As a reward for my husband, Robert, losing a lot of weight, we took a trip to LeConte Lodge in late June. It is the only lodge located in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and sits atop Mt. LeConte in Tennessee.
The lodge is at an elevation just under 6,600 feet. Because of the height and location, it is rustic. There is no electricity. Running water is minimal, as is cell phone reception. Nights are lit up by kerosene lanterns. Wildlife can be seen and heard.
We hiked/backpacked one of the five trails available to reach LeConte. It took us a little longer than we thought it would, 6.6 miles in 7.5 hours. (Down was faster, 7 miles in 5.5 hours.) 
After arriving the staff led us to our cabin to get cleaned up before dinner. The dinner they served was all you care to eat, in case we were really hungry after trekking all day.
Even though it was a challenge the views along the trails and at the lodge were worth it. The sunrise and sunset colors were spectacular.
Some tips: We had to put our name on a waiting list for the lodge before getting the opportunity to go. There is one major thing we will do differently when we go again: Stay two nights.
Submitted by Terri Glick of Van Buren
I've been to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Very nice! Took the Cades Cove auto tour. Interesting with all the old buildings, churches, scenery of the mountain. Saw a black bear, too!
Posted by: Jeff Ede | August 05, 2009 at 06:06 AM
Now this realy makes me homesick! The views from here words do not do justice!
Posted by: cat lover | September 19, 2008 at 02:25 AM
Now this realy makes me homesick! The views from here words do not do justice!
Posted by: cat lover | September 19, 2008 at 02:24 AM