Frequently Asked Questions
Why are visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park having to purchase parking tags, and how does one purchase a parking tag?
For information regarding the National Park's new paid parking tag regulations and requirements, please visit their official website.
For information regarding the National Park's new paid parking tag regulations and requirements, please visit their official website.
We've purchased a daily, weekly, or annual parking tag...so are lodge guests with overnight reservations guaranteed a parking space at any of the trailheads?
No. All trailhead parking within GSMNP is first-come first-served, regardless of your planned activity. Parking of any kind in non-designated areas, including roadsides, is no longer permitted. The NPS will be issuing warnings, citations, or towing those vehicles parked "out of bounds."
No. All trailhead parking within GSMNP is first-come first-served, regardless of your planned activity. Parking of any kind in non-designated areas, including roadsides, is no longer permitted. The NPS will be issuing warnings, citations, or towing those vehicles parked "out of bounds."
If we aren't guaranteed a parking space at a trailhead, what other options do we have for visiting LeConte Lodge?
For information regarding local shuttle companies providing services to and from trailheads, please visit our reservations website. There you will find website links and contact information for third-party shuttle companies providing services in and around the national park.
For information regarding overnight parking available in Gatlinburg, please visit our reservations website. There you will find what is required of guests looking to carpool or ride a shuttle between Mt. LeConte trailheads and Gatlinburg.
For information regarding local shuttle companies providing services to and from trailheads, please visit our reservations website. There you will find website links and contact information for third-party shuttle companies providing services in and around the national park.
For information regarding overnight parking available in Gatlinburg, please visit our reservations website. There you will find what is required of guests looking to carpool or ride a shuttle between Mt. LeConte trailheads and Gatlinburg.
Can visitors expect changes to the lodge experience as a result of COVID-19?
Please visit our reservations website for the latest information regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols at the lodge, as dictated by the NPS.
Please visit our reservations website for the latest information regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols at the lodge, as dictated by the NPS.
How long has LeConte Lodge® been in operation?
Paul Adams was commissioned to host a camp near the summit of Mount LeConte in 1924. The camp's placement would be ideal for entertaining visiting dignitaries while showing them the surrounding mountains that would later become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1925, Jack Huff was appointed caretaker of the camp, and upon the construction of a balsam log cabin, the notion of a rustic lodge atop Mount LeConte first came to life.
Paul Adams was commissioned to host a camp near the summit of Mount LeConte in 1924. The camp's placement would be ideal for entertaining visiting dignitaries while showing them the surrounding mountains that would later become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1925, Jack Huff was appointed caretaker of the camp, and upon the construction of a balsam log cabin, the notion of a rustic lodge atop Mount LeConte first came to life.
Who operates the lodge currently?
LeConte Lodge® is owned and operated by locally based Stokely Hospitality Enterprises. The lodge functions as a concession of the National Park system here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stokely Hospitality Enterprises provides various lodging and dining accommodations throughout Sevier and Knox counties here in East Tennessee.
LeConte Lodge® is owned and operated by locally based Stokely Hospitality Enterprises. The lodge functions as a concession of the National Park system here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stokely Hospitality Enterprises provides various lodging and dining accommodations throughout Sevier and Knox counties here in East Tennessee.
How does the lodge receive its supplies?
Every March before opening its doors to guests, the lodge utilizes an airlift to helicopter in its supplies necessary for operating the entire season.
Throughout the season, alternating teams of pack llamas visit the lodge several days a week. The llamas, and their wranglers, are responsible for exchanging goods to and from the mountain. The llamas utilize the Trillium Gap Trail, with ascents and descents each taking close to several hours. The llamas usually arrive with supplies around lunch time on the days they pack, with their stay never lasting more than a couple hours.
Every March before opening its doors to guests, the lodge utilizes an airlift to helicopter in its supplies necessary for operating the entire season.
Throughout the season, alternating teams of pack llamas visit the lodge several days a week. The llamas, and their wranglers, are responsible for exchanging goods to and from the mountain. The llamas utilize the Trillium Gap Trail, with ascents and descents each taking close to several hours. The llamas usually arrive with supplies around lunch time on the days they pack, with their stay never lasting more than a couple hours.
