April 3, 2024

UPDATE:

Due to the hazardous weather conditions forecast for the mountains, US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) will be temporarily closed starting this evening. There is no timetable for when it will be reopened, likely not until the wintry weather and strong winds subside. Rain and snow chances in the mountains are a possibility now through early Friday.

Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork Roads remain open at this time, providing access to trails like Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap. Bull Head, with its numerous downed trees and exposed sections, is not advised during hazardous conditions.

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Good Morning,

It’s been a roaring and rumbling past few hours in these mountains. As expected, plenty of wind and rain swept in, thoroughly soaking every nook and cranny after an arid week prior. The heaviest of the liquid precip appears to be behind us now, but winds will remain a factor the next couple days, with gusts upwards of 50mph still possible at times. And although we anticipate a break in the wet weather over the next few hours, temps will continue to slide down the scale which could cause flurries to fly around supper time and into tomorrow. Talking temps in the 20s before factoring in windchill. Depending on elevation, travelers could encounter rain, snow, or both if caught out late on trail. Best not wait around to find out, as early starts are recommended today.

Currently not much is estimated to accumulate between now and Friday, but slick surfaces still pose hazards to those unprepared and unaware. We can outfit just about anyone from head to toe to fingertips in Lodge swag, but that doesn’t help one during their ascent. So come already dressed for wet and cold if a summit of the mountain is in your plans this week. Sunny skies look like they’ll make their return in time for the weekend. That will make the spring breakers spending time in the Smokies this week happy before heading home.

Park roads providing access to Mt. LeConte remain open at this time, but as we all know, that could change at a moment’s notice with these forecast conditions. Have those plan b’s and c’s written up and ready if you’re a guest with reservations these next few days.
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Have a great day.