Trail & Weather Advisory

LeConte Lodge® opens on March 20 and closes on November 22 for the 2023 season. The resident management team will be posting weather and trail updates on the blog daily, or as timing and internet connectivity allow. The winter caretaker will pick up blogging duties during the off season. Follow the Blog here.

The llamas only pack during the operating season.

Please call our reservations office at 865-429-5704 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, EDT, Monday through Friday, if you would like to check trail conditions or if you have any questions regarding your reservation. To check on a possible closure/opening of US HWY 441 (Newfound Gap Road), Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, or Cherokee Orchard Road, please call 865-436-1200 and follow the automated prompts.  For information regarding current other road or trail closures, visit the GSMNP website or follow their Twitter feed.

Nearby webcams within GSMNP, updated every 15 minutes, provide current weather and viewing conditions at elevations similar to that of the Lodge.  For a south-facing view into North Carolina from Newfound Gap (~5,100′) click here, or for a west-facing view from Clingmans Dome (~6,300′) click here. Note: web browser will open link in a separate window.

For the latest National Weather Service temperature and precipitation data from unique locations inside GSMNP, including Mt. LeConte, click here.  Note: web browser will open link in a separate window.

Please note that due to the elevation of the Lodge, temperature and trail conditions in March, April, late October and November may change quickly. The temperatures at the lodge may vary 15-20 degrees or more from the valley temperatures. Temperatures in teens and occasionally below zero, high winds, significant snow and/or ice are not unusual. We may strongly recommend hikers have hiking boots (not tennis shoes/sneakers), ice traction devices such as micro-spikes to make their hikes safer. Dress in layers with appropriate clothing, avoid cotton as it holds moisture. Please keep this in mind when booking your reservation. The Lodge does not close under these conditions.

If you are in doubt or don’t feel you have the appropriate gear, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that would cover your trip.

We will try to keep trail conditions and suggested clothing updated on the blog: www.highonleconte.com as much as possible.