How long are you open?
Our business operating season is roughly 8.5 months long, so it is much more than just a summer job. We host overnight guests and serve day hikers in mid March going nonstop until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. While we are closed, a winter caretaker maintains the blog and keeps watch over the facility. High traffic days during the season would include most weekends, holidays, summer months, and the autumn leaf change in October. Quieter times on the mountain are at the bookends of the lodge season, or May and September while schools are in session. The 2024 season will run from March 25th - November 27th.
Our business operating season is roughly 8.5 months long, so it is much more than just a summer job. We host overnight guests and serve day hikers in mid March going nonstop until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. While we are closed, a winter caretaker maintains the blog and keeps watch over the facility. High traffic days during the season would include most weekends, holidays, summer months, and the autumn leaf change in October. Quieter times on the mountain are at the bookends of the lodge season, or May and September while schools are in session. The 2024 season will run from March 25th - November 27th.
Does the Crew hike to work everyday?
Fortunately, no. The crew are provided with living quarters at the lodge while they work, as each day in season begins by 7:30 AM and usually culminates around 7:30 PM. That doesn't stop crew members from making day trips into town during afternoons off between serving guest meals, though!
Fortunately, no. The crew are provided with living quarters at the lodge while they work, as each day in season begins by 7:30 AM and usually culminates around 7:30 PM. That doesn't stop crew members from making day trips into town during afternoons off between serving guest meals, though!
What days do the llamas come to the lodge?
The llamas bring supplies to the lodge three times a week during the season. Our wranglers lead them up and down Trillium Gap Trail in the same day. The average trip sees them arrive at the lodge around noon, never staying for more than two hours before descending the mountain. The llamas usually pack in supplies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, although this schedule is subject to change at a moment's notice. Follow the daily blog or contact our office for updates on the llamas.
The llamas bring supplies to the lodge three times a week during the season. Our wranglers lead them up and down Trillium Gap Trail in the same day. The average trip sees them arrive at the lodge around noon, never staying for more than two hours before descending the mountain. The llamas usually pack in supplies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, although this schedule is subject to change at a moment's notice. Follow the daily blog or contact our office for updates on the llamas.
Do the llamas spit?
We like to think of our llamas, who are all males, as the friendliest, hardest working pack animals around. Our wranglers do a fantastic job getting them trained up for lugging loads and accustomed to people on the mountain. But like any animal, if provoked, there is no guarantee the spit won't fly! So please heed the advice of our wranglers and be respectful of the llamas' space if you happen to see them on a packing day.
We like to think of our llamas, who are all males, as the friendliest, hardest working pack animals around. Our wranglers do a fantastic job getting them trained up for lugging loads and accustomed to people on the mountain. But like any animal, if provoked, there is no guarantee the spit won't fly! So please heed the advice of our wranglers and be respectful of the llamas' space if you happen to see them on a packing day.
Will we see a bear?
The native black bear rarely strolls into camp as it forages for food. At LeConte Lodge®, we are stewards of the environment, utilizing effective means of waste disposal, recycling, and storage. Overnight lodge guests are provided with secure food storage barrels when they arrive, and all visitors are expected to be responsible when it comes to interacting with all wildlife. Do not feed the animals or leave your packs/belongings unattended! These poor habits will only encourage wildlife to lose their fear of people, become dependent, and turn into a nuisance that can place people and property at risk. If you see a bear, please deter them from entering camp by making noise, standing tall on higher ground, gathering in groups, and throwing small rocks if necessary. Please keep the lodge and NPS informed of bear sightings.
The native black bear rarely strolls into camp as it forages for food. At LeConte Lodge®, we are stewards of the environment, utilizing effective means of waste disposal, recycling, and storage. Overnight lodge guests are provided with secure food storage barrels when they arrive, and all visitors are expected to be responsible when it comes to interacting with all wildlife. Do not feed the animals or leave your packs/belongings unattended! These poor habits will only encourage wildlife to lose their fear of people, become dependent, and turn into a nuisance that can place people and property at risk. If you see a bear, please deter them from entering camp by making noise, standing tall on higher ground, gathering in groups, and throwing small rocks if necessary. Please keep the lodge and NPS informed of bear sightings.
