Climb A Staircase Through An Arch And Ogle Magnificent Geological Formations On This Fairytale Trail In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published August 26, 2022
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a majestic place that feels like you have walked into a fairy tale. You might not see pixies flying around, but you will be greeted with tranquil streams, lush overgrowth, and beautiful overlooks. The mist that whips in the air over the trees makes the woods feel more like you are in a fantasy world. We found a trail in the Smoky Mountains with many points of interest along the way, making the journey on this fairytale trail the real adventure.
Alum Cave is a 4.5-mile out and back trail with 1,161 feet of elevation gain.
In the first half of the hike, you will be following along a babbling brook. With the peaceful sound of water trickling and pouring over the rocks, you will have a wonderful backdrop to your hike. There are even a couple of places you can stop and just take in the beauty of the stream.
Once you reach the halfway mark, you will be greeted by a staircase leading into a cave.
Playing up on the otherworldly theme of a trail unlike any other, the stairs lead visitors inside. The large stone steps and the damp rock make it feel as though you are ascending a castle tower.
The unique shape can bring to mind something more elvish than human. Walking over the water below while high on these very unique bridges will fill your Tolkien-loving heart. From the stairway cave and beyond, you will also pass by large trees with half-exposed root systems. The twisted and knarled knobs of the roots stretch out along the path like the long fingers of a creature not yet known.
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You will then get to Inspiration Point. This is the first real lookout on the trail and it is stunning.
Sweeping views of the mountains will remind you that you are deep within the national park and make you feel far away from any city. It gives a sense that you are on a long journey far from home. The mist that curls up around the trees brings to mind the image of a fire-breathing beast exhaling its hot breath into the air.
Once you climb a large staircase along the rock face you will be greeted with the Alum Cave Bluff.
The massively exposed rock face juts high into the air overhead, creating a large covering for those accomplished travelers looking for rest. You will have shade from the scorching sun, but it's as if you stepped into a different place altogether. The open crevice stands high on the mountain where the hardened earth gives way to sand in the cave. You will have gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and a great place to rest from your adventure. Like kings and queens, you will be able to look out at the forest you traversed and feel a sense of accomplishment over your hard work.
If you would like a closer look at this beautiful location that seems too good to be real then check out this Adventure in the Moment video showcasing the entire hike.
Alum Cave is a trail unlike any other and can remind you of a fairy tale more than a national park. We suggest you get out there early to enjoy this hike because the parking lot fills up fast. So get outside and adventure in the wild.
