LeConte Lodge

We have been coming here each year since 2007. The hike up Alum is hard, strenuous, perilously dangerous, and takes courage and being safety conscious. It is also beautiful and challenging with great rewards at the top. I would recommend at least two nights but bring a book. Cell service is spotty. The food is barely eatable and consists of mostly canned and processed food. The beds are comfortable and consists of two queen bunk beds. However, unless you have two persons per bed you are charged extra with what is called an empty bed fee. Also be advised while they change the sheets between guests the blankets are not changed.. The office and rec room is currently closed for renovation. You also are requested to wear arm bands with your name for some unknown reason. The management may be changing since the park service is putting the lodge out for bid. There is no electricity so come prepared. You do have access to hot water and they provide you with a small bar of soap. If you stay two nights you are provided with a lunch that consists of a chicken salad or a p&b sandwich along with some other processed food snacks. Check the daily posts for the best uptodate information.

This is a bucket list item every hiker should do. We scored a lodge room from a short notice cancellation. The weather both days was perfect. Definitely hike to Cliff tops for sunset and Myrtle point for sunrise. The meals provided were very good considering no electricity. The rooms are bare bones and be aware there are critter's that can get in especially at night. We hiked up Alum Cave and highly recommend that trail.

This gets 5 stars for uniqueness alone. Individually, there's no single characteristic that will blow your mind. Put them all together, at the end of a long and taxing hike (no matter what route you take), on a cool summer day, and it becomes paradise. The air becomes crisper and fresher, the smells more delightful, the food more delicious, the conversation more enjoyable, and the sleep even deeper. It's an experience any hiker should do at least once in their life.

Much of what we experienced this year is similar to what others reported in prior years. The hike in and out is hard but doable. We overpacked and paid for that, but really enjoyed having extra snacks and beverages with us b/c we stayed 2 nights. Breakfast at the lodge is actually very good. Dinner was barely edible but whatever. The views more than make up for it. Took the Alum Cave trail up and Boulevard down. Two of my group were concerned about the "open ledges" but it was really nothing to worry about. Both trails are beautiful and different from each other but much more crowded than we are used to. We stayed in Asheville before and after our hike and used Morgan's Transportation to drop us off & pick up. Quite convenient.

I did not stay in one of the cabins at the lodge but did stop on my way through to refill my water supply. The area is well maintained with friendly patrons and employees. If you are hiking through, be sure to check the gift shop hours. I arrived too late to check it out.

LeConte Lodge is one of the most beautiful lodges in the country! The hike up on the Alum Cave Trail is spectacular and the beauty of the lodge does not disappoint!

If you are a hiker, you have to keep trying to score a night at LeConte Lodge. Awesome trails to choose from (not easy) and then unique cabins and lodge at the top. The crew serves up an amazing dinner and breakfast. Bucket list!!

Never stayed but it seems stunning. Always accommodating with water & restroom when I hike past.