Agreed! Definitely manageable for that age group and safe!

Hi, I'm not really sure but you can get good information regarding the parks and trails access from the Sugarlands Visitor Centre Website. Hope this helps.

I’m not so much an expert on road closures but I think it should be open. Seems like my friend went in mid December and hikes Alum because I remember being jealous because it was closed the last time I had been to the park (for repairs). Its a GREAT little trail. If you’re in good shape I recommend continuing the hike and hiking up to LeConte from Alum Cave. There are some amazing views up there! Not sure of weather limitations though at that time of year. If its not snowy and you do go all the way up, go up the outside stairs in between the cabins and then hang a right and take a short trail to some beautiful scenery! Can also go left to Myrtle Point...I think its called. Get to Alum early for parking!

To take advantage of the beautiful sunrise, you would need to go to the top of Mt LeConte. The trail is not closed, however hiking up 5 miles on the Alum Cave Trail in the dark is a little risky and perhaps not recommended. I would suggest hiking up the day before and staying at the LeConte Lodge or at the backpacker shelter. The lodge takes months to reserve. The backpacker shelter is a three sided open air lean-to with wooden platforms to lay out a sleeping bag. No other amenities are available at the shelter. This can be reserved 30 days in advance through the National Park Backcountry Permit site. Reserve them early. The 12 available spaces/night are gone rather quickly. The shelter is $4 per person - one night only. Then hike out 1/2 mile or so to Myrtle Point for the sunrise. The night before you can head over to Cliff Tops for the sunset - Absolutely breath taking.

Alum Cave Trail begins on the Newfound Gap Road 8.6 miles south of the Sugarlands Visitor Center. The trail terminates in 5.0 miles near the top of Mt. LeConte on the Rainbow Falls Trail. The trail has an elevation gain of about 2500 feet. This trail would be considered moderate to strenuous by Smoky Mountain standards. This trail would be very tough for a 9 year old, however I have seen many at this age at the top. I would highly discourage trying to take a 2 1/2 and a 4 year old. This being one of the most popular trails in the park, solitude will not be available. The trail begins level and smooth on a well used trail. The trail will gradually increase in steepness over the first mile, then will continue the same rate of climb for most of the trail. Soon after crossing Styx Branch at mile 1.1 the trail reaches Arch Rock at mile 1.4. At Arch Rock the trail will climb thru a narrow passage thru the rock on hewn out steps. At mile 2.0 reach a viewpoint spur known as Inspiration Point. Just past Inspiration Point you will reach Alum Cave Bluffs at mile 2.3. The bluffs above overhang so far that rain doesn't reach the ground close to the base of the bluffs causing the ground below the bluffs to be very dry and dusty. This is a great resting place or lunch spot. Many hikers will turn around at the bluffs and head back down, so the crowds will be lessened dramatically for the remainder of this hike. Soon after the bluffs the trail will level out and actually have a short downhill run for quarter mile or so. At mile 2.9 the trail begins the uphill push to the top of Mt LeConte. There will be several sections of trail with handholds provided to assist the hiker with icy sections. These are helpful from falling and to assist in icy conditions during winter. Near the top the trail will enter into a beautiful Frasier Fir forest. The last 1/4 mile of Alum Cave Trail will be level before reaching Rainbow Falls Trail. Turning left on Rainbow Falls Trail will take you to Cherokee Orchard in 6.6 miles. 200 yards to the right is the LeConte Lodge.

The Alum Cave Bluffs are about 2.3 miles from the trail-head on Newfound Gap Road. The trail will gradually increase in steepness over the first mile, then will continue the same rate of climb for most of the trail. About 300' elevation gain the first mile. About 600' elevation gain the 2nd mile. About 200' elevation gain in the last 0.3 mile. The trail is very well maintained and is absolutely beautiful. If you read my review, it will give you more detail. - Bill P

we saw no bear activity

Of all the info I've read on-line, I've never heard of any bear sightings along the trail. I do believe I recall some sightings up near the Lodge.

Because of wildlife, dogs are generally not allowed on trails in national parks.

I know this is over a year late, but the views are the same. For Mountain Views without the crowds, I recommend fighting the crowds at Clingmans Dome then hiking west on the Appalachian Trail towards Silars Bald. Silars Bald is 4.5 miles from Clingmans Dome. Views from Silars Bald are very limited, but there are many beautiful views into TN and NC along the way. The crowds will diminish greatly after a mile or so from Clingmans Dome.