4600' - The first views open up through the trees to your left as you ascend Peregrine Peak. The ridge opposite you is the Anakeesta Ridge.

4400' - Just above Arch Rock the trail follows Styx Branch for about a halfmile before here turning sharply left to ascend Peregrine Peak.

5050' - Inspiration Point is located at the point which the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail makes a hard right high on Peregrine Peak to follow the opposite side of the ridge. The view 2000 feet down into the Little Pigeon Valley and across to Mt. Mingus is worthy of the points name.

5000' - The surrounding vegetation consists of mainly rhododendron and other low shrubs as you near Inspiration Point just below the summit of Peregrine Peak.

5300' - Alum Caves and the surrounding bluffs overhang the trail, blocking moisture from above, creating an almost desert-like look to the soil beneath.

5100' - The trail ascends VERY steeply from Peregrine Peak to the Alum Cave Bluffs. The stairs are only marginally helpful as many steps are uncomfortably high.

5200' - Broken clouds floated in the valleys but a solid overcast remained above. From here I was disappointed to discover that the was currently socked in.

5250' - The Alum Cave Bluffs appear quite suddenly for their size. The trail continues up steeply to Alum Cave from here.

5850' - I think this to be a very unique way to assist with an otherwise tricky ascent. That and the flowering Mountain Laurel all around made for a beautiful section of trail.

5500' - The trail continues to ascend moderately beyond Alum Cave Bluffs. The temperature was not as cool as I expected at this elevation most likely due to the cloud cover. That and the 40 pound pack I was carrying to train for Isle Royale caused a few more rest stops than normal. This stump made for a convenient place to take a break.