Are you looking for a unique place to stay when you visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? How about a lodge located at the top of Mount LeConte! If you’re an avid camper, a stay at this iconic lodge should be on your Smoky Mountain bucket list. Start planning your stay at this backcountry area and learn more about how to get to LeConte Lodge:
History of the LeConte Lodge
In 1925, an avid hiker named Paul Adams built a tent camp on Mount LeConte. It is the third-highest peak of the Smokies at 6,593 feet and boasts stunning views. Adams wanted to help improve the trails by making sure that visitors had a comfortable place to rest after a rewarding hike. In 1926, the first permanent log cabin was built. The area steadily expanded as the national park was established. Today, LeConte Lodge has been standing for more than 100 years!
Hiking to LeConte Lodge
How do you get to LeConte Lodge? It is located in the backcountry area of the park, so visitors must hike to get there. There are 6 trails that lead to the summit of Mount LeConte and the Lodge:
- Alum Cave Trail: a short but steep route at 5 miles one-way and 2,763 feet of elevation gain. Other highlights of the trail include Arch Rock and Inspiration Point.
- Rainbow Falls Trail: 6.7 miles one-way; this hike features the tallest single-drop waterfall in the Smokies at 80 feet tall!
- Trillium Gap Trail: nearly 7 miles one-way; take some time to explore Grotto Falls at about 1.3 miles from the trailhead! Along the way, you might just come across the train of llamas that transport supplies up to LeConte Lodge!
- Bullhead Trail: just under 7 miles one-way; named for a bald that extends off Balsam Point and resembles a bullhead. It stands at an elevation of 4,300 feet.
- The Boulevard Trail: over 8 miles one-way; Hikers will travel on part of the iconic Appalachian Trail and see Charlies Bunion on this route!
- Brushy Mountain Trail: the longest route to LeConte Lodge at 9.1 miles one-way; hikers begin the journey on the Porter’s Creek Trail before climbing up to the summit.
Things to Know About Staying at LeConte Lodge
No matter how you get to LeConte Lodge, you will enjoy a cozy stay in the mountains. Hikers can choose to stay in the lodge or a cabin. While the lodge gives hikers a private bedroom, they will share a common area with other guests. Hikers also have the option of booking a private one-room cabin. Both the lodges and cabins have bunk or single beds with linens provided. Breakfast and dinner are served at a community dining hall with a sack lunch provided during the day. While there is a lantern in the bedroom, be sure to pack a flashlight, as there is no electricity in the restrooms.
Now you know all about staying at LeConte Lodge! Want to know about other mountain peaks of the Smokies? Discover these things to know about Kuwohi before your hike!
