This Scenic Smoky Mountain Trail Winds Past Wildflowers, Bridges, And Ends With Sweeping Views Of Tennessee

Protecting an incredible mountain ecosystem that's as timeless as it is ancient, the Great Smoky Mountains is both America's most-visited national park and a paradise of amazing trails and postcard-worthy views spanning across North Carolina and Tennessee. Being such a popular tourist spot, there are now plenty of modern ways to experience the Great Smokies, including underrated scenic drives like Tennessee's Foothills Parkway. Still, the old ways are oftentimes the best, and for many visitors, the most satisfying way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains is on an extraordinary hike like the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail. Though Great Smoky Mountains National Park has plenty of trails with a strong claim to the title, the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail may ultimately be the single best hike in America's most popular national park. At the very least, the trail lets hikers experience many of the park's underappreciated gems, like the picturesque yet overlooked Peregrine Peak. 

The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail is located on the Tennessee side of the park, in the shadow of Mount LeConte (the highest mountain entirely within Tennessee). The trail's defining feature is the titular Alum Cave Bluffs. Despite the name, the Alum Cave is not a "cave," but rather a 75-foot bluff that towers over the heads of hikers. As it approaches the bluff, the trail also passes serene valleys, ancient forests, and unique geological wonders like the striking Arch Rock natural bridge. Eventually, the trail takes you up to the summit of the 5,377-foot Peregrine Peak, which offers some of the most stunning views in the entire park. All in all, the hike past the Alum Cave Bluffs to Peregrine Peak gives arguably the most comprehensive "sample" of every natural feature that makes the Great Smokies so wonderful!

The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail is not the easiest hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The segment of the trail to Peregrine Peak alone is a challenging 4.5-mile trek with a cumulative elevation gain of around 1,161 feet. The good news, however, is that most of the trail's ascent is gradual, with only a few steeper sections coming on as you get closer to Peregrine Peak. The Peregrine Peak route also (fortunately) has several bridges and steps to help you traverse the troublesome Appalachian terrain. Long before you get to the summit, you'll be treated to unforgettable views of the Alum Cave Bluffs, wildflower-laden forests, and other natural landmarks like the Little Duck Hawk Ridge. 

Most hikers can complete the trek to the Peregrine Peak summit and back in about two to three hours. However, you can also elect to continue along the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail for a longer hike past still more Great Smoky Mountains treasures. About 5 miles past Peregrine Peak is the even more formidable Mount LeConte, a 6,593-foot behemoth that's the park's third-highest mountain. About 6 miles beyond that, the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail even reaches the ethereal Rainbow Falls.

The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail's route to Mount LeConte is also the quickest hike to LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in the Eastern U.S. If you can't find available lodging there, you can also stay overnight at one of Great Smoky Mountains National Park's many excellent frontcountry campgrounds. Or, you can stay at nearby Great Smokies gateways like the under-the-radar Tennessee town of Maryville to enjoy its charms and unique shops.