April 16, 2018

US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) is temporarily closed due to ice and snow. The trail rehabilitation work on Rainbow Falls is expected to begin on schedule today. This leaves guests with reservations at the lodge access to Trillium Gap Trail (6.7 miles) via the Roaring Fork for the time being. Understand that parking at this popular trailhead can be limited at times, and hikers may need to park further down the road which will lengthen the hike slightly.

Use caution while driving and hiking in these conditions, and pack the appropriate gear for hiking in wind, snow, and rain until the weather clears. Beginning tomorrow afternoon, a return of more seasonably appropriate weather is expected becoming very warm by Wednesday.

Old man winter has a tight grip on Mount LeConte and it doesn't seem like he wants to let go. The mountain is quiet and still today, with temperatures staying in the high teens and snow piling up not even nature is making a sound. Any activity going on here at the summit today seems to be coming from around the heaters and with good reason.
"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness" -John Steinbeck