Good Morning,
It’s officially the half-way point of the 2024 season! In some ways it seems like it sneaked up on us quickly, but there’s still a big ole chunk of time left for folks to hike on up and partake of the Lodge’s 100th season. Expect plenty of travelers to flock to the Smokies these last few days of the month as families’ summer vacations come to a close. Although traffic numbers to the region might subside some once the calendar jumps into August, the hot and humid temps aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. This mountain is no stranger when it comes to the weather being feast or famine. Take this month for example. Over the first 2.5 weeks of July, the summit barely accounted for 0.6” of rain, leading to earlier than usual drought-like conditions across the mountain after a parched June also. But in the last week, the pendulum swung intensely the other direction, with total rainfall exceeding more than 7”. Soils have reached enough of a saturation point that even yesterday’s light but steady rain kept trails and pathways in a river-like state all day and night. Partly cloudy skies this morning have allowed for those levels to subside, so until the next round rolls in, hikers shouldn’t have to be concerned about soaked feet or sketchy creek crossings. The forecast has turned more favorable for today and tomorrow, which should please the weekend warriors. Not that we’re expecting sun-filled skies, but the possibilities for afternoon rain have lessened substantially until Sunday at least. The trend of temps at the peaks from 50s-60s will persist. Have a great day.
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Good Morning,
The light pitter-patter of raindrops on rooftops has been the white noise of the night, even carrying into daybreak. Rain showers are going to be steady this morning in the mountains, becoming more intermittent during the afternoon. They aren’t expected to be heavy or torrential, just steady enough that you won’t be able to comfortably part with that poncho or umbrella today. Trails will continue to be slick or squishy in places, so take your time navigating those steps that require a little more thinking or contorting. Temps will be lucky to break the 60s today, likely to hover in the 50s both day and night. Any winds will be weak to nonexistent, but will feel significant if not layered properly to stave off the rain. Not that we’re expecting sunshine tomorrow, but the precip percentages for Friday are leaning toward being the lowest they’ve been all week. Best not get complacent though, as the wet trend remains prevalent throughout the weekend. It’s becoming a salamander’s paradise up here! Have a great day. Good Morning,
Varying layers of clouds streak across the sky this morning, obscuring the distant horizon but far enough removed from the mountain base to offer glimpses into Sevier County. What few colors made themselves known at sunrise were mostly muted, leaving the deep blues and greens of the landscape to fend for themselves against the somber grays of the sky. Thankfully with all this dreary weather of late, the coneflower continue to flourish providing lodge residents with at least something bright and cheerful visually. Of course, anytime a crew member decides to sport a tie-dye shirt on the job that tends to spice up anyone’s day. The summit is expected to see intermittent and light rain showers throughout the day. No deluges but present enough to keep surfaces damp and warrant keeping that poncho or umbrella close by. Temps will maintain their stay between mid 50s and lower 60s. At this rate, the rest of July is going to bring more of the same. A out the only thing that might seem different will be the gradual reduction of daylight hours. Now that we’re more than a month past the summer solstice, the later sunrises and earlier sunsets have a knack for sneaking up on folks. Speaking of sneaking, a rather large bear was spotted near the lodge vicinity last night. No suspicious or malicious activity was reported, nor has this particular near been tagged by NPS Wildlife Management before. So hopefully this newly visiting fur-ball was simply passing through the area and is on its way to forage for berries and nuts. This moment is as good as any to remind folks not to feed wildlife, to not leave personal belongings unattended, or for lodge guests to be away from their cabin with doors and windows left wide open. Animals up here can be crafty, zipping in and out just when you aren’t looking and committing acts of thievery or vandalism. That goes double for squirrels! Have a great day. Good Afternoon,
