While tens of thousands of visitors flock to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee area each year for tourist activities like arts and crafts shops, outlet malls, amusement parks, and great restaurants, the real attraction of the area will always be the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The most unique lodging in the area, and one of the most unique places to stay in the world, is the LeConte Lodge. The only lodge located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, LeConte Lodge is an incredibly unique experience for nature lovers, hikers, and family adventurers.
Many special aspects make LeConte Lodge unique. First of all, the only way to access LeConte Lodge is on foot. There are no roads leading to LeConte Lodge, which is located atop Mount LeConte, one of the highest peaks in the Great Smoky Mountains. Hikes ranging in length from 5 ½-8 miles and from moderate to quite high difficulty offer the only access to these unique accommodations. The trails leading through the Great Smoky Mountains to LeConte Lodge offer spectacular natural views including cascading waterfalls, beautiful plant life, and the possibility of some wildlife sightings (even bears, so hikers must be aware!).
Once visitors arrive at LeConte Lodge, they are in for a gorgeous view. Many visitors enjoy watching the sunset after their day’s hike to the peak. Also important after a long day’s hike is a good, hot meal. Guests will not be disappointed. LeConte Lodge serves a hot, family-style meal for all guests. The accommodations are simple. There are no TVs and no showers. Flush-toilets are available as are sinks. You will need to bring your own towel, but the beds have linens provided. Oh, and do keep in mind that there is no electricity. That’s right. The LeConte Lodge has no electricity. Instead, guests are equipped with kerosene lamps and a flashlight is suggested. There is no better way to get a break from our technological world that with a visit to LeConte Lodge.
If this lodge is in such a remote area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then how are the supplies for food, bed linens, etc delivered? Pack llamas make treks to the lodge three times a week to bring the needed supplies. If you arrive at LeConte Lodge at the right time you might even be able to visit briefly with the llamas.
Reservations for LeConte Lodge are required and often need to be made about a year in advance, particularly if you plan to visit during the peak seasons of summer and fall, or on the weekend. Accommodations at LeConte Lodge range from small cabins to two and three bedroom lodges. The accommodations are rustic, as expected. The average cost per person for one night’s stay at LeConte Lodge and your dinner meal is $97 for a cabin and $64 for the lodge. Fees for children under 10 years old are reduced and if you would like to have wine with your dinner you will be charged an additional fee.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the greatest natural places in our country. To enjoy an incredibly unique experience in The Smokies, visit LeConte Lodge. For more information, you may visit the LeConte Lodge website at www.leconte-lodge.com.
