exposed rock ledges and mountain view at alum cave bluffs

Alum Cave Trail

Trailhead: Two paved parking lots, 9 miles south from Sugarlands Visitor Center on US HWY 441.

Distance: 5.0 miles from US HWY 441 to lodge.

Elevation: 2,700′ up / 100′ down

Landmarks: Arch Rock, Inspiration Point, Alum Cave Bluffs

Highlights: Views south and west over the Smokies; impressive stands of Rhododendron, Myrtle and Mountain Laurel bloom in late spring; exclusive patches of Grass of Parnassus and Gentian bloom in late summer; several exposed rock ledges higher up with hand cables.

The Boulevard Trail

Trailhead: Large paved parking area at Newfound Gap where US HWY 441 crosses stateline.

Distance: 8.1 miles from Newfound Gap to lodge.

Elevation: 2,700′ up / 1,300′ down

Landmarks: Newfound Gap; historic Appalachian Trail; access to The Jumpoff; access to Myrtle Point, High Top

Highlights: Views into TN/NC; ridgetops blanketed in Spring Beauties and Trout Lilies in mid Spring; exclusive patches of Grass of Parnassus and Purple Monk’s Hood in late summer; a few exposed rock ledges higher up with hand cables.

boulevard trail in the smoky mountains of tennessee
waterfall along the rainbow falls trail

Rainbow Falls Trail

Trailhead: Two paved parking lots, 2.5 miles south from Gatlinburg on Cherokee Orchard Road.

Distance: 6.7 miles from Cherokee Orchard to lodge.

Elevation: 3,900′ up / 100′ down

Landmarks: Rainbow Falls, Rocky Spur Overlook

Highlights: Creek crossings and small pools, exposed rock formations, wildflowers in spring, stands of vibrant Red Oak in autumn, seasonal views of Tennessee Valley

Trillium Gap Trail

Opening Date: Please note that Trillium Gap/Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a seasonal trail and will not re-open to the public for the 2025 season until April 18, 2025.

Trailhead: Small paved parking lot, 4.5 miles south from Gatlinburg on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Distance: 6.7 miles from Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail to lodge.

Elevation: 3,300′ up / 100′ down

Landmarks: Grotto Falls, Trillium Gap, access to Brushy Mountain summit

Highlights: Pack Llamas three days a week, small creek crossings, impressive stand of Spring Beauties and Trout Lilies at Trillium Gap, can double as a horse trail (day-use only)

man and a pack of llamas on the trillium gap trail
mountain view

Bullhead Trail

Bullhead Trail will be CLOSED Mondays through Thursdays (each week, excluding federal holidays) through November 6, 2025 for rehabilitation efforts

Trailhead: Two paved parking lots, 2.5 miles south of Gatlinburg on Cherokee Orchard Road.

Distance: 6.9 miles from Cherokee Orchard to lodge.

Elevation: 4,000′ up / 150′ down

Landmarks: The Pulpit

Highlights: Views over the West Prong and Tennessee Valley, spring and summer wildflowers, exposed rock formations

BRUSHY MOUNTAIN TRAIL

Trailhead: Small gravel parking area, 6 miles east of Gatlinburg on US HWY 321 then 4 miles south on Greenbrier Road.

Distance: 9.1 miles from Greenbrier Road terminus to lodge.

Elevation: 4,600′ up / 100′ down

Landmarks: Old Homestead, Trillium Gap, access to Brushy Mountain summit

Highlights: Porters Creek, spring wildflowers 

yellow spring wildflowers in tennessee