Beautiful hike 1st mile or so is fairly flat along the creek to the base of the mountain. Once the ascend starts it's strenous. The last part of the trail offers amazing views and there is a cable along the wall to hold on to as it is very steep abd rocky. If you are brave enough you can continue to Mount Le Conte for another 3 miles.
(1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)Reply to Review
Alum bluff trail, I'm sure you already know, is the shortest route to Mt. Leconte. Hiking up to the cave bluffs or continuing on to the lodge will provide many great vista's. If the sky is clear then you will even more spectacular views. The wonderful views and reaching lodge does come with a price. This trail is a moderate to strenuous hike. As with many of the traditional GSMNP trails lots of rocks and roots on the trail. There are a few areas along the trail in which one will need to use a steel cable for a hand hold because the trail will narrow with a steep drop off to the side of the trail. Mt. Leconte lodge is a great place to visit. The hot chocolate is out of this world good!!!!! Not to mention the scenery. Great trip. I believe next time we will go up trillium gap trail and hike down Alum Cave Bluffs trail, then catch a shuttle back to the car. Something to think about, two different trails in one day, it would be a bonus. Was this helpful?
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(2 out of 3 members found this review useful.)Reply to Review
A great trail with great views. Quite the climb, though. Be ready to work and take plenty of water. The Bluff itself provides a great break a little less than halfway. It's also a good turning back point for those who don't want to go the next 2 1/2 miles to the top. Make sure that you stop by the lodge on your way to the top and get a t-shirt to prove your accomplishment. Was this helpful?
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