14 Of My Favorite Things About Mt Leconte Lodge

I have been leading trips up to Mt Leconte since 2015 and there is a reason I go back again and again. In honor of Valentine’s Day I thought it would be fun to share my 14 favorite things about Mt Leconte Lodge!

10. The stick to your ribs food at the top. While the food served at the top of the mountain isn’t fresh because they don’t have refrigeration up there they still manage to make it tasty AND it is super filling. You will burn loads of calories hiking to the top, to sunset and sunrise so want to make sure you fill up on the eats. I especially love the biscuits with apple butter & honey for breakfast!

9. The warm Hudson Bay blankets. The blankets on each bed are classic. I love not only the way that they look in the rustic cabins, but they are super warm. It gets chilly on top of the mountain - even in the middle of Summer.

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6. The people. Not only are the people that come on the excursions amazing, but also the people you will pass on the trail and staying at the top. Everyone has a story and the hikers going up to Mt Leconte Lodge are one of a kind!

5. Champagne & watermelon at the top of the mountain. Did you know it is tradition to carry a watermelon up the mountain along with a few bottles of champagne to toast at the top? It will be the best watermelon & glass of champagne you have ever had!

4. Dunking in the cool river stream at the end of the hike. This is like the natural cold water plunge everyone is doing today. Dunking in cold water is all the rage and there are certainly reasons why. Getting in cold water is very beneficial for your health. It decreases inflammation, speeds metabolism, boosts mood, reduces anxiety and speeds recovery.

3. The llamas… Did you know llamas carry everything to the top of the mountain. All of the food and bedding is carried up by llamas on Tuesdays and Fridays so if you are visiting at that time it is a great opportunity to see these cute creatures.

2. The hike up to Mt Leconte Lodge. There are 5 different routes you can take get to the top. My personal favorite is the Alum Cave trail which offers hiking along a beautiful mountain stream as well as sweeping views of the Smokies. It is the shortest and steepest of the trails (a bit over 5 miles long).

1. The views at sunset and sunrise. There are two different viewing locations. The hike to see sunset is about 1/4 mile and totally worth it. The hike to sunrise is worth it was well and the distance is one mile. Every experience is different. Each sunrise and sunset is unique and I have enjoyed each and every single one!

Join us on the upcoming “Be Fierce & Flourish” Mt Leconte Climb this coming May 16th-19th, 2024. It’s going to be amazing! A bucket list hike for sure.