Gatlinburg Fire didn’t make to the crest of the Smokies. Are you planning on staying at the LeConte lodge?
No, but in 1968 my scout troop backpacked up Mt. LeConte and we pitched tents/sheltered nearby. I remember the 5 miles up the mountain! In those days you either walked or took a chopper to the Lodge if I remember correctly. As I look at the AT today I think I will walk be east of the Lodge, and will bypass it. That is the one of the most beautiful spots in the Smokies.