Little by little, the mountain has been receiving a steady and much needed replenishment of rain. Some has rolled in as we speak and is likely to linger into this evening. Otherwise, today has been rather pleasant and mostly cloudy. This trend is set to continue all week, with calm mornings followed by stormy afternoons. Temps will range from mid 50s to lower 60s until something blows in and clears out this unshakable pattern of clouds and rain. Ponchos for keeping yourselves and your belongings dry will be essential, as are boots for keeping feet dry and providing sturdy grip and support in the muck. Some trails have rocky surfaces that are smooth or angled which can sneak up on unsuspecting hikers causing unfortunate slips and slides. When paths are in a continual state of saturation like they are now, it’s best to be extra diligent with foot placement to avoid any backcountry mishaps. Use of trekking poles are also great for assisting with changing terrain, hazardous crossings, and balance. Have a great day. Good Morning,
Dark and dreary skies are dominating the view sheds this weekend in the Smokies. Enough precip has continued to fall in the previous 24 hours that evidence of flooding creeks and drainages is noticeable. Thick clouds have a stranglehold on the mountain this morning with only intermittent rain showers in the vicinity, which will give the waterways a chance to subside some. As we progress into the afternoon hours, the possibility of stronger storms returns though. The week ahead is calling for more of the same, so be thankful for any sunshine the heavens can muster over the coming days. Temps will maintain their pattern of 50s to 60s at the top. Been wanting to get in on the 100th Season swag but not able to visit the mountain this year? Well have we got an opportunity for you! Our online store has recently been updated, and we have several new merchandise items for lodge enthusiasts to purchase. Chief among them is a special edition 100th Season shirt available in short sleeve, long sleeve, and a hoodie. Although it is similar in design to this season’s most popular LeConte Lodge shirt design ever, this one you don’t have to hike to the summit to acquire. We know, for reasons of scheduling or physical abilities, that visiting the lodge just isn’t in the cards for some folks, but that commemorating the occasion is still something they’d like to do. So these items are especially for you to sport your love of the Lodge with pride! Color and size options are viewable as you shop. Be sure and check the new hats, stickers, magnets, and picture frame along the way after clicking the link above! Please note that if making purchases on your phone from the online store, you’ll need to view the site through a web browser. PayPal does not function properly if opening links to the online store through the Facebook app. Using a separate web browser will allow you to view your shopping cart after selecting items. Stay dry and have a great day. Good Morning,
Day by day, the rain seems to keep finding its way to the peaks, slopes, and drainages of mighty Mt. LeConte. So much so, that yesterday anyone who frequents the trails might have forgotten what they look like when they turn into a river. The perils of such arid conditions to start this summer. Wet boots were basically an unavoidable reality to those folks intent on trekking up or down Friday, and Saturday is simply continuing that experience. Spotty showers dot the region this morning, and are likely to transform into isolated storms this afternoon. Temps will be mild, ranging from mid 50s to lower 60s. Protective gear for keeping one dry will go a long way in improving the enjoyment of gallivanting through the forest today and tomorrow. Despite the forecast, at least we don’t have to worry about any tech outages here. That’s the major allure of cutting out a sliver of time to spend at the Lodge…to unplug and cast out the stress and handcuffing that technology of the civilized world can impose. Instead, shut off those screens, silence those relentless emails, and come be mystified by the beauty and impressed by the forces of nature in this one-of-a-kind national park. Have a great day. Good Morning,
Well it was becoming a mystery yesterday if it would end up storming or not. It eventually leaned toward the former, producing over an inch of rain on the mountain, which was more than any precip received combined the entire month of July to that point. The forecast for today has improved significantly, with sunny skies overhead and milder temps at the summit. Visitors today are soaking it up and hitting the popular vantage points like Myrtle Point and Cliff Tops. There is a chance for some dicey weather around supper time, which may end up being a nothing burger. For the weekend, the percentages are going to ramp up, meaning greater potential for wet and sloppy hiking conditions. Best to come prepared for it if a journey to Mt. LeConte is in the cards these next several days. And remember, in amongst these steep ridges and tight hollers, it can take one cloudburst to hit just right and unload a substantial amount of rain that ends up swelling creeks quickly. Pay attention to your surroundings and know your place on the map (old fashioned is better, don’t trust the phone apps). And above all if hiking conditions ever turn suboptimal and life threateneing, know when to turn around! Have a great day. Good Morning,
