Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — LeConte Lodge is a landmark for adventurers in the Great Smoky Mountains. Thousands of feet up, it has offered visitors stunning views and treks that make lifelong memories. Soon, it will welcome visitors for its 100th season.
The lodge is at an elevation of 6,360 ft., according to its website. The peak of Mount LeConte, the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is at an elevation of 6,593 ft. The lodge was created in 1925 as groups worked to establish a national park in the mountains.
Originally, it was a tent camp built by Paul Adams that entertained dignitaries from Washington D.C. Construction on the retreat officially started in 1926 when Jack Huff, a mountaineer and the founder of LeConte Lodge started building the lodge's iconic buildings.
He and his wife operated the lodge until 1960, according LeConte Lodge's website. In 1989, the Stokely family started its tenure as owners of the lodge. John Northrup became its general manager in 2017 after working with the lodge since 2010.
LeConte Lodge is expected to open for the season on March 25 and will welcome visitors until Nov. 26. The lodge said most dates for the season have been booked, but people can sign up for a waitlist in case of cancellations.
The lodge is only accessible by hiking one of five Great Smoky Mountains trails, listed below.
- Alum Cave Trail: 5 miles (the shortest trail)
- The Boulevard Trail: 8.1 miles (the longest trail)
- Rainbow Falls Trail: 6.7 miles
- Trillium Gap Trail: 6.7 miles (considered the easiest trail)
- Bullhead Trail: 6.9 miles