LeConte Lodge
Directions to LeConte Lodge
Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 6,593 feet. LeConte Lodge is the crown sitting near the top at 6,360 feet. Only Clingman’s Dome at 6,643′ and Mount Guyot at 6,621′ are at higher elevations.
The good news is that the views are amazing. The other good news is that the only way to get there is by foot. We don’t call that bad news, because hiking to LeConte Lodge is part of the experience.
In addition, you must hike the 5 to 8 miles to the lodge carrying your supplies. Five trails lead to LeConte Lodge: Alum Cave Trail (shortest route), Boulevard Trail (longest route, most elevation changes), Bullhead Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Trillium Gap Trail (easiest route, 6.5 miles).
LeConte Lodge History & Description
Prior to the founding of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visiting Washington dignitaries stayed in a tent camp at this location. There is no need to wonder why they chose this spot, it is spectacular.
A short time later, in 1926 to be exact, Jack Huff of Gatlinburg began building a retreat lodge at this location. Jack and his wife, Pauline, operated the retreat until 1960.
Today, up to sixty guests can stay at one of seven cabins and three multi-room lodges. If you are looking for modern amenities, look elsewhere. One of the advantages of staying at LeConte Lodge is the lack of…pretty much everything.
There are no distractions on the top of the mountain. Welcome to secluded, peaceful, mountain beauty.
Read a book, take a walk, watch the sunset, talk to someone, or just take in your surroundings. It is calm and relaxing.
LeConte Lodge Offices | Mt LeConte | Great Smoky Mountains National Park
LeConte Lodge DOES NOT have electricity or showers and nature provides the air conditioning.
The lodge does supply kerosene lamps, propane heaters, a washbasin and bucket (for sponge baths), bed linens, a pillow, table and chair, mirror, pegs to hang your backpack, and rocking chairs on a covered porch.
Guests need to bring their own towels and wash cloths.
Upon arrival, hikers may enjoy coffee or hot chocolate. The lodge serves daily family-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Your arrival and departure times determine which meals you get. If you have special dietary needs, let them know.
A privy building with flush toilets is a much welcome newer addition. Guests may get hot water from a spigot near the dining room entrance.
God provides incredible sunrises, sunsets, mountain vistas, beautiful trees, wildlife, and fresh air.
If you have never experienced a silent night on a mountaintop while looking at a perfectly clear, starlit sky, you need to stay at LeConte Lodge.
Making a Reservation
With such a limited number of spaces, you need to make your reservations well in advance. Reservations are by lottery, so if you want to stay at LeConte, get your name in early.
LeConte Lodge
250 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 429-5704
(865) 774-0045 (fax)
reservations@lecontelodge.com