A Memorable Day On Mt. Leconte: Experiencing The Annual Helicopter Supply Drop

I recently had the experience of helping with the annual helicopter supply drop at LeConte Lodge on Mt. LeConte. Wow! An amazing hike, amazing experience and amazing views. Today, I would like to share more about this experience, several photos and a little information about Mt. LeConte and The LeConte Lodge. If you have never been, today you will find out why this is one hike you should be putting on the calendar.

At 6,593 ft. elevation, Mt. LeConte is one of the highest peaks in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1924, avid hiker Paul Adams led an expedition up the mountain to show the group the rugged beauty of the mountains. They spent the night in a tent which later became a cabin and eventually LeConte Lodge. LeConte Lodge is the highest inn serving guests in the Eastern United States. Featuring a series of personal cabins and a central lodge/dining hall the lodge is usually open from March – November and can accommodate around 50 guests at a time. Guests must hike in on one of five trails that access the mountain. Being a quite popular trip, guests are encouraged to make reservations a year in advance. Due to the lack of traditional access supplies are brought in annually via a helicopter drop. It was a beautiful day for the air lift.

On the hike up the last of winter was still hanging on the mountain. By the next day it had completely melted & now it is officially spring.

At the top enjoying the excitement of the supply drop and all of the amazing views.

Watching the helicopter getting closer with the supplies.

Drop! Navigating a tight space the helicopter brings all of the fuel, canned goods, t-shirts and more.

The next day the fog put the final hours of the lift on hold. After all the excitement the fog made for another gorgeous hike down from Mt. LeConte.

You can see for miles from here. The second ridge line below the bird is a view of Chalet Village in Gatlinburg from “Cliff Tops” on Mt. Leconte.This was a truly awe-inspiring experience. If you have not hiked Mt. LeConte or visited the LeConte Lodge you should start planning now.
You will find yourself surrounded by stunning views, wildlife and great people. Seeing Chalet Village from such a high vantage point in the picture above reminds us of what a great location the homes in this community occupy above Gatlinburg. Chalet Village is minutes to Ober Gatlinburg, downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Though it’s not Mt. LeConte, it has some pretty stunning mountain views of its own. Below are just a few Chalet Village properties, you can see more at our website.

Here Are Some Of My Featured Chalet Village Listings:

Functional Work Of Art W/Stunning Views
Once you see this functional work of art that doubles as a spacious home you’ll never want to leave.
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $950,000
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Upper Unit With Views!!
Much sought after top level corner condo has it all. Great mountain views & two large balconies put you one on one with the spacious outdoors.
Type: Condo
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $112,000
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Awesome Amenities Awesome Views
This spectacular custom built home offers so many unique features. Waterfall shower off master bedroom private deck, atrium green house, and includes all furniture and furnishings. Plus plenty of level parking and only
Type: Single Family Home
Location: Chalet Village
Price: $299,900
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