This track was identified and mapped via high-resolution satellite imagery.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
The steepest and most dramatic route up Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies. The Alum Cave Trail follows Alum Cave Creek through rhododendron thickets, passes through Arch Rock, climbs to Inspiration Point and the overhanging Alum Cave Bluffs, then traverses cable-protected ledges to LeConte Lodge near the summit. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trail Map
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Trail Profile
General Instructions
About 16 km return with roughly 800 m of climbing. Many hikers turn around at Alum Cave Bluffs (about 7.4 km return). Above the bluffs the trail is narrow, with steel cables on exposed rock that can be icy in winter. Parking at the trailhead fills early on weekends.
Weather check
Sampling Micro-Climate...
35.6295, -83.4515
Slide to preview conditions across the entire route • Point: 35.6295, -83.4515 @ 1174m
Quick Stats
Highlights
- Climb the stone steps through Arch Rock
- Rest under the overhang of Alum Cave Bluffs
- Watch the sunset from Cliff Tops near LeConte Lodge
- Look for spring wildflowers and autumn colour on the slopes
Field Radio Protocol
VHF-UHF Communication
Propagation Telemetry
Ridge Line
92%Gorge Floor
18%Sector Relay: Sector Alpha Relay• 12-18 KM Range
Regulatory Compliance
VHF/UHF frequencies are for monitoring and emergency coordination only. Transmitting on these bands may require an Amateur Radio License or regional government permits. Check local telecommunications laws before operation.
Technical Analysis
Total Ascent
+791 m
Total Descent
-791 m
Ruggedness Index
Terrain Roughness Index
Vertical displacement per km. Typical range: 0 (Smooth) to 100+ (Extreme Mountain).
97.9
Tortuosity Index
Route Curviness Index
Ratio of actual path to straight line. Typical range: 1.0 (Direct) to 3.0+ (Switchbacks).
2.7
Gradient Distribution
Surface & Hydrology
Surface Spectrum Analysis
Includes only technical water fords where the vehicle actively enters a stream or riverbed. Permanent bridges are excluded from this count.
Difficulty Analysis
Difficulty is determined by a technical multi-vector analysis of elevation profile, surface quality, and topographic intensity.
Bounding Box (WGS84)
Point Spacing: 9.3 m • Engine: TrailX Precision GPX ANALYTICS v1.0.0
Reviews & Discussion0
Expedition notes, route modifications, and surface updates shared by the community.
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Plan this trip
Before you go: Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte
Best time to go
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Spring and fall suit most of the country; summer is prime time for the Rockies and Cascades once snow melts, typically July to September, while desert Southwest and Texas routes are best from October to April.
Navigate it offline
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