I have been vacationing in the Smokies for some 20 years. And for many years staying at LeConte Lodge had always been a dream of mine. After several years of trying I finally got a reservation for mid-July.
I talked a good friend of mine to make the hike with me. So we hiked out early on. Thursday morning via Alum Cave Trail—the shortest trail to the lodge but a steep and strenuous hike. For an beginner, maybe novice hiker expect anywhere from a 4-6 hour hike to the top. Any experienced hiker can make it to the top on 2 hours, easily. I can't speak for any other trail to the top. But regardless, stay hydrated, take your time, and enjoy the journey up.
Once we reached the top Mr. Henry checked us in within minutes of arrival, showed us around the camp, and showed us to our cabin (#9). Once we settled down we napped for a few hours and woke up right before the dinner bell. Dinner was good, roast beef with instant potatoes, green beans, peaches, baked apples, corn bread, and cookies. My friend had some food allergies and the lodge was more than accommodating.
Breakfast was just as good the next morning. We stayed 2 nights so we were left with a full day to lounge around and be lazy, and also explore the trails near the lodge. One of the staff members, Casey, was kind enough to split a 6-pack with me when he had made a run down the mountain to pick up a few things in town. It was very kind of him of him to make the offer and add a bit of weight for the climb back up.
Cliff tops provided beautiful views as did Myrtle Point. The views do not disappoint.
Lunch was provided, a sack lunch full of goodies, as was dinner later that night. I chose the chicken and dumplings.
Overall, I could not have been happier with my experience. The staff was fantastic, food was good, cabin was comfortable, fellow hikers in neighboring cabins were considerate and not loud, drunks, or smokers. The weather was beautiful. High 40s at night and mid 50s during the day.
Expect the hike down to take half the time. But be sure to stop and enjoy the beauty around you from time to time.
I cannot wait to visit again!
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friends and I were able to snag a spot off of the wait list for this year and even with all of the Covid changes we still decided to book it. I’m so glad we did! I’ve wanted to stay the night at the lodge for years and even though it’s a bit pricey it is 100% worth it in my book. You get to break up the hikes (we hiked up boulevard and down alum), see the sunset and sunrise, get two delicious hot meals, and have a soft bed in a warm room. It’s so nice not to have to carry more than a change of clothes up with you and experience all of that.
The staff mostly stick to themselves and with Covid there was not much gathering, but my friends and I were able to meet Casey who works up there and he made our experience even greater. He went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed, tell us all about his experiences working and living at the lodge, and even drove us from the alum trailhead to newfound gap the next day. I only wish more of the staff was as friendly as he was because it would make the experience even better for all.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was looking for something unique to do with my son who is five and loves being outside.
LeConte Lodge was absolutely a fantastic experience and the most memorable trips we have done. We did Rainbow Falls Trail and underestimated hiking time up, but even with arriving late (past check in) the LeConte lodge team was fantastic.
They got us setup in our cabin quickly, my son loved the bunk beds and outdoor patio/deck. Dinner was delivered to each cabin deck (...trip was a few weeks after re-opening), it was very good and nice way to relax post hike. The LeConte team does a fantastic job keeping everyone feed, happy and safe.
I plan to do this every year with my son (hopefully) and looking forward to coming back in 2021.
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Date of stay: July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived at the Lodge on a cold day and couldn't check in until they had the gift shop open to sell shirts and stuff. A staff member took us to our cabin and explained the rules and restroom procedure, but wasn't real clear on instuctions. Coffee and lemonade was available sometime after we arrived and during certain hours (not all day). Coffee was watered down, very weak and lukewarm at best. Was told the lemonade was watered down as well, I didn't try it. A lunch bag was offered at a extra price, not sure what was in it. Supper was watery soup, canned roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans and for dessert 1/2 peach (canned) and a very hard cookie, (over all substandard, doubt it would past any health inspection). We paid extra for the wine. Part of the crew was introduced, but we weren't sure who was in charge. Guest interaction was not encouraged at all. So after supper everyone went to their own cabins., Beds were soft and comfortable and room was warm with the propane heater.. Coffee was a lot better at breakfast. Breakfast consisted of pancakes, grits, scrambled eggs, a biscuit and a very thin slice of ham a little bigger than a silver dollar. The biscuit was cold, very hard and tasted like baking soda. Everything was cold except the pancakes were warm and ok but cheap thin syrup. Two in our group had stomachaches after we ate, one with diarrhoea. Overall this trip was very overpriced for what they had to offer. We paid around $380 per couple plus about $50 for two shirts.. The stay wasn't worth half that. And if the cost wasn't high enough,. the staff ask for tips and any extra food we could spare. Next time we'll just hike in and out the same day.
