April 2, 2023

Good Morning,

Shortly after sunrise, the NPS reopened US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd), so visitors will have access to the heart of the park on what should be a busy and beautiful day in the Smokies. Yesterday saw the rain and clouds clear out by mid morning, but the winds persisted as promised. They are significantly calmer this morning, but present enough that they add a decent chill to our wake-up-temps in the low 20s. Once we climb into the 40s this afternoon, the forecast indicates we should be staying above freezing both day and night for the next week or two. Amen to that! Today will see abundant sunshine spread across the mountains. That’s the good news. The possibly-not-as-ideal news…the coming week shows plenty of atmospheric action in the way of clouds and rain, especially over the Easter weekend. So those of you looking to make a holiday pilgrimage to the mountain should make plans and prep your gear accordingly for safe and enjoyable hikes. April showers and all that…

Hats off to all the emergency services handling numerous pesky brush fires and power outages around Sevier County yesterday. The winds sure kept them on their toes Saturday, but they snuffed them out and cleaned things up quickly and admirably. From our vantage point high above East Tennessee, we could see that the valley was in a thick haze all day yesterday. Now we’re waking up to clearer air both above and below. Of course now the pollen might have a thing or two to say about air quality this month. Reminder that if you come upon any downed trees on trail after this weekend’s whipping winds, please let us or the NPS know so their trail crews can clear the way.

Have a great day.