Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — Up in the Smoky Mountains, upon one of the highest peaks in Tennessee, the century-old lodge on Mount LeConte is celebrating a golden milestone.
On Monday, March 25, LeConte Lodge will open its doors for its 100th season. The lodge predates the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Former President of the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, which is also celebrating 100 years, Ken Wise, reflected on his first trip to the summit when he was 12 years old.
"Well, it was enjoyable until I got up to Alum Cave, but then it got stiff; it got hard," Wise said. "But I thought it was thrilling. I spent the night out, stayed out on Cliff Top till the stars all came up."
Phillip Clarkson first hiked LeConte in 2016 with his brother and some friends. From there, he fell in love with the park and worked for the National Park Service doing trail maintenance near Cade's Cove.
"There's 175 miles of trails that we maintain," Clarkson said. "Whether it being cutting trees, digging water drainage, brush material back or bridge construction. I mean, it was just a physical job that turned into just some of the best friends that I have."
When the lodge closes for the winter season, it's one man's job to watch the grounds on the summit. Clarkson said the task was one of the highlights of his life.
"I can't describe in photos or anything that could put it into justice as far as what I experienced as being out there," he said. "But definitely hold that place truly to my heart and kind of how I grew as a person."
Wise reflected on his memories of hiking and camping on Mount LeConte as a child. He said a lot has changed.
"When I was a kid growing up there, I could camp anywhere on LeConte I wanted to, and that's no longer possible," Wise said. "They want you to stay in the lodge or in the shelter. And I understand that because there's a lot more people there in there right now. So it's changed. It's not my old stomping ground when I was a kid. "
Now, avid hikers and lovers of the Smokies are hoping for 100 more years of history and breathtaking views.
"It's part of our history, part of our heritage, and we're celebrating it this year," Wise said.