UPDATE: US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is back open. Alum Cave is once again accessible. Watch for ice and snow on the roadway as mountain temps will remain frigid into the weekend. Good Morning,
It’s a frosty Friday atop East Tennessee this morning. The summit was graced with another couple inches of fresh powder during the night, bringing our total accumulation to 4”. Temps remain in the mid teens at sunrise, which feels icier in the wind. It’s unlikely we’ll surpass the freezing mark today, and gusts near 35mph will see to that. Skies should slowly begin to clear later today and welcome a pleasant Saturday, but conditions will remain icy and cool into the weekend, at least until Sunday afternoon. The snow line extends pretty far down from our vantage point, so cold weather gear and traction devices will be a must for everyone hoping to safely and enjoyably reach the top. US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) remains temporarily closed this morning, which is no surprise given the recent precip and current temps. Whether it happens to reopen today or tomorrow will be the great wonder weighing on everyone’s minds. In the meantime, Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork are still open. So travelers have some extra walking to do if taking Rainbow Falls or Trillium Gap today. Earlier starts are advised, especially since snow and ice can slow down one’s usual hiking cadence. Have a great day.
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Good Morning,
We’re back in the thick of winter now! During the night, the Lodge received a slow dose of snow. Guests are waking up to about 2” of fresh powder and icy temps in the teens. The thermometer is not expected to surpass the freezing mark today, and the winds will certainly see to that, gusting as much as 55mph at times. Depending on how the rest of this storm tracks between now and tomorrow morning, we could see little to no more snow or a tack on a few inches. A mysterious late season snow this is that will keep everyone guessing. What isn’t a guess, is that US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is temporarily closed due to the hazardous conditions, and is likely to remain so today. At this time, Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork remain open. That gives folks with reservations access to Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap trails. Definitely have the traction devices ready, as foot traffic will eventually compact what snow there is and turn it into an icy walking surface. Hats, gloves, parkas, all the warm stuff for buffering against the wind, will be a necessity as well. Stay warm and safe out there today. UPDATE: Due to the hazardous weather conditions forecast for the mountains, US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) will be temporarily closed starting this evening. There is no timetable for when it will be reopened, likely not until the wintry weather and strong winds subside. Rain and snow chances in the mountains are a possibility now through early Friday. Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork Roads remain open at this time, providing access to trails like Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap. Bull Head, with its numerous downed trees and exposed sections, is not advised during hazardous conditions. Good Morning,
It’s been a roaring and rumbling past few hours in these mountains. As expected, plenty of wind and rain swept in, thoroughly soaking every nook and cranny after an arid week prior. The heaviest of the liquid precip appears to be behind us now, but winds will remain a factor the next couple days, with gusts upwards of 50mph still possible at times. And although we anticipate a break in the wet weather over the next few hours, temps will continue to slide down the scale which could cause flurries to fly around supper time and into tomorrow. Talking temps in the 20s before factoring in windchill. Depending on elevation, travelers could encounter rain, snow, or both if caught out late on trail. Best not wait around to find out, as early starts are recommended today. Currently not much is estimated to accumulate between now and Friday, but slick surfaces still pose hazards to those unprepared and unaware. We can outfit just about anyone from head to toe to fingertips in Lodge swag, but that doesn’t help one during their ascent. So come already dressed for wet and cold if a summit of the mountain is in your plans this week. Sunny skies look like they’ll make their return in time for the weekend. That will make the spring breakers spending time in the Smokies this week happy before heading home. Park roads providing access to Mt. LeConte remain open at this time, but as we all know, that could change at a moment’s notice with these forecast conditions. Have those plan b’s and c’s written up and ready if you’re a guest with reservations these next few days. Have a great day. Good Morning,
As winter and spring continue to slug it out, East Tennessee has to endure the collateral damage. Unseasonably warm temps will be yielding to an unrelenting and swiftly moving cold blast later today, creating a breeding ground for atmospheric turbulence across all elevations. High wind gusts near 50mph will be possible over the peaks tonight, while tornadic activity poses a threat in the lowlands. We could also experience a near 50° temperature from this afternoon’s high to tomorrow night’s low. Between that and the first burst of pollen across the South, folks’ immune systems will be tasked with handing a lot soon. Hikers, whether overnighting or making a day trip, should handle business on the mountain early today while conditions remain a mix of sun and clouds. By supper time the “fireworks” are set begin, in which travelers should either be cozied up here in their respective cabins or already back down to their homes/hotels. The excitement won’t stop