9.22.16. First day of fall and it sounds like it

9/22/2016

After a 69/48 day of sunshine and breezes we had much of the same today, you can definitely tell Fall is underway!

The guys around camp are loving the cool weather and are trail running like crazy, the trail crew is doing an amazing job on Alum, and we're all enjoying getting to know the people hiking up!

Best wishes to the lady finishing the AT in honor of her father, you have an amazing story and it was a pleasure getting to know you and your mother.

Ellis is unimpressed

We have llamas tomorrow!

Remember to pack for layers, it is really getting chilly at night.

Alum Cave is open tomorrow through Sunday but there is another rod run this weekend so the earlier you get to the trailhead the better!

Cindy

9/23/2016 01:21:25 am

I have been packed for 5 weeks now(determined to keep my -15 pack weight). Can hardly wait to hit the trail Thursday morning for our long awaited 2 night "bucket list" Mt Leconte adventure!! We read your posts everyday and can't wait to meet you all!
Cindy

Paul M

9/23/2016 09:14:00 am

Planning my second hike up to see you all on top of LeConte Next Friday 9.30.2016. This will be my second time to hike to the top. Again this will be a one day round trip, but I hope in the future spend a night at the lodge. My nephew and I will be hiking together, he has never hiked it. Last trip I did Rainbow Falls up, and Bullhead down. This trip I will be hiking the Trillium Gap Trail. I hope to see you all! Love reading the blogs.

Sharon S

9/23/2016 09:35:04 am

I'm sure the llamas are loving the cooler weather too!

elktonbrant

9/23/2016 01:21:04 pm

If you're trying to miss the rod run traffic (and unless you like classic cars, you will want to avoid the rod run traffic), you can always go through Townsend then take the Little River Road into the park. It takes a bit longer on a normal day, but avoiding the bumper to bumper in Pigeon Forge is worth the extra drive.
Side story... my wife and I got caught once in rod run traffic after a hike. It's a humbling experience driving by thousands of people looking for classic cars while you're driving a 1998 Mazda Protege!!!

jeand

9/23/2016 03:16:14 pm

By all means try to avoid the rod run traffic. 2 years ago I drove through there and it took me two hours to get from the interstate to Gatlinburg. Through Townsend is my route of choice. It's a quiet, beautiful drive. Along the river road gives you an idea of how the mountains were in the early days of the park before Pigeon Forge and Sevierville became such a tourist mecca.

Tammy (Tx)

9/23/2016 04:05:31 pm

I like to use 321 from Newport/Cosby alot to get in and out of Gatlinburg and the park. Yeah when I'm driving in from either Nashville or Chattanooga, I find it much more pleasant to come in off I 75 into Lenoir City and down through Maryville into Townsend to avoid that Sevierville bumper to bumper, if it's not like midnight or later. I agree, I would avoid coming through PF on the hot rod/classic car weeks. No exaggeration, it took us 45 minutes to an hour just to go from a mile or so west of light #3 on 321 in PF to the Old Mill Restaurant one evening. Maybe longer. It was insanely frustrating! And after eating, it took almost as much time to go from Old Mill to the edge of PF going toward Gatlinburg.

RJnLA

9/23/2016 07:01:08 pm

Tammy, if coming from Chattanooga,get off at Athens exit and turn right. Straight shot (several lights to get through) to hwy. 411. turn left and it goes to Marrville. 4 lane all the way and no congestion. p.s. Stop at Benton's country hams and get some of their bacon or order it from web site. You'll never buy bacon at supermarket again.

Dewey Wales

9/23/2016 04:18:04 pm

Sorry guys, you have the wrong information. The car shows are over for this year in Pigeon Forge. There is a Gospel Quartet Convention this coming week, but it does not affect the traffic like the rod runs do.

Bonnie

9/24/2016 05:03:27 pm

Ellis is the sweetest most precious angel and he would never spit at any of the other llamas!

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9.22.16. First day of fall and it sounds like it

LeConte Lodge

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