March 24, 2017

OPENING DAY

Which cabin will you call home for a night this season?

Greetings Admirers of LeConte,
     We are ready.  Today is Opening Day of the 2017 season at LeConte Lodge.  If you've been waiting to enjoy the splendors of the mountain, let this be the year you wait no more.  If you are excited about staying with us for the first time or the 50th time, we are equally excited about hosting you, your family, and friends.  Mt. LeConte is special to all of us, guests and crew, and for numerous reasons.  Let's admire the majesty of the mountain together, and make some lasting memories every day, now through Thanksgiving!

Good times are waiting. Will you answer the call?

    Our high temperature yesterday was 48 degrees, a great day for tending to chores outside.  Our overnight low was 32.  Conditions have been alternating between clear views to the north and clouds cloaking cabins.  Starting today and every day, visitors can purchase items from our souvenir shop and kitchen between the hours of 12:00 & 5:00 PM.  Meals for overnight guests are served hot at 6:00 PM, with breakfast hitting the  tables at 8:00 AM the following morning.  Be sure and check out our Online Store as well for any LeConte Lodge goods that don't require ascending the mountain.
     We are delighted to unveil this season's 2017 "I Hiked It" T-Shirt design.  Part of the allure of Mt. LeConte, as well as the GSMNP, are the various critters that call this place home.  This year's design, courtesy of our own Lisa Line, pays homage to our friends in nature and their unique tracks, several of which you will see on your way to and from the lodge.  Enjoy and wear this year's shirt with pride, since you earned it by climbing one of Tennessee's finest peaks.

     A few things to note as we start the season.  Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, the one-way road that provides access to the Grotto Falls trailhead of Trillium Gap, will not open to the public until April 7th.  Visit https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/seasonalroads.htm  for more details.  Your available options for the time being are newly renovated Alum Cave, The Boulevard, Rainbow Falls, Trillium Gap from Cherokee Orchard, and Brushy Mountain out of Greenbrier.  Bull Head remains closed indefinitely as a result of last fall's firestorm.
     In regards to our lovable Llamas, their schedule for the next two weeks will be Sunday/Tuesday/Friday.  This schedule is subject to change for various reasons, in which case we will keep you posted.  The best opportunity to see the llamas is at the lodge after they've arrived around lunch time.  They are typically here no more than 2 hours.  If you have the fortune of seeing them on the trail, please respect their space and heed the advice of the wranglers, as their mission is getting the Llamas with supplies to and from the mountain safely in a timely manner, while also keeping hikers safe and informed.
     Thank you and have a great weekend!