Mount Leconte in the Smoky Mountains is much more than just the third-highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains; it’s a testament to both natural beauty and human determination! Towering 6,593 feet, it stands as the highest mountain completely contained within the state of Tennessee. But the story of Mount LeConte goes well beyond its stunning views and awesome hiking experiences. It’s a landmark that tells a story of conservation, hospitality, and Appalachian culture. Here’s more about the history of Mount Leconte:
Origins of Mount LeConte
The first official measurements of Mount LeConte came in the 1850s, but it wasn’t until the 1920s when it became more of a well-known landmark. Until then, the mountain was mostly undisturbed. The man at the center of it all was Tennessee native Paul Adams, an avid hiker and explorer.
Adams first summited Mount LeConte in 1918 in what would be his first of hundreds of trips up the mountain. Adams built the first tent campsite to ever exist on Mount LeConte and in 1925 he was hired by the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association to oversee and manage the facilities for visiting hikers and dignitaries from Washington, DC interested in establishing the Smokies as a national park.
From Tents to Lodge
In 1926, Gatlinburg mountaineer Jack Huff began building a rustic retreat with numerous buildings on Mount LeConte from wooden cabin materials. What he built is what’s still known today as the LeConte Lodge, a collection of cozy cabins for visitors to spend the night.
Huff and his wife Pauline operated LeConte Lodge until 1960, when ownership would be passed through numerous hands in the following decades. Herrick and Myrtle Brown owned it from 1960 to 1975, then Jim Huff, Hugh Ogle, and Bill Rinearson from 1975 to 1989. In 1989, Stokely Hospitality Enterprises in partnership with Tim Line took over ownership and management duties of LeConte Lodge.
A Place Stuck in Time
To this day, LeConte Lodge operates without electricity, running water, or modern amenities due to the remoteness and elevation of Mount LeConte. Yet, you’ll find propane heaters, kerosene lamps, hearty meals, and the warmth of community. Originally, horses and mules would transport supplies to the top of Mount LeConte. In 1986 the LeConte Lodge began using llamas to transport provisions thanks to their gentle grip on the rocky, steep trails. You can still witness these llamas bring supplies to Mount LeConte to this day!
The Legacy of LeConte Lodge & Mount LeConte
The LeConte Lodge celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2025. For a century now, the LeConte Lodge has bridged mountains and memories, standing as an enduring symbol of sustainable hospitality. Guests continue to return, drawn by the simplicity, timeless spirit, and opportunities to disconnect with the modern world while connecting with nature.
Mount LeConte helped play a role in early conservation efforts of the region. Paul Adams’ initial camp helped inspire officials to launch Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934. LeConte Lodge on Mount LeConte serves as a rustic tribute to mountain lodging and Appalachian traditions. It’s a place where conservation is perfectly balanced with hospitality and 100 years of stories are contained within its borders atop the mountain.
Visiting Mount LeConte
The legacy of Mount LeConte and the LeConte Lodge is everlasting! Did you know that you can still visit these 2 Smoky Mountain staples to this day? Check out our guide to Mount LeConte to learn more about getting to this one-of-a-kind Smokies landmark!
