Visitors heading to Mount LeConte should expect temporary traffic delays and limited access to LeConte Lodge during morning operations.
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) — Visitors planning a trip through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park next week should be prepared for temporary traffic delays and restricted access near LeConte Lodge as demolition work continues on the former recreation building.
The National Park Service will conduct helicopter airlifts Aug. 10-14 from 9 a.m. until noon to remove debris from the demolition site atop Mount LeConte.
Motorists traveling U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road near the Oconaluftee Overlook, just south of Newfound Gap, should expect brief traffic delays while helicopters load and unload construction materials.
Hikers should also be aware that LeConte Lodge grounds will be closed during the morning airlift operations for safety reasons.
During the closure, visitors will not have access to the LeConte Lodge gift shop, restrooms, water spigots or food and beverage services because those facilities are located within the helicopter safety zone.
The lodge’s gift shop and visitor services will reopen each day once airlift operations conclude around noon.
If hazardous weather prevents flights from taking place, the National Park Service says the airlift operations will be postponed to Aug. 15 and 16.
The Smokies.LIVE Travel Center encourages visitors to allow extra travel time, plan ahead if hiking to Mount LeConte and follow all posted safety instructions while the helicopter operations are underway.
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