Alum Cave Creek is a stream that flows through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, USA. The creek is named after the Alum Cave Bluffs, which are a popular hiking destination in the park and are located near the creek's headwaters.
The creek begins high in the park's mountains and flows for several miles before joining the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Along its course, the stream offers visitors to the park the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains in a peaceful and tranquil setting.
One of the main attractions along the creek is the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail, which follows the stream for a portion of its course. The trail is a moderate-to-strenuous hike that offers hikers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, as well as the opportunity to explore unique geological features such as the Alum Cave Bluffs themselves.
The creek and surrounding forest are also home to various plant and animal species, including wildflowers, ferns, salamanders, and songbirds. Visitors to the area are advised to practice Leave No Trace principles and to respect the park's delicate ecosystem.
The Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead is a popular starting point for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in Tennessee, USA. This trailhead provides access to several popular hiking trails, including the Alum Cave Trail, which is one of the most popular trails in the park.
The Alum Cave Trail is a moderately difficult trail that leads hikers through a lush forest and past several interesting geological features, including Arch Rock and the Alum Cave Bluffs. The trail is approximately 5.5 miles round trip and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
To reach the Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead, take Newfound Gap Road (US 441) south of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for approximately 8 miles to the Alum Cave Trailhead parking area. The trailhead is well-marked and offers plenty of parking, but it can get busy on weekends and holidays, so it's a good idea to arrive early in the day if possible.