MISC – FAQs
What is the Lodge’s cancellation/change policy?
Refund provided for cancellations up to 30 days prior to arrival, less a $15.00 processing fee. No refunds for cancellations with less than a 30 day notice. This includes meals and lodging for group lodges and individual cabins unless we are able to rebook your reservation space (s); in that event the amount received from another party for your reservation will be refunded, less a $15.00 processing fee. Any partial cancellation up to 30 days prior to arrival will result in a refund, less a $15.00 processing fee. Any change in reservation dates will result in a $15.00 processing fee.
There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our cancellation policy. We are not responsible for medical or family emergencies, weather or weather related trail conditions. Weather conditions or trail closures do not change the terms of our cancellation policy. There will be no refunds based on unavailable vehicle parking at trailheads in the National Park. It is the responsibility of all visitors to research Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s new vehicle parking fee policies effective March 1, 2023, and all parking or third-party shuttle service options in advance of their stay. We encourage you to research travel insurance services to best meet your needs if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
It is not permissible by any individual, company, church or organization to increase for profit the approved and published rates under any circumstances. Failure to comply with this notice will result in forfeiture of current reservation and future booking privileges.
Are weddings allowed in the National Park?
The National Park has recently changed their policy on weddings performed in the park. To review their wedding policy, please visit their website.
Is there a set quiet time for LeConte Lodge?
Yes. In consideration of other guests, we ask that you observe our quiet time from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
What will the weather be like during our visit?
While it can be difficult to predict the weather up on Mt. LeConte, you can find a fairly accurate 6-day forecast for our location here.
How long is LeConte Lodge open?
Our business operating season is roughly 8.5 months long, so it is much more than just a summer job. We host overnight guests and serve day hikers in mid-March going nonstop until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. While we are closed, a winter caretaker maintains the blog and keeps watch over the facility. High traffic days during the season would include most weekends, holidays, summer months, and the autumn leaf change in October. Quieter times on the mountain are at the bookends of the lodge season, or May and September while schools are in session. The 2022 season will run from March 21st – November 22nd.
How tall is Mount LeConte?
Mount LeConte sits at an elevation of 6,593 feet, making it the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. LeConte Lodge sits just below the mountain’s peak at 6,360 feet elevation.
Does the crew hike to work every day?
Fortunately, they do not. The crew are provided with living quarters at the lodge while they work, as each day begins by 7:30am and usually culminates around 7:30 pm.
Who operates the lodge currently?
LeConte Lodge® is owned and operated by locally based Stokely Hospitality Enterprises. The lodge functions as a concession of the National Park system here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stokely Hospitality Enterprises provides various lodging and dining accommodations throughout Sevier and Knox counties here in East Tennessee.
How long has LeConte Lodge been in operation?
Paul Adams was commissioned to host a camp near the summit of Mount LeConte in 1925. The camp’s placement would be ideal for entertaining and showing guests the surrounding mountains that would later become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1926, Jack Huff was appointed caretaker of the camp, and upon the construction of a balsam log cabin, the notion of rustic lodge atop Mount LeConte first came to life.
What are hikers’ fastest trail times on Mount LeConte?
The fastest known time (or FKT) for ascending Alum Cave Trail is 45 minutes, from base to lodge. The FKT for descent of Alum Cave Trail is 26 minutes. The FKT for completing all five approach trails plus Brushy Mountain Trail in a single day stands at just over 8 hours. The most ascents of Mount LeConte by a single person in a single day stands at 7 summits over 19.5 hours. There is no official registry for these challenges currently.
What are the lodging options?
Guest can choose to stay in one of our cozy one-room cabins or accommodations in one of our three multi-bedroom lodges.
Is hiking the only way to access the Lodge?
Yes, as there are no roads that lead to the Lodge.
How many guests are normally staying at LeConte Lodge?
The Lodge can house up to 60 guests at a time. Availability, weather, season, illness, or unforeseen circumstances can affect how many guests are on site at a time. Normally, we are fully booked as LeConte Lodge is such a beautifully unique experience where hikers from all over the world can come and relax in the heart of the Smokies.