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Great Smoky Mountains LeConte Lodge

Saturday, April 4, 2026 - Saturday, April 11, 2026 -- $2100 ★★, ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT


Most visitors to Great Smoky Mountains National Park have heard of the legendary LeConte Lodge —a rustic, full-service mountaintop retreat perched near the summit of Mount LeConte and accessible only on foot. We are excited to offer a rare opportunity to cap off a weeklong backpacking journey with an overnight stay at this iconic destination. Fitpacking has secured highly sought-after reservations for this unique experience, blending backcountry adventure with a touch of comfort at 6,593 feet.


Despite being the most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains offer abundant solitude when you know where to go. Our carefully planned route explores less-traveled paths, taking you deep into pristine forests, across high-elevation balds, along cascading streams, and through historic hollows rich in natural and cultural heritage.


Wildlife sightings are common, and the park is home to a rich variety of animals, including black bears, deer, elk, wild boar, and even the elusive red wolf. With Alum Cave, virgin spruce-fir forests, trout-filled streams (note: we are not permitted to guide commercial fishing trips), and sweeping meadows where elk and turkeys roam, this journey truly captures the spirit of the Smokies.


Even if you’ve hiked with us in this region before—or even stayed at LeConte Lodge—you’ll find this trip offers new perspectives, new trails, and new experiences. Led by seasoned guides who have spent years exploring the Smokies, you’ll gain insight into the area’s diverse flora, fauna, and history. From plant identification to storytelling around the fire, this trek promises to be as awe-inspiring as it is physically rewarding.



Topographical Map of Proposed Route

See Topo map


Weather

Weather in the Great Smoky Mountains is always a key factor when planning a successful hiking trip—especially in spring, when conditions can vary dramatically with elevation and terrain. In April, typical daytime temperatures range from the 60s to 70s°F, with nighttime lows commonly between 40 and 50°F. These temperatures are generally ideal for hiking and sleeping outdoors.


However, spring in the Smokies can be unpredictable. Cold fronts, rainstorms, and dramatic shifts in temperature are all possible. Higher elevations, such as Mount LeConte, may still experience overnight lows in the 30s, and while rare, late-season snow has been known to fall even into April. Some past trips have encountered snow and freezing temperatures, while others enjoyed warm, sunny days or spring showers.


In short, April in the Smokies offers a beautiful, vibrant landscape with budding wildflowers and active wildlife—but hikers must come prepared for a full range of weather: cold, warm, wet, and potentially even wintry at the highest elevations.



Probable Trip Leaders

Beau Devlin
Collin Chambers
Any Other Guide(s) TBD

Cost

$2100 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. Single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also share one of 2 communal cabins at LeConte Lodge (single room accommodations are not available at the lodge). You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Asheville Airport (AVL), as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, a night in LeConte Lodge (with sit-down dinner), 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Park, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome guides.




Important notes about this trip

While we have secured guaranteed reservations at LeConte Lodge, other parts of the route may vary. The itinerary provided reflects the 2018 trek, but adjustments may be made to explore different areas of the park or accommodate backcountry permit availability. The National Park Service issues these permits 30 days in advance, and campsite assignments are not confirmed until then. We will ensure any changes maintain the quality and integrity of the trip experience.


This trip is extremely popular, and group size is strictly limited. The park permits a maximum of 8 hikers in the backcountry, in addition to our one-night stay at LeConte Lodge. Given the high demand and limited capacity, we strongly recommend booking early to secure your spot. While we typically avoid creating a sense of urgency, in this case, we do expect the trip to sell out quickly.


The route may involve creek or stream crossings without bridges. You should be prepared to wade through water that may reach knee height. We recommend bringing water shoes and trekking poles for safe and comfortable crossings.


While all Fitpacking trips present physical challenges, this trek may be considered moderately strenuous compared to others in our program. The terrain offers relatively solid footing, and we may be able to cache food mid-trip, significantly reducing pack weight. These factors can make the hiking more manageable, especially for those new to multi-day backpacking.


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Itinerary
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Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
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Itinerary


Saturday, April 4, 2026

Drive or fly into Asheville Airport (AVL). The best time to arrive is between around Noon-3PM, earlier is generally better. However, if you can save a substantial amount on your flight by arriving a few hours earlier or later than the suggested window, then do so.

Asheville is a small airport so flights may be limited.

Take the free airport shuttle to local hotel: TBD

Equipment shakedown. We go through your packs to make sure you're prepared for the trip equipment-wise.

We will assemble at: TBD, To Be Determined

Make-your-own trail mix bar. You craft your personal trail mix from a cornucopia of nuts, fruits, sweets and occasional wildcard items that we provide.

Go to Diamond Brand Outdoor Shop, 53 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 771-4761, info@diamondbrand.com for last minute equipment if necessary

Go out to welcome dinner at local restaurant. Cost of dinner not included in trip cost.

