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gem icon Alum Cave Bluffs [Suggest Edits]

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Description

This is the namesake of Alum Cave Trail. Alum Cave is less a cave and more a bluff about 80 ft tall and over 500 ft long. The cave was mined up until the end of the Civil War and the minerals extracted were epsom salt, saltpeter, and alum to name a few. This is definitely something one should put on their checklist when visiting the Smoky Mountains.

Half-Day Hike: The trail leading to Alum Cave has recently been restored, making it a relatively easy 2.2 hike up to the bluffs.

Family Friendly: The trail leading to the bluffs passes Inspiration Point, and the size of the bluffs is sure to make kids stare in awe.

Gem Type: Geologic Feature

Shared by:
R Kahboohigh
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Check-Ins

Aug 10, 2024
Mckenna Fletcher
Well worth the hike
Jul 6, 2024
Michael Jennings
Jun 17, 2024
Enrique Palacios
Was tuff on the way up. But worth it to see the beauty of Alum Cave
May 7, 2024
Buddy King
952
Apr 24, 2024
M Martin
First hike with Julie and Katy Hammond and Harvey.
Mar 28, 2024
Annalei Harvey
Mar 25, 2024
Jamie James
hiked with Maddie, Eli and Bella
Oct 22, 2023
Christian Keane
i went to fake cliff

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Nearby Trails

10.7 mi 17.3 km Alum Cave - Cliff Top Out and Back
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Difficult Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown
Update
276 
8.0 mi 12.8 km Charlies Bunion Out and Back
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Update
133 
4.2 mi 6.7 km Chimney Tops Trail
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Unknown
Update
152 
5.4 mi 8.7 km Rainbow Falls
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown
Update
82 
2.6 mi 4.2 km Grotto Falls
Intermediate Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown
Update
89 
8.0 mi 12.8 km Ramsey Cascades Trail
Difficult Difficult
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Gatlinburg, TN
Unknown
Update
72 
0.8 mi 1.3 km Kuwohi (fka Clingmans Dome) Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Intermediate Intermediate
Bryson City, NC
Unknown
Update
89 
3.6 mi 5.8 km Andrews Bald Out and Back
Intermediate Intermediate
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Intermediate Intermediate
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Unknown
Update
65 
16.0 mi 25.7 km Mount Le Conte Loop
Difficult Difficult
Bryson City, NC
Difficult Difficult
Bryson City, NC
Unknown
Update
34 
4.1 mi 6.6 km Laurel Falls Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Gatlinburg, TN
Intermediate Intermediate
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Unknown
Update
45 
Shared by R Kahboohigh on Jan 1, 2016. All Page Views: 5,897. Last Month: 25.
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