What will the weather be like during our visit?
If we could guarantee our visitors clear skies, dry trails, and stellar sunsets every day, we would...but since the weather is out of our control, we cannot. Mount LeConte sits in a temperate deciduous forest that receives 85 inches of rain annually. It experiences all four seasons, takes the brunt of high winds, frigid temperatures, humidity, deep snows, and everything in between. We encourage all visitors to follow National Weather Service forecasts in advance of your trip to best prepare for the elements on trail. If in doubt...bring that rain jacket just in case.
A fairly accurate 6-day forecast for our location can be found here.
If we could guarantee our visitors clear skies, dry trails, and stellar sunsets every day, we would...but since the weather is out of our control, we cannot. Mount LeConte sits in a temperate deciduous forest that receives 85 inches of rain annually. It experiences all four seasons, takes the brunt of high winds, frigid temperatures, humidity, deep snows, and everything in between. We encourage all visitors to follow National Weather Service forecasts in advance of your trip to best prepare for the elements on trail. If in doubt...bring that rain jacket just in case.
A fairly accurate 6-day forecast for our location can be found here.
What are temperatures like at the lodge?
Temperatures are consistently 15-20°F cooler than those felt in the Tennessee Valley. Day time highs in the summer are regularly in the upper 60's and lower 70's. It's not uncommon to reach single digit lows in early March and late November of the lodge season. The highest temperature ever recorded on the mountain was 81.5°F, occurring on June 30, 2012. It was the second of three consecutive days where the thermometer has only ever broken the 80°F mark.
Temperatures are consistently 15-20°F cooler than those felt in the Tennessee Valley. Day time highs in the summer are regularly in the upper 60's and lower 70's. It's not uncommon to reach single digit lows in early March and late November of the lodge season. The highest temperature ever recorded on the mountain was 81.5°F, occurring on June 30, 2012. It was the second of three consecutive days where the thermometer has only ever broken the 80°F mark.
What activities are available at the lodge?
Depending on COVID-19 prevention protocols, a number of our visitor amenities may be modified. Please contact our Reservations Office for more details as these modifications are subject to change at a moment's notice. There is something for everyone atop Mount LeConte, regardless of group size or length of stay. In our Dining Hall you will find a large assortment of games that cater to all ages and abilities. We have several stringed instruments on hand for visitors to borrow during their stay, as music making is a popular way for guests to mingle. If you have the time and desire to do some more hiking upon arrival, there are numerous landmarks worth seeing in relative proximity to the lodge. Cliff Tops is 0.2 of a mile southwest of camp. Myrtle Point is 0.75 of a mile to the east, in which case you'll scale the summit of High Top (6,593') along the way. Be sure and add a rock to the cairn so we can catch Clingmans Dome! For something a little longer, the Rocky Spur overlook is 1.2 miles down Rainbow Falls Trail from the lodge. On occasion, the NPS will provide an interpretive ranger to lead a naturalist program. These programs range from Black Bear education, Salamander searches, Bird watching, or park history, all at interesting locations in and around the lodge.
Depending on COVID-19 prevention protocols, a number of our visitor amenities may be modified. Please contact our Reservations Office for more details as these modifications are subject to change at a moment's notice. There is something for everyone atop Mount LeConte, regardless of group size or length of stay. In our Dining Hall you will find a large assortment of games that cater to all ages and abilities. We have several stringed instruments on hand for visitors to borrow during their stay, as music making is a popular way for guests to mingle. If you have the time and desire to do some more hiking upon arrival, there are numerous landmarks worth seeing in relative proximity to the lodge. Cliff Tops is 0.2 of a mile southwest of camp. Myrtle Point is 0.75 of a mile to the east, in which case you'll scale the summit of High Top (6,593') along the way. Be sure and add a rock to the cairn so we can catch Clingmans Dome! For something a little longer, the Rocky Spur overlook is 1.2 miles down Rainbow Falls Trail from the lodge. On occasion, the NPS will provide an interpretive ranger to lead a naturalist program. These programs range from Black Bear education, Salamander searches, Bird watching, or park history, all at interesting locations in and around the lodge.
