Lodge closure notice

Due to the predicted impact of hurricane Irma within the national park, and especially at the higher elevations, the National Park Service will be initiating closures of LeConte Lodge operations beginning on Sunday, September 10. 

The Lodge will be CLOSED Sunday night and Monday night. For guests staying Tuesday night and beyond please continue to check our reservations office 865-429-5704 , the blog; http://www.highonleconte.com/daily-posts,
or the National Park Service website https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm for information on when the Lodge and park facilities will reopen.

We've had some interesting weather the past couple days.

Yesterday's low was 32 and the high 48. It only reached 38 last night so we are hoping that our upward trend continues.

It has been extremely sunny and warm with fantastic sunrises, although it seems like the clouds don't appreciate the sunsets and fog everyone out. Maybe today will be a game changer?

We have the rod run this weekend so please be careful on the way to the park.

Pack layers, it's getting chilly when the sun goes down and a bit on the breezy side.

We have llamas tomorrow and Sunday!

Bring your thermal layers guys it's getting a bit on the brisk side.
59/42 were our temps complete with a deluge, the opening act by the phenomenal lightning show, leaving us with 1.45” of precipitation.

It's quite muddy to say the least. And cloudy. But the fawns have been out which is pleasant. And the birds seem to be in good spirits today.

During breakfast it dropped down to 41 for a spell, we are expecting it to be quite cold tonight!

Due to the weather yesterday the llamas were delayed coming up today until tomorrow, then again on Saturday and Sunday.

This is the month for car shows! The Shades of the Past Rod Run (8-9) and later on the Pigeon Ford Rod Run (14th-16th) are in town. Guests coming up those dates are recommended to get an early start to the trailhead due to possible delays on the road.

Happy Wednesday!

Good Morning,
     After a most enjoyable stint of fall, conditions on the mountain have returned to their summer-like state. Yesterday's skies were a little more veiled than Sunday, but the sunshine still worked its magic in warming things up. Our high temperature reached 66 degrees, and our overnight low, not nearly as chilly as a few days prior, was only 49.  The mountaintop has been slowly clouding up throughout the night, and there is a strong possibility of rain showers rolling through the region this afternoon.  Be sure and pack those rain shells and warm layers if you have plans of scaling the mountain today.
     Have yourself a wonderful Tuesday.

Good Afternoon and Happy Labor Day!
     It feels like we’re being spoiled now, with another impeccably sunny day and comfortable late summer temperatures.  It was most enjoyable to get in an evening trail run as rays faded and colors burst from the western horizon.  Despite yesterday morning’s low of 39, it didn’t take long for the sun to warm things up on the mountain.  We eventually reached a high of 64 degrees and the air was calm.  Looking forward to a repeat performance today!

​     In the spirit of Labor Day, we’ll pay tribute to some of the amazing work done by groups and individuals over this backcountry lodge’s 93-year history.  Through the ages, there has been no shortage of sacrifice, commitment, volunteerism, and backbreaking sweat by man, woman, and beast to make this place churn like the finely tuned engine that it is.  This mountaintop is special to so many, and we’re honored to play host to the thousands upon thousands that have made the trek up to the lodge.  So, an endless stream of thanks to those that have given so much time and energy into making this place what it is today.

     Since 1925, the "House that Jack built" has undergone some extensive growth, but the experience and awe that come from staying at the lodge is still as invigorating as ever.  Considering the longevity of a number of the structures still in use here on the mountain, it's a testament to the labor and materials used to develop and expand this backcountry lodge beginning with Jack Huff and continuing through the Herrick Brown era.  In the last 40+ years, after a restructuring of wilderness regulations in the late 1970's, Tim Line has lead the operation into the future, balancing both progressive necessities while holding firm to the traditions and nostalgic qualities of the past. The goal remains the same as it ever has since Paul Adams first entertained dignitaries at a Mt. LeConte camp in hopes of establishing the Smokies as a national park...to provide visitors with a safe, comfortable, and inspiring quality experience in the outdoors.

