LeConte Lodge’s history predates that of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gatlinburg mountaineer Jack Huff began building the retreat in 1926. Later, when the movement to start the park was under way, many visiting dignitaries were put up at the lodge’s tents. The wilderness experience was a way of convincing people to support plans to turn the area into a national park.

Huff and his wife, Pauline, were married at a sunrise service at Myrtle Point. Jack, Pauline and other members of the Huff family continued to operate the lodge until 1960.