How Hard Is The Hike To The Mount Laconte Lodge?

Allow 6-9 hours for the hike. It's

strenuous, but not technically challenging

. Our hike took eight hours since there is so much to stop and enjoy along the way. At the top, we took a nice break at LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in eastern America at 6,360 feet elevation.

What is the easiest hike to Mount LeConte?

Some people feel that the

Trillium Gap trail

(6.7 miles) is the easiest trail to the lodge as this is the trail the llamas use to bring supplies three times a week and it is not as steep as the other trails. The Alum Cave trail is the shortest trail to the lodge.

How long is Mount LeConte trail?

Total distance to LeConte Lodge®:

8.1 miles

. Net Climb: 2,700 feet. The Boulevard Trail is a rolling trail following a narrow ridge with steep forested slopes on both sides; the trail is steep at the final ascent to LeConte Lodge®. You may occasionally encounter ice and snow in early spring and late fall on this trail.

Can you climb Mt. LeConte a day?

There are several trails that lead to the Mt LeConte summit, so you can take your pick. No matter which trail you choose,

you can think of it as an all-day hike

. Plan on making this your one and only Smoky Mountains activity of the day!

Is Mt. LeConte difficult?

Allow 6-9 hours for the hike.

It's strenuous, but not technically challenging

. Our hike took eight hours since there is so much to stop and enjoy along the way. At the top, we took a nice break at LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in eastern America at 6,360 feet elevation.

What trail do the llamas take to Mt. LeConte?

Since 1986, llamas have been taking the

Trillium Gap Trail

to Mount LeConte Lodge, a 14-mile-long journey.

What is the shortest trail to Mount LeConte?

Alum Cave Trail

Description: Alum Cave is the shortest and most popular trail accessing Mt. LeConte. We recommend arriving at the trailhead early, as parking spaces fill up quickly during the lodge season. The beginning of this hike parallels a creek until just past Arch Rock.

Is there cell service on Mt. LeConte?

No service for any cell companies inside the park

, especially on LeConte. Generally speaking, no cell service. If they are dropping you off at the trailhead, it is best to arrange pick up time at that point as getting in touch with them would probably be quite a long shot as cell service is spotty at best.

What should I bring to Mt. LeConte?

In summer, don't underestimate the Tennessee heat or even the ascending temperature change (nights can drop into the 30's degree range even in summer). Other recommendations include

a flashlight, rain gear, snacks, hand towel for a sponge bath, sturdy shoes, and water

.

Who owns LeConte Lodge?

Today, the facility is operated by

Stokely Hospitality Enterprises

under a lease agreement with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Every season from mid-March to late November the lodge's cabins, kitchen and dining hall draw about 12,000 overnight guests.

Can you tent camp at Mt. LeConte?

No tent camping is allowed on Mount LeConte

nor will you find camping allowed on any hiking trail leading directly up to Mount LeConte. There is however a very popular shelter on Mount LeConte that accomodates up to 12 Campers. Mount LeConte Primitive Shelter in summer.

Is Alum Cave Trail Hard?

About the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail

This

moderately difficult

hike is 4.6 miles round trip or 5.1 miles on to LeConte Lodge. The round-trip to the cave bluffs takes about 3 hours, but you should allow about 4 hours to LeConte Lodge. The Alum Cave trail is the most popular and well-known route to Mount LeConte.

How do I reserve a LeConte Lodge?

Please

call (865) 429-5704

for current availability. You will need to fill out a new form for the wait list when available. The reservation business hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Can you hike Mt. LeConte in the winter?

Where do you park to hike Mt. LeConte?

The Alum Cave Trail starts at the

Alum Cave Bluffs Trailhead parking lot

, located right on US-441 in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Gatlinburg, it is a 13-mile drive (30 minutes). There are several parking lots here. Even so, during the midday, overflow parking spills out on the shoulder lining US-441.

Is Alum Cave Trail OK for kids?

Alum Cave. Being one of the most popular hiking trails in Gatlinburg, Alum Cave is approximately 4.4 miles long. The round-trip hike begins with a moderate climb and is

well suited for older kids

.

Is there water on Mt. LeConte?

Water is available at the Mount Le Conte Lodge, but only during warmer weather

. There is also a spring located near the Lodge off the Trillium Gap Trail.

Is Mt LeConte open?

LeConte Lodge®

opens on March 22 and closes on November 24 for the 2021 season

. The resident management team will be posting weather and trail updates on the blog daily as timing and internet connectivity allows. The winter caretaker will pick up blogging duties during the off season. Check the Blog here.

What is the elevation of Mt LeConte?

6,593′

How long is Trillium Gap Trail?

The Trillium Gap Trail is a strenuous, all-day hike that is

nearly 14 miles roundtrip

and gains over 3,400 feet in elevation.

How many trails lead to LeConte?

Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a popular hiking destination. There are actually

6 trails

suitable for a Mt LeConte hike, and they all vary in difficulty, length, and features along the way.

Is Bullhead Trail open?

The trail is

open year-round

, but the best times to visit are March through November. The Bullhead Trail is an American hiking trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. the trail ascends Mount Le Conter and offers outstanding views. The Bullhead Trail is the least traveled route to the summit of Mount Le Conte.

How long is the walk up Clingmans Dome?

The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep

half-mile

walk to the tower at the top. On clear days views expand over a 100 miles. Unfortunately, air pollution often limits viewing distances to under 20 miles.

Does LeConte Lodge have electricity?

LeConte Lodge

DOES NOT have electricity

or showers and nature provides the air conditioning. The lodge does supply kerosene lamps, propane heaters, a washbasin and bucket (for sponge baths), bed linens, a pillow, table and chair, mirror, pegs to hang your backpack, and rocking chairs on a covered porch.

Does GPS work in Smoky Mountains?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not provide any characterization on the accuracy or precision on commercial, consumer-grade hand-held GPS equipment or GPS-enabled mobile devices such as smart phones. In general, visitors can comfortably assume that most devices are capable of 5 meters of hoizontal accuracy.

Is there WIFI in the Smoky Mountains?

Unfortunately,

there's very little signal (especially consistent signal) in the national park

. Some folks with certain providers have luck in certain locations, but I would not rely on any access in the national park for something critical like schoolwork.