     Whereas the biggest of projects through the ages easily garner the most attention, there are so many behind-the-scenes overhauls that have really made the operation and guest experience that much better.  So many of the structural improvements in recent years that visitors can enjoy, like covered porches for example, are courtesy of talented engineers and carpenters like Dave Pitts, Andrew Nigh, Crowder Construction, and many more.  During the span of about thirty years, the means of providing heat to the buildings located on this mountain has shifted from wood burning until the late 70's, then kerosene through the 80's and 90's, and eventually the propane that we've utilized in 21st century, whose grand design was that of our own Al Bedinger.  In the last decade, the inclusion of solar energy has allowed for certain lodge operations to adapt to the modern era, while also joining the cause for ecological responsibility.  The detailed minds of gentlemen like Ron Underwood and Gary White have made this possible.  Some of the most labor intensive work takes place in the weeks leading up to Opening Day during the annual Airlift, in which we are blessed to have such a fun and productive team of volunteers...you know who you all are!
     And then there are the daily tasks, perhaps the most important, that take place with precision and care for eight months out of the year.  The Crew.  The food you eat, the beds you sleep in, the famous shirts you buy, and everything in between are all due in part to a staff that is dedicated to providing you with that memorable mountain experience.  There's no forgetting our lovable llamas and their hard-working wranglers who serve as our supply bloodline multiple times every week of the season.  We must certainly include all of the fine folks at our Stokely Hospitality offices and reservations who have our backs and get our guests started on the right foot year after year.
     There are so many folks not mentioned here, all deserving of recognition.  Today we extend our deepest thanks and appreciation for your work done to make LeConte Lodge great!

     We'd like to give a special thanks to Dave Lindsay, a guest of ours who has dedicated his own time and energy during recent annual visits to re-cane some of our Dining Hall chairs.  Many of them date way back, and the seats themselves every so often need a little TLC.  It's interesting to watch him work and describe what would have gone into making the original chairs.  Dave is a talented and humble craftsman whose efforts are greatly appreciated and the finished results thoroughly admired.  Perhaps the next time you sit down to start in on some soup and cornbread, you'll be pulling out some his latest work from beside the table.

     Thank you to those of you who made the climb to the lodge this holiday weekend, and also to those of you checking in on us here from other locations around the world.  Have a prosperous Labor Day and happy trails!

Good Day,
     The sun is out and so are the people.  After a steady soaker of a Saturday, it was an invigorating sight to wake up to shining stars and clear skies this morning. Yesterday's continual mist put 0.45" down on us.  It was the coldest day we'd experienced in a while, never breaking 46 degrees for a high temperature.  Our low dipped to a crisp 34.  With the addition of the sunshine today, it hasn't taken long to warm back up, as we're already enjoying the mid 60's.
     Folks are flocking to the mountain today, as they should, enjoying their extended holiday weekends and this great weather.  The llamas are also here, and drawing their well deserved attention.  Time to get back after it!
     Have a great afternoon wherever you are.

Good Morning,
     The effects of Harvey pushing inland continue to linger, even here on the mountain.  Conditions remain cloudy, breezy, and rainy as moisture associated with the system keeps sweeping through.  We received 0.83" of rainfall yesterday, and temperatures have cooled.  Our high on Friday was only 55 degrees, and our low dropped to 43. We've been sitting in the mid 40's all morning, and that can quickly turn anyone towards hypothermia in this wind and rain without the proper layering.  Please continue to do all that is necessary to get yourself here safely and comfortably until the skies finally clear.
     Happy first official week of college football!  Folks are sure to be paying attention to their favorite school's games.  It's not unusual to observe crew or guests huddled around radios catching scores or play-by-plays every fall Saturday on Mt. LeConte.  We see people with cheering roots from all over, so there are bound to be mixed loyalties at every dining table these next few months.
     Everyone have a great start to the holiday weekend.

     Go Blue, beat the Gators!

Good Afternoon,
​     Well, we're getting all of the weather that was advertised.  September is rolling in like a lion.  The winds really picked up around camp about the same time the stove was getting turned on for breakfast prep.  The strongest gusts have been between 30-40 mph so far.  We tallied 0.9" of rainfall yesterday, caught a break during the night, and it resumed just after 10:00 AM.  These conditions are expected to linger throughout the day and night before clearing off tomorrow. Thursday's high temperature was once again 60 degrees, with another low of 50.  These clouds, wind, and rain are keeping temps in the mid-50's currently.
     If you come upon any damage to the trails, whether it be downed trees or slides, please let us and/or the NPS know so they can be tended to promptly, particularly on Trillium Gap.  We want to make sure our favorite llamas can stay on schedule!  Going forward, the llama train will be packing up supplies every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.
​     Have a great day and stay dry out there!