Just a few miles outside of Gatlinberg TN sits Mt Le Conte (6,593′) and one of the the Smokey Mountain’s hidden gems. The LeConte Lodge is the highest guest lodge on the east coast at 6,400′, offering hikers a way point for snacks and bathrooms on there way to the top of Mt. LeConte. And for a lucky few, the opportunity to spend the night in one of the lodges rustic cabins and experience the Smokey Mountains in a different way.
Below I’m going to go over some tips on reservations, when to go, some quick tips, bathroom info, foods and more!
How to Get LeConte Lodge Reservations
Reservations can be extremely hard and they tend to switch up the process from year to year. Here is the link to the LeConte Lodge reservations system.
How Much Does it Cost?
You can expect to pay $160+ per-person per night.
How to Get to the Lodge
Like the llamas that bring in all of the supplies, the only way to the lodge is by trail. There are 5 options to chose from with ranging levels of difficulty.
Alum Cave Trail – 5.5 Miles 2,560
The Boulevard Trail – 8 Miles 1,080ft of Gain
Bullhead Trail – 7.2 Miles 3,820ft of Gain
Rainbow Falls Trail – 6.5 Miles 3,820ft of Gain
Trillium Gap – 6.5 Miles 3,300ft of Gain
Bathrooms
The cabins do not have bathrooms. Located next to and under the office/gift show there are thee different bathroom options. Under the office is a men’s “standing only” rest room. The far building is a restroom open to the public and hikers. And then there is the closer free standing building that offers 4 locked bathrooms available to guests at the lodge only. The key for these locked rooms will be hanging in your cabin.
Food & Water
Your reservation come with two meals, dinner and breakfast. The was good and feel free to ask for more. They will happily serve you until you have had enough. Dinner is 6pm and Breakfast is at 8am. They will even sound the dinner bell before to let you know food is coming! There is also an unlimited wine option available for $12 extra. You must to let them know in advance and will receive a “bottom less glass” for the hour of dinner service.
They offer all sorts of dietary restricted meal options but you will need to let them know at least a week in advance.
As for water, there is safe potable water availed at the lodge office through a hand pump. Warm water is also availed in the kitchen when open.
Where to Hike From the Lodge
Cliff Top
Ony .5 miles (up) from the lodge is Cliff Point. This is one of the best views on the Mt. LeConte. And with the right weather one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see.
Murtle Point
A bit further of a hike, the trail to Murtle point will take you to the to the true “top” of Mt. Le Conte. Marked by a large rock pile, the summit is not much to see. Once over the peak you will follow the ridge to Murtle Point, another stunning view well worth seeing.
Tips
- From 5pm-5:30pm guests can get unlimited coffee or hot chocolate in the lodge. During covid you will have to get it to go.
- They will also serve hot coffee in the morning starting at 7:30am
- You will not get a cabin key, but will get a bathroom key. Make sure you use the guest bathrooms! The public restrooms can be a rough shape.
- If you’re planning on taking the Alum Cave Trail parking can be crazy. Like a hundred cars parked along the side of the road crazy. Make sure to get there early.