Do you sell any merchandise at the lodge?
We have a gift shop at the lodge, currently located in the Dining Hall, that is only open during the operating season. Since our crew has a multitude of daily tasks - the bulk of which are in preparation for that day's next round of overnight guests - we have specific hours set forth for when the gift shop is open. Visitors can make purchases from 9:00-10:00 AM, and 12:00-4:30 PM daily during the season, so plan your trip to the mountain accordingly if you hope to walk away with some great souvenirs! Lodge enthusiasts can also purchase unique merchandise from our online store, but understand that ALL "I hiked it" pieces are only sold on the mountain during the eight month season.
We have a gift shop at the lodge, currently located in the Dining Hall, that is only open during the operating season. Since our crew has a multitude of daily tasks - the bulk of which are in preparation for that day's next round of overnight guests - we have specific hours set forth for when the gift shop is open. Visitors can make purchases from 9:00-10:00 AM, and 12:00-4:30 PM daily during the season, so plan your trip to the mountain accordingly if you hope to walk away with some great souvenirs! Lodge enthusiasts can also purchase unique merchandise from our online store, but understand that ALL "I hiked it" pieces are only sold on the mountain during the eight month season.
What time is guest check-in/check-out?
Upon arriving at the lodge, overnight guests with reservations should proceed to our Dining Hall between the hours of 12:00-4:30 PM to check-in. Arriving sooner than noon does not guarantee one's ability to check-in early, as our staff requires the morning hours to clean and prepare the cabins after the previous night's guests have departed. Guests arriving late after 4:30 PM, although this is highly discouraged, should still proceed to the Dining Hall for check-in. The self check-out time is no later than 9:30 AM.
Upon arriving at the lodge, overnight guests with reservations should proceed to our Dining Hall between the hours of 12:00-4:30 PM to check-in. Arriving sooner than noon does not guarantee one's ability to check-in early, as our staff requires the morning hours to clean and prepare the cabins after the previous night's guests have departed. Guests arriving late after 4:30 PM, although this is highly discouraged, should still proceed to the Dining Hall for check-in. The self check-out time is no later than 9:30 AM.
What is the smoking policy?
No smoking is permitted in any of the buildings or on any of the porches. We are in a remote and forested area, and all of the structures are made of wood. Our firefighting capabilities at the lodge are limited, so please use caution when extinguishing cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Ash trays are provided for overnight guests in each cabin.
No smoking is permitted in any of the buildings or on any of the porches. We are in a remote and forested area, and all of the structures are made of wood. Our firefighting capabilities at the lodge are limited, so please use caution when extinguishing cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Ash trays are provided for overnight guests in each cabin.
What are hikers' fastest trail times on Mount LeConte?
The fastest known time (or FKT) for ascending Alum Cave Trail is 45 minutes, from base to lodge. The FKT for descent of Alum Cave Trail is 26 minutes. The FKT for completing all five approach trails plus Brushy Mountain Trail in a single day stands at just over 8 hours. The most ascents of Mount LeConte by a single person in a single day stands at 7 summits over 19.5 hours. There is no official registry for these challenges at this time.
The fastest known time (or FKT) for ascending Alum Cave Trail is 45 minutes, from base to lodge. The FKT for descent of Alum Cave Trail is 26 minutes. The FKT for completing all five approach trails plus Brushy Mountain Trail in a single day stands at just over 8 hours. The most ascents of Mount LeConte by a single person in a single day stands at 7 summits over 19.5 hours. There is no official registry for these challenges at this time.
Have other questions?
Our reservations office is available on weekdays from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Call us at 865-429-5704, or email us at [email protected] so we can help in planning your visit to the lodge! A great deal of guest related information can be found at www.lecontelodge.com as well.
Our reservations office is available on weekdays from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Call us at 865-429-5704, or email us at [email protected] so we can help in planning your visit to the lodge! A great deal of guest related information can be found at www.lecontelodge.com as well.