PARKING CHANGES IN GSMNP & SHUTTLE INFO!

To Our Valued Guests,
 
In April 2022, the National Park Service announced a proposal for new parking fees inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  After a civic engagement period and analysis of public input, the NPS officially announced in August 2022 its adoption of the “Park It Forward” program.  This program will go into effect Smokies-wide on March 1, 2023.
 
In the time since the program’s adoption, LeConte Lodge has been collaborating with GSMNP management, park partners, and other local businesses to devise a plan that will satisfy the National Park’s new standards and best serve our faithful overnight guests and dedicated day visitors.  This plan also took into consideration the valuable feedback that LeConte Lodge gathered in a November 2022 survey, whose results were also provided to GSMNP.
 
Once LeConte Lodge reopens on March 20, 2023 for its 99th season, overnight guests and day hikers hoping to visit LeConte Lodge can expect several changes before and after their time on the mountain.  Here is a brief summary:
 
PARKING AT TRAILHEADS

• Trailhead parking will be limited to existing paved lots, as roadside parking is no longer permitted.
• All trailhead parking will be first-come first-served.  A reservation at LeConte Lodge does NOT guarantee guests a trailhead parking spot.
• Overnight guests of the Lodge will need to purchase consecutive single day parking tags at minimum to cover both days of their trek and meet the National Park’s new requirements. (2 x $5.00 = $10.00)
• Guests staying multiple consecutive nights at the lodge will need to purchase a weekly ($15.00) or annual ($40.00) parking tag to cover their entire stay.
• To purchase a daily, weekly, or annual GSMNP parking tag, and to familiarize yourself with the new NPS rules and regulations, please go to www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvist/fees.htm.

 
SHUTTLES

• Several third-party shuttle companies will provide transportation services (for a fee) in and around the national park, including access to and from some of Mt. LeConte’s most popular trailheads.  A list of shuttle company options with their respective contact information can be found on our website at www.lecontelodge.com.  These shuttle companies are not affiliated with or operated by LeConte Lodge or the National Park Service.

 
OVERNIGHT PARKING IN GATLINBURG

• Visitors seeking an alternative to parking at GSMNP trailheads have the option of parking in Gatlinburg (for a fee), in addition to making separate carpool or shuttle service arrangements from town.  This parking lot is operated by Ober Mountain, and is not affiliated with LeConte Lodge or the National Park Service.  For directions to this lot, nightly rates, and what is required of lodge guests, please visit our website at www.lecontelodge.com.

 
LeConte Lodge will not be issuing refunds to guests who cannot find parking at trailheads or miss a shuttle ride.  All guests with reservations should review our updated Cancellation Policy at www.lecontelodge.com/reservations.
 
Please visit the Lodge reservations and NPS websites to review all available parking, shuttle, and tag information before contacting our reservations office with any questions.  This coming season, LeConte Lodge remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience as comparable as possible to the past ninety-eight, in light of the new GSMNP parking requirements.  We at LeConte Lodge thank all visitors for their continued support and future flexibility as we navigate these new paths together.  During the program’s rollout, it’s possible that the Lodge could alter certain visitor services or hours of availability to best meet the needs of our overnight guests, day hikers, and operation.
 
Thank you and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for season #99 on the mountain!