Allow 6-9 hours for the hike. It’s strenuous, but not technically challenging. Our hike took eight hours since there is so much to stop and enjoy along the way. At the top, we took a nice break at LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in eastern America at 6,360 feet elevation.

Who owns LeConte Lodge?

Stokely Hospitality Enterprises
Today, the facility is operated by Stokely Hospitality Enterprises under a lease agreement with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Every season from mid-March to late November the lodge’s cabins, kitchen and dining hall draw about 12,000 overnight guests.

How long does it take to hike LeConte?

Allow 6-9 hours for the hike. It’s strenuous, but not technically challenging. Our hike took eight hours since there is so much to stop and enjoy along the way. At the top, we took a nice break at LeConte Lodge, the highest guest lodge in eastern America at 6,360 feet elevation.

How long does Alum Cave Trail take?

About the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail This moderately difficult hike is 4.6 miles round trip or 5.1 miles on to LeConte Lodge. The round-trip to the cave bluffs takes about 3 hours, but you should allow about 4 hours to LeConte Lodge. The Alum Cave trail is the most popular and well-known route to Mount LeConte.

How old is Mount LeConte lodge?

Searching for a place to stay in the park, my husband, French, and I discovered LeConte Lodge, located on Mount LeConte, just east of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It was built in 1926 by Jack Huff, a Gatlinburg mountaineer, eight years before the opening of the national park.

How do employees get to LeConte Lodge?

Each crew member receives 8 days off a month-without pay. If you do not have a car to leave at the trail-head, Gatlinburg is the closest town to the lodge. The shortest trail down the mountain is the 5 mile Alum Cave Trail, followed by a 10 mile drive into town.

Is Charlies Bunion a hard hike?

The out-and-back to Charlies Bunion covers just over eight miles and involves an elevation gain of 1,640 feet. It’s a fairly difficult hike that’s quite rocky, with a few steep sections.

Can a beginner hike Mt. LeConte?

LeConte, the Smokies still have something for you. Enjoy one or all of these easy hikes in the Smokies. They’re perfect for beginners and a great way to add a little more exercise into your routine. This easy hike will take you through the cool and shady forest before it opens up to Andrews Bald after 1.8 miles.

How hard is it to climb Mt. LeConte?

To reach the 6593-foot summit of Mount LeConte hikers will have to climb 2763 feet, and hike 5.5 miles from the Alum Cave Trailhead. The first section of the Alum Cave Trail, up to Arch Rock, travels over a fairly gentle grade. Hikers will follow Alum Cave Creek over the course of the first mile.

Is Alum Cave Trail OK for kids?

Alum Cave. Being one of the most popular hiking trails in Gatlinburg, Alum Cave is approximately 4.4 miles long. The round-trip hike begins with a moderate climb and is well suited for older kids.

Is Alum Cave Trail well marked?

For most hikers an ascent of Mount Le Conte, with perfect weather, is a challenging goal. This mountain deserves respect. The Alum Cave Trailhead is well signed. It is located on Hwy 441.