there though, as rain showers early Wednesday will eventually transition to snow in the mountains and linger through Thursday. Any powder accumulation will be a wait-and-see determination between the changing temps, precip timing, and persisting ground warmth built up throughout this week. Either way, visitors need to come prepared for the challenging outdoor elements. Layers for staying warm and dry, traction devices, and balanced nutrition will all be keys to successful and enjoyable treks of the mountain this week. If the foul weather causes the NPS to temporarily close any of its roadways, we will of course share that information as we learn of it. Reminder that if you are an early riser, our gift shop (now located in the dining hall) is open from 9:00-10:00 AM. The area is then closed the rest of the morning while our hardworking crew tends to all the necessary cleaning and reorganizing in anticipation of the day’s incoming guests. Doors reopen to visitors from 12:00-4:30 PM for accessing the gift shop, checking in, and use of the tables. Have a great day. Good Afternoon,
If you think spring is here to stay in the Smokies, then you fell for the joke. April is coming in with a roar and it’s really just Old Man Winter in disguise. The mountain top has spent much of this Monday in a soupy cloud and a spitting mist. The lone bright spot is that temps continue to be mild, near 50° at the lodge and almost summer-like in the lowlands. That script will be taking a hard flip come Tuesday afternoon. Partly sunny skies and upper elevation temps near 60° will tease travelers tomorrow, but once the next storm front enters the equation, blustery winds mixed with precip and plummeting temps return with a vengeance. A Wind Advisory is in effect for Tuesday, calling for gusts of 45mph. Once the rain arrives late tomorrow, the thermometer will gradually drop toward the freezing mark and hang there for the next several days. There’s a strong possibility we’ll witness freezing rain and snow Wednesday and Thursday before skies clear in time for the weekend. This is not unusual for Mt. LeConte this time of year, and with so much information at one’s fingertips, there are no excuses for not coming dressed appropriately for these rapidly changing and potentially harsh conditions. Traction devices, layers for keeping warm and dry, are all musts the next few days. There’s been an exciting development in dredging up some fresh Mt. LeConte history. While performing a detailed study of the local ecosystem, the remnants of a petrified elf lodge were unearthed near where the famous Walker Stone was once rediscovered. And within this elf lodge was an impressively preserved tablet dated in 1924 describing the ambitious plans of elves famous for making cookies in tree houses. Apparently they were experimenting with some special recipes for baking delicious chocolate chip and no-bake cookies above 6,000’ elevation inside frasier fir trunks. The endeavor was a smashing success among the elf cookie-baking community, leading to the hosting of illustrious elf dignitaries there to admire the wondrous and magical properties of the mountain. Their stay was short lived though, as the culinary elves grew concerned over the new presence of a wily outdoorsman and his trusty German shepherd. Such important history remained lost for a century…until now! Since this means the first lodge atop Mt. LeConte actually began in 1924, the crew will be going through ALL the merchandise with sharpies updating them to read the “101st season.” We understand this may come to many of you as a shock, but pulling up a rocking chair and sipping down some famous lodge hot chocolate should cure what ails you. Have a great last day of March. Good Afternoon,
Happy Easter everyone! It’s going to be another beautiful day, and although plenty of folks will be staying close to home today, one should expect the park to still be congested at times. Skies will be an even mix of sun and clouds, with winds continuing to have their presence felt. Gusts upwards of 35mph will likely take the warm edge off of afternoon highs near 60°. It’s been most enjoyable to have a taste of spring this week, but happening this early in the calendar can be fool’s gold for a mountaintop that knows dustings of snow in mid May. And the upcoming forecast indicates just that, with the return of cold temps and icy precip looming in the days ahead. The crew has been hustling ever since we opened our doors…to be expected when your first week of the 100th season coincides with exemplary weather, spring breaks, and Easter weekend. But they still took time to make good on one of the fun holiday traditions, painting eggs. We sure have some creative folks on our team! Have a great day. Good Morning,
Well it was certainly a “Good” Friday yesterday, and the hikers sure showed up on the mountain. Holiday weekend, sun shining, friends and family outside enjoying nature, fun and laughter filling the Dining Hall. That’s some real Mt. LeConte magic right there! As busy as the summit was yesterday, one expects that the nation’s most visited national park will busting at the seams today. So pick your routes wisely and pack the patience while in transit. We missed out on a Wednesday visit from our favorite fuzzy friends due to the chaotic weather earlier this week, but our courageous llamas and wranglers made their first round trip run of supplies yesterday. It’s no easy thing to shake off the cobwebs after a winter of getting plump and happy, but we’re proud of our packers for diving right back into action. And the NPS was able to reopen Roaring Fork Road for the season yesterday. Please respect the signage about where it is permissible to park along the one-way road, as ignoring it can cause numerous obstructions and headaches trying to navigate the windiness. Plus it destroys the natural resources that a park is created to protect. Sunny skies are on tap for this Saturday. Temps will be a bit warmer today, ascending into the mid 50s. Breezy conditions are expected though, with gusts of 35mph possible over the crest. So don’t forget the wind breaker and hold on to your hat if basking in bountiful sunshine Myrtle Point this afternoon. Easter Sunday is going to be even warmer, calling for a high near 60°. If you pegged the Smokies for your spring break getaway this weekend, you certainly drew the lucky cards with this forecast! Have a great day. Good Morning,