Cloudy, muggy, and misty mornings have become the norm for the mountain in recent days. We’ll gladly take the precipitation, which has sprinkled little by little, although these dense fogs seem to be elevating the humidity levels beyond what would even be appropriate for sauna standards. The occasional breeze provides brief but life-saving relief from the heaviness and stickiness of the air. Temps over the coming days are going to be significantly milder than they were the first half of this month, seeing little variance as they roll between mid 50s and lower 60s. That will feel chilly to anyone who gets to the summit, acclimates to the conditions, but forgot to bring a change of dry clothes should rain or sweat get the best of you. This next is going to try and make up for how dry it’s been, with storm chances every afternoon now and through the weekend. Come prepared with gear and clothing that can stand up to the test for keeping you safe and comfortable. In recent days, the trailheads haven’t been filling up as early as they did in June, and a wet forecast is likely to see this trend continue, although plenty of travelers will still be making their way to the mountain. Have a great day. Good Afternoon,
Believe it or not, there’s actual rain in the forecast today, and it might actually happen for the first time in what feels like forever. It’s continued to be one of the driest months on record, so a little relief from the heavens will do a lot of good around these parts. Monday also saw the lodge reach its highest temp of the year so far, hitting 74° yesterday afternoon. That coincided with the lowlands enduring triple digits for the third consecutive day. As we’ve stated countless times before, these conditions are to be taken seriously especially by those folks not used to doing strenuous outdoor activities. Thankfully a “cool” down is expected for the back half of this week. Sure it won’t be as scorching at times, but the humidity this region is known for has no plans of easing up. There’s still two months of summer remaining, so continue to stay vigilant when it comes to exploring the wilderness. Storm chances are high over the next several days, so let’s get back in the habit of included rain gear in case skies turn choppy in the afternoons. A heads-up that our online store is undergoing some updates. We have some new product that we are excited to launch very soon, which is sure to be a hit with all those beloved Lodge enthusiasts out there. Once the updated online store goes live, we’ll be sure to announce it here. Stay tuned! Have a great day. Good Morning,
We’re in the thick of summer now, and when it’s this hot and humid, it can be difficult to hike much faster than a snail’s pace. These conditions are no joke, regardless of one’s physical abilities or youthful exuberance. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are no joke just as much here on a mountain as can be in a desert or at sea level. Remember that hiker’s are individually responsible for their own safety and enjoyment when exploring the backcountry, as medical assistance in a remote location is never a guarantee, or not always prompt anyways. So critiquing every bit of your agenda and resources is absolutely critical in this blazing heat. What time of day do you plan on hiking compared to the heat of the sun? Do you have enough food and water recommended for a person of your height and weight? Is your breathing affected by potentially poor air quality? Does your skin burn easily in unabated sunlight? Are you hiking with children not as strong or experienced as you spending time in these elements? Do you know your own limits…when it’s appropriate to simply turn around and not put yourself or others in danger? These are a but a sample of questions everyone should be asking before thrusting oneself into the proverbial furnace. Please take these conditions and advice seriously before ever stepping foot onto the trail. Quick shout out to Nathan for recently spoiling the Lodge crew with a fabulous cobbler made from hand-picked blackberries, accompanied by captivating tales of past world-wide adventures. We are incredibly blessed to have so many selfless and giving folks who offer their unwavering and heartfelt support to our crew, time and time again. From family and friends both near and far, to crew and guests both past and present, the gifts and kind gestures are always greatly appreciated and a continual source of inspiration to our dedicated and passionate team. Stay cool out there 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
June 2024
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