Stay in local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined


Sunday, April 5, 2026

Free hotel breakfast.

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage.

Shuttle to the Thomas Divide Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, elevation 4650'

Depending upon the number of participants and vehicles, we may take up to an hour to shuttle vehicles within the park to the Alum Cave Trail

Begin hiking on one of the lesser used high elevation trails in the Park, the Thomas Divide Trail, elevation 4650'

Hike 1.8 gently undulating ridgeline miles to the Kanati Fork Trail, elevation 5000'

Hike 2.8 gently undulating ridgeline miles to the Sunkota Ridge Trail, elevation 5000'

Hike 0.4 miles on the Sunkota Ridge Trail to Campsite 52, elevation 5000'

Camp at Newton Bald Campsite #52, elevation 5000'

Miles today: 5.0. Total miles: 5.0

Possible bailout: Route 441


Monday, April 6, 2026

Hike 0.5 miles on the Newton Bald Trail to the Mingus Creek Trail, elevation 5000'

Steadily descend 4.7 miles on the Newton Bald Trail to the junction of highway 441 and Smokemont Campground, elevation 2250'

Cross Route 441 and pick up food cached here pre-trip

Hike 1.8 practically level miles on the Bradley Branch Trail through Smokemont (an old settlement, CCC camp and cemeteries) to the Chasteen Creek Trail and the Chasteen Creek campsite #50, elevation 2360'.

Camp at Campsite 50, elevation 2360’

Miles today: 6.5, total 11.5

Possible bailout: Route 441


Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Day-hike 0.7 miles to the Chasteen Creek Cascade and back to camp for lunch, elevation 2360'

Resume a gentle hike beside the Bradley Fork of the Oconoluftee River on the Bradley Fork Trail for 3.7 miles to the intersection with the Cabin Flats Trail, elevation 2500'

Hike 0.8 miles on the Cabin Flats Trail to the Cabin Flats campsite #49, elevation 3250'

Camp at campsite 49, elevation 3250'

Miles today: 5.9, total 17.4

Possible bailout: Highway 441


Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Hike back 0.8 miles on the Cabin Flats Trail to the intersection with the Dry Sluice Gap Trail, elevation 3250'

Climb steadily (translation: difficult climb) for 2.9 miles on the Dry Sluice Gap trail, through several forest types until the trail levels briefly

Turn left on the Grassy Branch Trail and hike 2.5 miles to the Kephart Shelter elevation 3636'.

Camp at Kephart Shelter, elevation 3636'

Miles today: 6.2, total 23.6

Possible bailout: Highway 441


Thursday, April 9, 2026

Awaken before dawn to get an early start on a long day, and to make it to LeConte Lodge before sit-down dinner begins.

Climb 3.7 uphill (but graded) miles on the Sweat Heifer Trail, elevation 5830'. Yay, we're on the Appalachian Trail!

Hike 1.0 miles on the AT to the Boulevard Trail, elevation 6030'

The Boulevard provides a beautiful undulating hike through a spruce/fir forest along the Anakeesta Ridge with frequent sweeping views of the northeastern side of the Park

Hike 4.9 miles on the Boulevard Trail, enjoying vista after vista to High Top, the crest of Mt. Leconte and the third highest elevation in the Park at 6,593 feet

Gently descend 0.5 miles on to LeConte Lodge. Our lodging includes family style supper and breakfast, and plenty of it. You can purchase souvenirs from the lodge and send a post card with the LeConte Lodge post mark to your family. Llamas will pack out your post card on Wednesday. Our cabins have propane heat, kerosene lanterns and genuine Hudson’s Bay wool blankets for all the comforts of (a 19th century) home. The lodge is only accessible by foot and you have earned it.

Day-Hike 1.0 round-trip miles to enjoy a National Geographic quality sunset from Cliff Top after dinner. Return to enjoy a hot cocoa in the community room, play a board game or sing a song or two (note: singing ability not required).

Miles today: 11.1. Total miles: 34.7

Possible bailout: Highway 441


Friday, April 10, 2026

LeConte Lodge provides a full sit-down breakfast

Steadily descend 5.5 miles from the lodge on the Alum Cave Trail to the Alum Cave Trailhead, elevation 3800'

Along the way we will pass by Gracie's Pulpit, Alum Cave and Arch Rock; the latter two being two of the most interesting geological formations in the Park. The trail actually passes through Arch Rock. Trail renovations on this trail have just recently been completed, and will be a pleasure to walk. The last mile and a quarter especially is an easy stroll all the way to the parking lot

End of hiking

Possible bailout: Cherokee Orchard Road

Miles today: 5.5. Total miles: 40.2

Shuttle back to local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined

Gather your off-trail items from storage

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)

Stay in our local hotel (included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Saturday, April 11, 2026

Free breakfast in Hotel

Take free airport shuttle or we will pay for a shared cab/Uber


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