and-back to the bluffs is 4.6 miles, and the path gets considerably steeper beyond Arch Rock. If you want a shorter walk, Arch Rock is the official 2.8-mile round-trip turnaround.

The lower approach follows Alum Cave Creek through mature hardwood and hemlock forest, past mountain streams and through Arch Rock. After the arch, expect a harder uphill stretch with stairs, roots and rocks. The bluffs are a substantial hike in their own right; continuing from here toward Mount Le Conte makes for a much longer outing.

The trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road (US 441), between mile markers 10 and 11, about 6.8 miles south of Sugarlands Visitor Center. Parking is limited and fills early; the park recommends an early start or shuttle. A parking tag is required for parking more than 15 minutes. The seasonal pit toilet is at the trailhead, not the bluffs. Plan your food and water before leaving the road, and leave dogs behind because they are not allowed on this trail.

The bluff's high, concave ceiling shelters a wide ledge from sun and rain. Look out through the opening at the trees and forested ridges, or turn the camera up to include the roof and ledge together. For a more open mountain panorama, pause at Inspiration Point on the approach; it is a separate viewpoint before the bluffs.

The first stretch to Arch Rock follows Alum Cave Creek through mature northern hardwood and hemlock forest. The park's ecology brochure notes that some hemlocks here began growing more than 200 years ago, with yellow birch among their neighbors. Rosebay rhododendron fills much of the shrub layer, and its white flower clusters peak in July.

Leaves washed in from the forest feed aquatic insects, which in turn support salamanders and native brook trout. The park brochure names Blue Ridge Mountain, Appalachian seal and black-bellied salamanders along Alum Cave Creek; these are possibilities to look for, not guaranteed sightings.

In cold weather, ice can form on the trail and icicles can fall from the bluff. The park recommends microspikes in winter, when the steep upper section can be especially difficult.