It’s going to be a bit cooler today, a reminder that winter is far from finished with us, at least at our elevation anyway. A stunning sunset that never seemed to end last night has been followed by cloudier skies this morning. Breezy conditions have also returned, which will only add to the windchill in the teens. It’s unlikely the summit will eclipse 40° this afternoon. Gusts of 40mph are being predicted. Clouds are expected to thin as the hours pass, and temps really start to improve come Friday. That will bring joy to anyone visiting the Smokies over the holiday weekend, which hopefully exceeds potential traffic congestion frustrations likely to be incurred. The NPS sure have their hands full park-wide as they continue to cleanup downed trees and debris after the recent wind event. We’ve gathered some intel on Trillium Gap Trail and noted a few downed trees along the path and roadway. It is unknown when this area will be cleared and if the planned reopening of Roaring Fork will be delayed. As soon as we know for certain, we will share it. In the meantime, please continue to make detailed notes of new trail hazards so that they can be addressed sooner rather than later. Thank you. Our reservations office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday and the Easter holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday. Have a great day. Good Morning,
Yesterday was a wet and nasty day to be just about anywhere. With so many roads closed, only a handful of courageous souls challenged the trails and attained the summit. That said, it’s been a pretty sparse crowd enjoying meals in the dining hall. But we did get a few glimmers of hope come evening time. The skies parted during sunset to display some impressive views of the valley among purples and oranges above. Plus we learned that the NPS had reopened US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd). So visitors now have access to Alum Cave this morning. And now we’re waking up to an inspiring sunrise above a cloud sea. We’re still waiting on Cherokee Orchard to be cleared and to know if Trillium Gap Trail survived the storm unscathed so that we can welcome our first llama trip of the season. If you come across new hazards on any Mt. LeConte trail, please let us. Details matter…pictures, location, size and scale, trunk or rootball. Every bit helps the NPS know how to approach and clear the obstruction safely and effectively. The weather looks great now and into Easter Sunday. Given the forecast, the timing of the holiday, and a large portion of the Eastern US taking spring breaks, one should fully expect the Smokies to be slammed this week. That means traffic jams on roadways, packed parking lots early, and crowded trails with everyone trying to get a piece of the sunny outdoors. Temps will range from near freezing to 40s the next couple days, but get warmer toward the weekend. Have a great day. UPDATE: Cherokee Orchard has been recently assessed and is now closed at the park boundary due to downed trees. Guests with reservations for tonight affected by the road closures should contact our reservations office to discuss options if they have not already done so. Good Morning,
Over the past twelve hours, the howling winds have been packing some serious punch. We’re fortunate that the lodge sits below the ridge on a north-facing slope, because the roar of what’s been blowing over the crest from the south has been legit. The weather station at nearby Cove Mountain has recorded max wind gusts of 85mph so far, and Mt. LeConte has easily experienced the same. These winds are the kind that make you think your cabin is about to take flight, or knock you off your feet if not unconditionally focused on your balance while walking. No wonder they chain buildings to the ground atop Mt. Washington in NH! US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) will likely be closed for the duration of the High Wind Warning, as well as the rain expected to last all day. Precip could be heavy at times unless the mountains happen to break up the passing system. Cherokee Orchard Road is still open, but it’s possible that could change at a moment’s notice, especially if that road hasn’t been recently assessed. Anyone accessing the mountain from that side should know what they’re facing trail-wise. Trillium Gap Trail is 8.9 miles from that point, and although the path was recently clear of trees, that makes for a lengthy ascent in less than ideal elements. Bull Head is littered with downed trees of varying size and chewed up sections of trail. That leaves Rainbow Falls, the shortest of the three at 6.7 miles and with at least one major downed tree to navigate near the top. Please note this intel was before the current winds arrived. The rain is expected to roll in around breakfast time. That means anyone getting an early start can do themselves a favor by putting as many miles underfoot as possible before trails turn to muck or creeks swell. There’s also the benefit that traversing the north side of the mountain shields one from the nagging winds. Reminder that guests with reservations have peace of mind knowing a cozy cabin providing shelter awaits them. Day hikers don’t have that luxury and would be wise to wait this one out. Wednesday looks promising for up and down rambles. Be safe and have a great day. |
LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
April 2024
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