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Date of stay: October 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â We weren't give a choice of the cabins.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I hiked to mt leconte and stopped at the lodge to grab a sack lunch. It was pouring down rain and ,out of my own stupidity, didn’t dress accordingly. When we got to the top I was soaking wet, freezing, and literally shivering. We bought 2 sack lunches and I asked if they had coffee. The woman refused to sell me coffee (even though she sold me lunch) because we weren’t overnight guests. I explained that I was freezing and just wanted something hot to drink and she offered that I purchase a sweatshirt from the office instead. No thanks, and after that, I’ll never book to stay there either.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have been coming here each year since 2007. The hike up Alum is hard, strenuous, perilously dangerous, and takes courage and being safety conscious. It is also beautiful and challenging with great rewards at the top. I would recommend at least two nights but bring a book. Cell service is spotty. The food is barely eatable and consists of mostly canned and processed food. The beds are comfortable and consists of two queen bunk beds. However, unless you have two persons per bed you are charged extra with what is called an empty bed fee. Also be advised while they change the sheets between guests the blankets are not changed.. The office and rec room is currently closed for renovation. You also are requested to wear arm bands with your name for some unknown reason. The management may be changing since the park service is putting the lodge out for bid. There is no electricity so come prepared. You do have access to hot water and they provide you with a small bar of soap. If you stay two nights you are provided with a lunch that consists of a chicken salad or a p&b sandwich along with some other processed food snacks. Check the daily posts for the best uptodate information.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Get to parking area at daylight if you want a parking spot
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an amazing experience. The staff are outstanding, I have never observed people working so hard and a true desire to accommodate their guests. Both dinner and breakfast were served hot with water, wine with dinner and coffee with breakfast. I thought both meals were incredibly satisfying. The cabins had comfortable beds, wool blankets, and heaters. I can’t wait to go again!!
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Read the website, know that it’s rustic.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We began our hike at the Alum Cave Trailhead in the pouring rain…a rather inauspicious beginning. While the rain did stop, the clouds and fog moved in and allowed for no views whatsoever. In spite of this start, nature provides, and the lower temperatures and fog made everything magical. The 5 mile hike and on the Alum Cave Trail is the shortest, but rather steep climb to the top of Mount LevConte at 6,593 feet. With the rain much of the trail was slippery, so we took our time putting safety first.
Our arrival at LeConte Ledge was a welcome sight and we were warmly greeted by, Ava, who checked us in and gave a tour of the lodge and it’s amenities. They even have flush toilets! We were in cabin 4 which was comfortable and cozy. Even though it was at the end of June we were wet and socked in by a cool, blowing fog. The propane heater warmed the cabin and dried our wet clothes quickly. In the meantime, we went down to the dining room for coffee and hot chocolate while we warmed up and dried out. We met friendly fellow hikers and told stories of our climb to the top.
We returned to our room for a brief rest before dinner at 6:00. Dinner was very generous with roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, stewed apples, half a peach, cornbread, chocolate chip cookies for desert. Wow, what a feast after a long climb! The staff was great making sure everyone as fully satisfied.
The beds in the cabin were clean and comfortable with plenty of blankets for the cool night air. We had hoped for a sunrise from Myrtle Point, but were disappointed as we were still socked in.
Breakfast was also great with pancakes, grits, scrambled eggs, biscuits, Canadian bacon, and apple butter with coffee or hot chocolate. What a way to start the day!
By this time the fog was starting to clear and we had great views on the hike down. We Mets lots of super, nice hikers and enjoyed our time at LeConte Lodge very much. I can’t say enough nice things about the staff.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Arrive early if you want a parking spot at the trailhead.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was my first time here, and I'm told it was very different due to COVID, but I had an amazing experience. It's very unique. The staff is above and beyond helpful. The food was surprisingly good given their limited resources. And they have WINE! Really you can't beat it. It was freezing the night I stayed, but the wool blankets they provide kept me warm enough to sleep. The hike up is beautiful, and the views at the top are amazing. You can see sunrise & sunset from here depending on weather. I also ended up in a cabin with some really fun people, adding to the experience. Can't recommend enough!
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Date of stay: March 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unique adventure hiking rainbow falls trail to Leconte Lodge. (Not for the novice hiker, I highly recommend hiking poles for the end of the trail) The Lodge staff was so welcoming and took time to explain how the camp is setup and the extra things available for overnight guests. (Headlamps are recommended for late night bathroom trips to the flush toilet house) The cabins are quaint with oil lamps and bunk beds. Loved sitting on the porch in our rocking chairs. The dining hall is accessible for cards and board games before and after meal times. It was a joy to share our meals with like minded adventurers and hear their stories of great experiences exploring and hiking.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Stay 2 nights. Most people only book one night and miss the opportunity to really relax and enjoy...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your packing will depend on the weather. Pack as light as you can. We have hiked in in shorts and had to pack out in coats and gloves. Rain gear is a must. You must pack in and pack out everything that is not paper.
It is a three bedroom lodge with a common area between the bedrooms. You do not share a bedroom with others. My husband and I had to take this option a couple of years ago when we were waiting for an opening. It was fine, we hardly saw the others who were in the other two bedrooms. However in this season of covid and the staff are feeding us on the porches, you may very well encounter others at meal time.
There are more places to choose from in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
leconte hotel great smoky mountains national park
LOCATION
United StatesTennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
15
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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