Good Morning,

Waking up to clear skies above and a sea of clouds below this fine Sunday morning. It’s another chilly start with temps in the 20s. The air is calm, and once the sun gains some height, conditions should warm up enough to see us reach the 40s this afternoon. The next few days should be pleasant until about mid-week when, believe it or not, we stand another chance of seeing some flurries fill the air.

For a few hours yesterday morning, the temps stayed cool enough that the only precip we witnessed came in the form of snowflakes. Whether small and sparse, or big and blinding, it struggled to try and stick as the ground was just a bit too warm for any accumulation. The wintry show was certainly a treat for folks either not use to seeing it this time of year, or anyone who just gets giddy anytime they can see flurries fly. By the afternoon we were in and out of the clouds making for an enjoyable day in the outdoors.

​Have a great end to the week.

Good Morning,

We woke up to a pinstripe of orange and pink on the horizon this morning as the sun gave us a brief hello. The rest of the sky above is clouded over in gray. There is a brief chance for precipitation this morning, which currently is coming down in the form of snow flurries. How long it will last and if we happen to get any accumulation is anyone’s guess. The rest of the day will remain cloudy. Temps are cool in the low 30s and might not get much warmer than that up top today. Layer up and come ready for wintry conditions. By tomorrow afternoon things should improve for a more comfortable venture into the woods.

​Have a great weekend.

Good Morning,

It’s a chilly Friday wake up call! Currently in the lower 20s to start the day, and with the wind chill factored, in we’re definitely feeling some temps in the teens. Old Man Winter still has plenty left in the tank for our neck of the woods. There’s a light layer of frost on most surfaces, so be mindful of one’s foot placement as you traverse the mountain today, at least until the sun has a chance to rise and work its magic. Skies are mostly clear and it should be a fabulous day for views across the mountains. Going to be a little breezy which will have the air feeling plenty cool, especially in the shade. Forecast still calling for some rain chances on Saturday.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

We’re halfway through April now and well into spring in the Smokies. Starting off this Thursday smothered in cloud cover, but supposedly the clouds should lift and clear as the day progresses. Even though we are anticipating some sunshine today, it’s going to be a little cooler than of late. Especially since winds could gust as high as 30mph this afternoon. We’re in the low 30s currently and it will get even colder this coming evening. With that said, layer up and be sure to watch for slick spots on trail early in the morning and late in the day. Looking ahead to the weekend, seeing a similar pattern as the one prior, with Saturday calling for rain and wind but conditions improving for Sunday.

A heads up for folks visiting the area beginning today through this weekend. The annual Spring Rod Run is taking place in Pigeon Forge. That means numerous traffic standstills for anyone traveling up and down the main parkway. If you are coming to Sevier County from the north, plan your route and timing accordingly for getting to any of the Mt. LeConte trailheads. Don’t want anyone to be late for that mountain top dinner!

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

We’re once again greeted with sunny skies atop the Smokies. Even the occasional light mist and cloud couldn’t dampen our spirits yesterday. Temps continue to stay mild and feel great in the midday sun, bouncing between 40s and 50s. Today will start out nice but the clouds should increase throughout the afternoon. By this evening and into tomorrow morning rain showers are expected. After the storms pass through, our temperature range will drop some, making life on the mountain much cooler. Highs likely won’t escape the 40s for a bit and lows should dip below freezing at night. Be sure and have some extra layers handy.

Our llamas are getting their hiking legs back under them, making their multiple trips every week. Their schedule has to remain fluid depending on lodge needs and of course last minute hurdles created by the weather or trail conditions. Our wranglers and farm team do great work in keeping them in shape and ready to roll at a moment’s notice. If you happen to see our fuzzy friends on trail, please heed the wrangler’s advice for keeping you and our animals safe. On packing days they usually arrive to the lodge around lunchtime and hang out for about 90 minutes. Remember, these are working animals performing necessary tasks for our operation, not an attraction or pets. If you happen to see them, please respect their personal space and their mission. Thank you.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Another beautiful day high above East Tennessee in the books. A day full of sunshine and comfortable temps yesterday was capped off by a soothing sunset yesterday, a great way to kickoff a new week. Temps were once again mild, hanging out in the 40s and 50s. We’re waking up to a soft sunrise this morning, with wispy clouds as light as singular paint brush strokes lining the upper atmosphere. Today’s forecast is calling for similar temps and breezy conditions, but increasing clouds instead leading into a slight chance for a rain shower this evening. More rain is anticipated for Wednesday followed by dropping temps. This cool down will likely see us witness some overnight freezing temps again, so be sure and layer up if you have reservations beyond midweek.

​Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

It’s a delightful day to be on the mountain, just as much as it was yesterday. There’s plentiful sunshine filling the skies, making temps feel great even with the persistent but light breeze. We dipped down to 35° last night, but once the sun soars there’s no trouble in getting up into the 50s. Looks like by midweek we could see a small chance of rain and thunderstorms. Intermixed with sun, visitors will need to come prepared for all weather conditions those days.

Spring continues to make its climb up the slopes of the mountain. Places like Trillium Gap have come to life with spring beauties and trout lilies putting on their annual show. Other trails like Bull Head offer a wide array of blooms as the month of April progresses, and at all elevations.

Have a great rest of the day.

Good Morning,

Well we managed not to get swept off the mountain top with yesterday’s winds, even though they were every bit as advertised. The lodge got pounded all afternoon along with intermittent rain showers that poured 0.58” of liquid precip. Amazingly skies broke just in time to reward guests with a stunning sunset. A couple lingering showers happened during the night, but it finally appears the wet weather is behind us. Conditions should continue to clear throughout the day and should make for a wonderful day to spend in the woods. Watch for slick places on trail and be sure to report any downed trees after yesterday’s storms. We’re looking at abundant sunshine the next couple days, but the forecast is still calling for breezy conditions with gusts up to 30mph possible. So keep your head on a swivel whether hiking up or down. Temps are going to slide back a bit as well, keeping us between the upper 30s and lower 50s.

We’re receiving 13 hours of daylight now, so if skies permit, visitors can catch sunrise at Myrtle Point around 7:00 AM and conclude their adventurous day with a Cliff Tops sunset around 8:00 PM. That still leaves guests with plenty of time to enjoy their meals (breakfast 8:00 AM, supper 6:00 PM) and witness both spectacles. Reminder that with our COVID-19 protocols in place for another season, our overnight guest beverage services are limited and subject to change. Hot beverages are currently served from 2:00-5:00 PM, then coffee for the morning crowd from 7:30-8:00 AM. No hot beverages are offered during to-go meal services. Only lodge-provided cups are permitted, so no personal bottles to load up on, as that just isn’t fair to the other guests. Thank you for understanding and respecting these temporary changes.

​Have a great end to the week.

Good Morning,

What has been an otherwise tame first third of the month of April, that narrative is expected to change today with strong storms hammering the South. The mountain top is already covered up in clouds and feeling a surge in the winds. The rain and stronger gusts near 50mph are expected to ramp up around lunchtime and persist throughout the day. Localized flooding of creeks is possible where precip drops heavy and fast in the tight gorges and drainages. Currently the main roads accessing trails are open, with Roaring Fork officially rejoining the roster, now open to the public for the next several months.

It was a beautiful day on the mountain yesterday with a mix of sun and clouds. Plenty of spring breakers paid us a visit, and why not on such a gorgeous day in the mountains. It didn’t last long, but we managed to surpass 60° for our afternoon high temp. Once again we dipped down into the lower 40s at night. It should mild again today but the winds and rain will undoubtedly make things feel a bit cooler. Proper rain gear will help keep one protected and comfortable in these elements. Sunday looks like conditions will clear up in time for a sunny afternoon.

Be safe and have a great weekend.

Good Morning,

We’re starting out this Friday under mostly clear skies and an otherwise calm atmosphere. Today is shaping to be a mostly pleasant day on the mountain, with the weather looking to sour by the evening. Temps should once again feel enjoyably spring-like up here with temps ranging from lower 40s at night to upper 50s during the afternoon. Yesterday’s intermittent showers produced 0.12” of rain, so expect some lingering wet places on trail. Starting tonight the clouds, wind, and rain will return which should make Saturday a stormy day in the Smokies.

Rain shells and wind breakers are a good idea for guests making the trek up tomorrow, and especially day hikers who need to come prepared for spending the entire duration of their venture in said elements. Rain or shine, the COVID-19 protocols we have in place limit the number of visitors inside public spaces, and since all services are served as “to-go,” that means no inside dining or lingering. So like one would on any other mountain in the park, come dressed for spending your entire day hike outside in whatever elements Mother Nature throws your way tomorrow. The forecast for Sunday looks more promising for gallivanting in the woods.

​Have a great day.