LaConte Lodge

[Rackseeker]

I was wondering if anyone has ever hiked and stayed at LaConte Lodge in the Smokey Mountains. Looks like it would be a nice overnight trip. Looks like you have to make reservations way in advance. Thanks for any info.

 

[stik]

it is my understanding that the lodge is booked years in advance.

 

[Rackseeker]

I called Friday they have a few dates left for 2011. But if you want to go in the fall it will 2012 before there are any dates available.

 

[waywolf]

Went and stayed the night in 2009. Have reservations to go back in June this year. They start taking reservations on Oct 1 each year for the following year.

 

[moondawg]

I've heard it's best to reserve the Lodge way in advance.

My brother has hiked it--in the snow! He just stayed at one of the shelters.

 

[JohnnyBond]

Veryl cool pics

 

[Rowdy]

 

[Rackseeker]

Thanks for posting the pics Stovepipe. I think I'll call and put my name on the waiting list.

 

[goblrhntr]

 

[Rowdy]

Nice place!

 

[Lee Creek22]

I heard it is a great experience.

 

[Hogbear]

Just got my wait-list email of a cancellation, so Wife and I are going there in early June.

 

[Hogbear]

The Alum Cave trail down near the parking lot/trailhead is almost like a rainforest.

Lots of Rhododendrons and mountain laurels were blooming along the trail.

The pack llamas getting ready for the trip down the mountain. They haul up fresh food and haul the trash and mail down 3 times a week.

Wife chillin at the cabin with some hot chocolate after the hike up.

 

[Hogbear]

Deer chowing just off the trail.

Trail out to Myrtle Point.

View from Myrtle Point in the afternoon...why they're called the Smoky Mountains.

 

[GRAMPS]

I stayed there about ten years ago. Those great pictures really brought back memories. And hiking down that narrow trail with the cables to hold onto.....................pucker factor is an understatment.

I would not want to hike that section with snow and ice on the trail.

 

[lung punch]

Just got back from the lodge last week. One of my friends have been grandfathered into the system and gets reservations the second week in july every year. He has lost count of the times he's hiked that trail and has offered me use of his reservations. Great place to relax with friends. Not cheap though. And ya, going down the trail just after a rain or while it's raining and slippery is scary O.O

 

[Hogbear]

We met a young park ranger on the Alum Cave trail when we were hiking down and he said he's made it up from the parking lot to the lodge in 48 minutes in his running shorts, and about 1.5 hours in his uniform. Heck, I couldn't do it that fast on a motocross bike. Took us 3 hours going up.

 

[stik]

We met a young park ranger on the Alum Cave trail when we were hiking down and he said he's made it up from the parking lot to the lodge in 48 minutes in his running shorts, and about 1.5 hours in his uniform. Heck, I couldn't do it that fast on a motocross bike. Took us 3 hours going up.

young is the key word there