Amenities – FAQs
What is there to do at the lodge?
Take a short hike to view the sunset and sunrise or sit and relax on the porch and enjoy the views of the Smokies from your rocking chair. Whether feasting your eyes on a sunset from Cliff Tops, watching a tame boomer squirrel nose around at your feet, enjoying a concert of birds warbling in the bushes or making way for a meandering black bear, your time spent at LeConte Lodge® is natural quality time.
Is there heat?
Yes. For your safety, we ask that guests do not attempt to light the heaters. Please come to the office or dining room for assistance.
What time are meals served?
Breakfast is served at 8:00am ET and dinner is served at 6:00pm. Both meals are served hot so please arrive on time. Some slight adjustments are made for sunrise and sunset during late March, October, and early November. Lunch is provided at no additional charge for guests who stay more than one night. It is offered as a sack lunch.
What do the meals consist of?
Breakfast consists of scrambled eggs, Canadian Bacon, biscuits, pancakes, grits and Tang. Evening meal consists of soup, cornbread, beef and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, stewed apples, peach half and chocolate chip cookies. All meals are served with coffee, hot chocolate and water. Alternate evening meals are provided for guests staying more than one night and with advance notice we can accommodate most dietary restrictions.
How are the meals served?
Our meals are rooted in Southern Appalachian heritage and are crafted to satisfy an appetite stimulated by fresh mountain air and energy expended on the trail. Guest meals are served in our communal dining hall at specific times, typically 6:00 PM for supper and 8:00 AM for breakfast. Supper is served family style with plenty of extra helpings, while an adequate breakfast utilizes various fresh ingredients served in moderation due to our remote location and unique provisioning.
What are the dining room hours?
Dining room hours are 9:00-10:00 AM and 12:00-4:30 PM.
There is a staff presence in the Dining Hall from 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily, but hours for visitor services inside can vary. Refer to posted signage when visiting.
What is included in the sack lunches?
To simplify planning for your hike, for $14.00 we offer a sack lunch which consists of the following: bagel, cream cheese packet, beef and pork stick, fruit leather, trail mix, cookies and a Gatorade drink packet.
Can you accommodate vegetarians and food allergies?
With advance notice, we can accommodate most vegetarians and many food allergies. Vegans and vegetarians that are on a raw diet may need to pack most of their own food.
Special menus (must be requested at least 1 week in advance):
Vegetarian: Breakfast- scrambled eggs, biscuits, pancakes and grits.
Dinner- soup, vegetarian entrée, mashed potatoes, green beans, baked apples, peach half, cornbread, chocolate chip cookie. For multiple night stays, vegetables and fruit may change.
Gluten-free: Breakfast-scrambled eggs, Canadian bacon and grits.
Dinner- beef (no gravy), mashed potatoes, green beans, baked apples and peach half. For multiple night stays vegetables and fruit may change.
How much wine do we get and what kind?
Can I fill my water bottle?
There is safe a potable drinking water available at the lodge during operating season only. There is a cold-water spigot located near the office, and warm water available outside the kitchen. All spigots and holding tanks are drained for the winter off-season, so day hikers and visitors staying at the National Park Service backcountry shelter must utilize a natural spring located NE of the lodge along Trillium Gap Trail. Boil and/or treat all water collected before consumption.
Will I have cell service?
Cell service has improved in recent years but can still be unreliable as a result of our remote location and weather.
Are there souvenirs available for purchase?
Yes! We have “I Hiked Mount LeConte” shirts available at our gift shop that you can’t buy anywhere else. We also have other apparel such as infant clothing, hoodies, pajamas, hats, beanies, and much more. Other souvenirs available include ornaments, mugs, patches, coasters, magnets, post cards, etc. Don’t forget to stop by while visiting the lodge during the hours of 9:00-10:00 AM or 12:00-4:30 PM.
Can I purchase wine after I arrive?
Yes, if you have forgotten to purchase your wine before your hike then you may do so at check-in or prior to 4:30 PM on Mt. LeConte.