April 20, 2024

Good Morning,

​Well once we got through the early morning rains, the rest of the dreary forecast turned out to be all bark and no bite. So Friday ended up becoming a rather gorgeous day to spend time outdoors. The atmospheric threats continued to lessen as the hours passed and simply refused to materialize. Fine by us and our llamas! Even so, we aren’t out of the woods yet (figuratively, of course). Cloudy conditions have settled in over the mountains this morning, and a band of rain is working its way across East TN toward us. So come prepared for a spot of precip early on in one’s hike. After that, skies will remain mostly cloudy and temps will actually drop from upper 40s to lower 30s. A late addition to the forecast for tonight and Sunday is an unusual, but not unheard of, chance for SNOW! Whether we actually drop below the freezing mark tonight and tomorrow will make all the difference. Either way, folks will just have to wait in anticipation to see if the liquid precip turns solid at any point this weekend.

Today kicks off National Park Week across the US, and as such, the NPS recognize April 20th as one of their select “fee free” days for visitors. Even though the Smokies lack an entrance fee year-round, this does make for an exemption to the parking tag fees today. Vehicles will need those tags on display though resuming tomorrow. And as we’ve mentioned throughout the week, the annual Rod Run and accompanying auto-events that take Sevier County by storm are on full throttle today and conclude tomorrow. Expect heavy traffic congestion in and around the park. Early starts, planning alternate routes, and packing the patience will go a long way for everyone.

​Have a great day.