Alum Cave Trail 058

During a summer of 2015 hike on the Alum Cave Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Alcoa Ridge Runners were caught in a rain event as they approached Alum Cave, a mineral laden rock bluff about 2.7 miles from the summit of Mount LeConte.

As the trail descends back down into the valley, it moves away from the open ledge and takes hikers into the deep woods on its way to Arch Rock about nine tenths of a mile from Alum Cave. Ranger Ricardo approaches the legendary Arch Rock, about nine tenths of a mile from Alum Cave and 1.4 miles to the parking area at the trailhead.