Alum Cave Trail Closes For Bridge Replacement
GSMNP officials will implement a temporary, weekday closure of Alum Cave Trail and its parking lot during February to accommodate the replacement of two log bridges near the Arch Rock area. The footpath will be closed weekly on Monday through Thursday from February 8, 2021 through February 25, 2021. The trail will be fully open each week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with President’s Day on Monday, February 15, 2021.
Alum Cave Trail is by far one of the most popular trails in the Smokies and log bridges provide safe crossings over the boulder-strewn streams. The bridges have suffered significant decay due to use and weather since the last trail rehabilitation effort in 2016. In order to efficiently replace the log bridges a full closure is necessary for the safety of the crew and visitors. Hikers can still reach Mt. Le Conte and the Le Conte Shelter using one of the other trails to the summit. The Boulevard, Bull Head, Rainbow Falls, and Trillium Gap trails all lead to Mt. Le Conte.
Source material – GSMNP
