Unlike most national parks that have more than a few lodges within their borders, most of which you can drive right up to, Great Smoky lays claim to just one lodge. And you must walk more than a few miles to reach it. But then, that's part of the charm of staying at LeConte Lodge.
Check out this video and entire article about the LeConte Lodge experience.
LeConte Lodge access trails, Great Smoky Mountains National Park / NPS file
Located at an elevation of 6,360 feet, not far from the 6,593-foot (1,938.5 m) summit of Mount LeConte, LeConte Lodge is a well-sought destination for those with reservations. Five park trails lead to the lodge, with the Alum Creek Trail offering the shortest route, at 5-and-a-half miles (9 km). Of course, it’s also the steepest!
Other trails that wind up at LeConte Lodge are Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap, each 6.5 miles (10.5 km); Bullhead, just over 7 miles (11 km) ; and Boulevard, which entails a hike of 8 miles (13 km) to reach the lodge.
LeConte Lodge, which predates the park’s establishment, coming to be in 1924 when a tent camp was created to foster support for a national park, is not to be confused with a four-star hotel. But it oozes character. You’ll find a collection of nicely weathered and simply furnished cabins, which offer no electricity but nice blankets and clean linens.
A LeConte Lodge single cabin with double and twin beds, Great Smoky Mountains National Park / NPS file
LeConte Lodge dining room area and kitchen, Great Smoky Mountains National Park / NPS file
You can, however, clean up by filling the provided wash basin with water from a faucet outside the dining hall, which offers breakfast and dinner.
You can find more information on LeConte Lodge and make reservations at this page. Be forewarned, though, this is a highly popular destination that fills months in advance. Click here for 2024 rates.
Outside of the park, you'll find more than a few name brand chain hotels and charming bed-and-breakfasts in the surrounding communities. Click the links below for more lodging information.
North Carolina
Bryson City
Cherokee
Graham County
Haywood County
Maggie Valley
Tennessee
