Great Smoky Mountains is Using Helicopters to Remove an Old Building from a Famous Mountaintop

If you are hiking Mount Le Conte this week, don’t be surprised if you see a helicopter carrying building debris through the sky. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is removing what is left of the recreation building at LeConte Lodge.

Crews began taking the building apart in July, and most of the wooden section was gone by early August. The latest airlifts are scheduled for Sept. 14 through 18.

The helicopter will fly from 9 a.m. until noon each day. LeConte Lodge will close to hikers during those hours, including its gift shop, restrooms and places to get food and water.

Fortunately, the cabins and other lodge buildings are not being removed. A new recreation building is expected to open for the 2027 season.

The Old Building Had Been There for More Than 50 Years

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According to the National Park Service, the recreation building was constructed between the late 1960s and early 1970s. Overnight guests used it as a gathering place for over 50 years.

The weather eventually caused more damage than the building could handle. It sits at approximately 6,500 feet, where it is regularly exposed to heavy snow, strong winds, and rain.

By early August, most of the wooden part had already been demolished. Crews are still working on the basement, stone walls and foundation. The park plans to replace the building with one that has the same general character as the original.

There Are No Roads to LeConte Lodge

LeConte Lodge sits approximately 6,400 feet above sea level, just below the summit of Mount Le Conte. To get there, you cannot drive and have to use one of five hiking trails, which range from five to 9.1 miles each way. Removing a building from the site is a little more complicated because all of the debris has to leave by air.

The helicopter is carrying loads between the lodge and an area near Oconaluftee Overlook on Newfound Gap Road. Drivers may be stopped briefly while crews load or unload materials.

You Can Still Hike Mount Le Conte

The lodge grounds will be closed while the helicopter is flying, but the mountain itself remains open. Hikers can continue using nearby trails and visiting the overlooks.

Flaggers will be posted at three places near the lodge. They may ask hikers to wait while the helicopter passes with a load. A composting toilet is available near the Mount Le Conte Shelter. The shelter is closed because of bear activity, but hikers can still use the toilet.

Water is also available from a spring along Trillium Gap Trail. The park recommends boiling or treating it before drinking. If crews cannot finish this week, additional airlifts may take place between Sept. 19 and 25.