LeConte Lodge Now Offering Shuttle Service to Smokies Trailheads

Photo credit: LeConte Lodge Facebook

In case you were hoping there would be a shuttle bus that could take you up to LeConte Lodge… well, I am sorry to disappoint you, but a hike remains a necessary option for staying at the 100-year-old accommodations for those that have reached the summit. No—instead, they are offering a convenient shuttle service to trailheads leading up to Mt. LeConte beginning June 30th.

The new shuttle service will start slowly. For the first two weeks—until July 13th—LeConte Lodge will offer rides to and from one trail, Alum Cave. The times for the first 14 days will be 10:25 and 12:30. After July 13, 2 more dropoff times and 3 more pickup times will be added, including stops at Rainbow Falls Trail. Full details are listed at their website below.

Website: https://www.lecontelodge.com/shuttle/

The shuttle rates are priced at $25 per person, but they only include one way. In your cart at checkout, you’ll have to add your outbound and inbound route separately, so please keep that in mind.

The LeConte Lodge Shuttle Cancellation Policy I’ve also included from their website is as follows: Shuttle trips may be cancelled for a full refund up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled trip. No refunds will be issued within 72 hours of the scheduled trip. For refunds, call: 865-868-6031.

The purpose for creating this service to guests aims to reduce the amount of cars parked in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As some of you already know, it’s the most visited national park in the country, and lots of resources have been needed to curb (if you will) the problem of safety and damage to areas of the park due to the sheer volume of traffic. We all want to preserve this beautiful land for everyone who visits.

LeConte Lodge is a bucket list activity for many people near and far. Even if you don’t desire to stay at the lodge, reaching the summit to check out the highest guest lodge in the eastern U.S. on Mt. LeConte is noteworthy enough. And, as I mentioned in the opening, you can only hike to it. No roads lead to this mountaintop, but there are five different trails leading to the lodge. They range from 5 miles to 9.1; however, they all will challenge you in getting up to its 6,400 feet in elevation.

The Lodge is simplistic, relaxing, and provides a sense of renewal. You’ll feel like you’re truly “roughing it,” stepping into a different time period where you’re housed in log cabins and served family-style meals in their main dining room. Propane heaters, kerosene lanterns, wool blankets, and kerosene heaters only reinforce the unplugging nature of a stay at LeConte Lodge.

I can’t think of a better way to reduce pollution, save the stress of driving in traffic, and get whole with nature than by choosing LeConte Lodge’s new shuttle service to start your epic hiking journey!

This post wasn’t sponsored in any way, and I didn’t receive any special privileges for writing this article.

Thank you for reading the latest news in the Smoky Mountains on my publication. Stay tuned for more news, lists, and important information you can use for your own Gatlinburg vacation. I appreciate your support, kindness, and inspiration for keeping this thing going!