4:15 PM UPDATE

​Cherokee Orchard is open, and guests have been safely utilizing Rainbow Falls and Bull Head trails. US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Roaring Fork remain closed. There is still no timetable for their reopening.

It is currently 8° at the lodge and steadily falling. We’ve been in and out of the clouds much of the afternoon, but seen no snow/ice melt. Tonight and much of tomorrow is expected to be quite frigid. Traction devices and warm, wind proof layers are highly recommended in these conditions.

11:30 AM UPDATE

Nothing new to report, but here are some more photos for your enjoyment!

8:30 AM UPDATE

Good Morning,

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Roaring Fork are currently closed due to ice and snow. Cherokee Orchard remains open for guests to use Rainbow Falls and Bull Head trails.

Current snow accumulation is just over 1”, falling after 3.3” of rain and sleet over night. We have not received any new snow in the last hour. The lodge is sitting at 15° and it is not expected to get any warmer than that the rest of the day. Trail conditions are sure to be slick, especially once hikers begin to pack it down. Traction devices for your boots will be crucial in these conditions.

We will provide more updates throughout the day. Enjoy the wintry beauty and be safe!

GSMNP will be closing US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) at 7:00 PM tonight in preparation for the coming storm and plummeting temperatures. No timetable for when it will reopen.

Guests with reservations for Tuesday, Nov. 12 still have access to trails emanating from Cherokee Orchard.

Rain is moving across the state and should hit the East TN region overnight. It is currently 40° at the lodge with a slowly falling temperature. Any snowfall will occur during the night and early morning hours.

Good Morning,

A special thank you to all veterans today. Your service and sacrifice is appreciated.

We’re waking up to a spectacular sunrise this morning. Today is expected to be a fabulous day full of sunshine and slightly warmer temps. We’ve actually been warmer than the valley these last few hours by a couple degrees, though we know that is about to change in a hurry. Yesterday’s high was 51°, and despite our low of 33° from Sunday AM, it was actually 41° at reporting time.

Once the sun descends tonight, temps are going to drop right along with it. Overnight, rain showers are expected to transition to snow, of which we could see a few inches. Temps will also be quite frigid, the likes of which we haven’t seen since March. Be sure and follow all Park media for road updates. It’s likely US 441 could see a temporary closure, so consider having a Plan B hike ready out of Cherokee Orchard.

Have a great start to the week!

​Good Morning!

We’re greeting the day with chilly temps and crystal clear skies atop Mt. Le Conte!  Yesterday we saw a high of 40 degrees and a low temp of 27.  Currently, we’re sitting at 31 degrees. 

We hosted a spirited group of guests last night!  Among them, several talented musicians who sang, played guitar and even the penny whistle long after the evening meal was finished.  The office was alive with their melodies and lively conversation shared around the heater!  

This time of year, we get many reports of ice along the trails.  Just as on the road, often ice can’t be see seen until it’s stepped on.  Use caution along the trails, especially in the higher elevations, and remember to take the time to strap on traction devices should you find yourself with unsure footing.  

Today looks to be another glorious day on the mountain. Take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and come visit us. We’ll
Have the hot chocolate and a warm heater waiting for you.

Good Morning,

This weekend is shaping up to be November’s finest. Sunny skies and chilly air with waning autumn color below. We’re about 2.5 weeks away from closing things up for the winter, and this spectacular weekend could be one last good opportunity to visit the mountain while there are still leaves on the trees.

Friday’s high temp was a cup-of-hot-chocolate-inducing 28°, and our low reading from yesterday was 16°. We’re currently in the low 20’s under impeccably clear skies. No new precipitation.

It seems like we’re losing daylight hours fast these days, while still adjusting to the time change from last weekend. Starting this Sunday, we will revert back to our typical guest supper time of 6:00 PM, leaving folks plenty of time to descend from Cliff Tops as sunset hits the 5:30 mark. Breakfast is at 8:00 AM, well after sunrise.

Bring those warm layers and traction devices, watch for ice on the trail, and have a fabulous weekend!

Good Afternoon,

Well we escaped yesterday with no snowfall but the cold temps certainly hit us. Last nights low came in at a chilling 16 degrees. Its warming up today just a bit as it is currently 30 degrees. Yesterday we received 0.5 inches of rain, mix that with those freezing temps and we can expect icy patches on the trails. Be sure to pack traction devices. For the rest of the weekend we should see nothing but clear skies but cold. Be sure to pack extra warm layers for these wintery nights. This time of year it is best to keep a close eye on the NPS website for road closures due to ice and snow to help plan your trip up. If 441 is closed then access to Alum Cave trailhead and Boulevard trailhead will be closed. Trailheads for Rainbow and Bullhead can be found on Cherokee Orchard road and can be accessed if 441 is closed. 

UPDATE 9:00 AM - US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is back open.

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is temporarily closed due to ice and snow. Snow showers are expected to linger throughout the evening and into the morning as temperatures steadily drop.

Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork are still open. Guests with reservations for Friday should consider Rainbow Falls, Bull Head, or Trillium Gap trails.

Good Afternoon,

This morning was spent in the clouds but not until after a beautiful sunrise. It remained clear just long enough for guests to enjoy the colorful sky before heading down the mountain. Now the clouds have moved in bringing rain with them. We are expecting this rain to continue into the night then, once temps drop, turn into snow. It is currently 42 degrees outside but it will start to drop fast around 7:00 PM and get well below freezing. Tomorrow, expect ice and snow conditions on the trails. Traction devices are a must. The only snow fall should be in the middle of the night then its on to a clear weekend but those cold temps will linger. Our first day of some really cold winter weather looks to hit us sometime Monday night and into Tuesday. Will keep you updated as time gets closer. For now we are looking at highs in the mid to upper 30s with lows in the 20s. Be sure to back warm layers and traction devices. Once at the lodge you can expect warm cabins and hot coffee.

Good Afternoon,

It is a picture perfect day here at the lodge. Clear sunny skies as far as the eye can see. Accompanied with the singing of the birds and gentle breeze we couldn't ask for a better day. It is uncharacteristically warm today, currently 44 degrees and climbing. Last nights low dropped to 29 degrees. With such high temps we can expect for any little bits of remaining ice to be gone. Looking ahead on the forecast we are seeing those temps drop right back down into the 20s and possibly even the teens. Chances of rain and snow on the radar for Thursday and into the night. Be sure to pack those warmer layers and always bring those traction devices this time of year. Our llama friends are here for a visit and they too are loving this weather. No place we would rather be.

Good Afternoon,

It looks as though we are going to be spending the day in the clouds. Thats life when you call home at 6593 feet. Even though the clouds are blocking out any sunshine, we are staying reasonably warm. Currently 40 degrees. Looking at the forecast for the next few days we shouldn't see below freezing temps until Thursday night. No rain on the forecast either. Last night we dropped to a slightly chilly 29 degrees. After a day run down Bull Head and up Alum I am happy to report that those icy conditions have disappeared for the time being. Llamas remain on normal schedule for this week with trips on Wednesday and Friday.