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April 30, 2014

4/30/2014

 
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On your way up to Cliff Tops for sunset, turn around and check out High Top. Sometimes the tip of the summit of LeConte is bathed in the primary color of a spectacular sunset. This evening's sunset was not very colorful, but it's always nice to spend time at Cliff Tops.
Good afternoon to you.  We've been plenty busy taking care of folks up here, so the update is a little later than usual today.  However, I'm going to reveal a couple of closely held LeConte secrets to make up for the tardiness (but I'll make you wait a paragraph or so for that).

I ended up working 21 hours yesterday, which is a record I don't care to break anytime soon.  As Chris LeDoux, the great world champion rodeo cowboy and singer, once sang, the crew has been "goin' and blowin,'" even more appropriate with the omnipresent wind the last few days.  We have sent lots of guests home happy which is important to us.

I had occasion to be on Alum Cave Bluff Trail late last night and was amazed to see so many salamanders
in the path.  Of course, the trail was shedding plenty of water, which certainly helps attract salamanders.  I saw mostly black salamanders, but also an orange one and the striking Jordan's red-cheeked salamander.  They're some of the best neighbors on the mountain.

I also have a correction to make about the location of the tree down on the Trillium Gap Trail I mentioned yesterday.  The large downed tree
fell only about two miles down from LeConte Lodge near a switchback--not lower down the mountain near Grotto Falls as I originally heard.  At any rate, if the weather improves Thursday, the park service trail crew is expecting to hike up and clear the path.  They've got a tough job, and we appreciate their help.  If so, the llamas will make a rare back-to-back Thursday and Friday pack (though we'll swap out teams to make it less taxing on the llamas, the stars of the 2014 LeConte shirt design).

While the winds kept roaring at us, we didn't end up with too much rain Tuesday, only 0.37 inches.  The high temperature was 56 with a low of 47.  It's been fairly gray with little precipitation on the mountain Wednesday as of 4 p.m.  We were able to see into the valley most of the afternoon, but the clouds have enclosed us lately.

It occurred to me that there were a couple of secrets
that might help you enjoy a LeConte sunset more next time you visit.  First and foremost, the best place to watch sunset on the mountain is at Cliff Tops, which is accessed via a 0.2-mile trail just off the main staircase of the lodge.  You should always carry a good light with you to safely negotiate the rocky path back down from Cliff Tops to the lodge.  Also, know that the wind always blows at Cliff Tops at sunset.  I've seen numerous people shivering up there in July, so bring a jacket, hat and gloves most of the year.

As you complete about two-thirds of the short trail leading from LeConte Lodge to Cliff Tops, you'll come upon a thinned spot where the adelgids have decimated the mature fir trees
.  At that spot about 15 minutes or so before sunset, turn around and look at High Top, the actual summit of Mt. LeConte.  There should be a shadow line covering most of the mountain at that time, but sometimes the tip of High Top forecasts the primary colors of the sunset that evening.  If you're going to get a spectacular sunset, sometimes (not always) the mountain gives you a hint before you get to Cliff Tops.

Also, the second sunset secret is a little more pedestrian.  I notice every time I go up for sunset that
people leave too early.  Unless there is a thick cloud bank on the horizon to the west (which smothers the after colors), the best colors usually occur 15-20 minutes after sunset.  As soon as the last pinpoint of sunlight disappears below the horizon, the mass exodus from Cliff Tops back down to the lodge begins.  However, that's usually when the best show begins.  Dress warmly, carry a dependable light and you'll be able to stay for the "aftershow," usually superior to the main event.  It's also nice to watch for the first stars to blink to life above the spine of the Smokies.  Most people will be long gone from Cliff Tops, so you'll have the best "rock recliners" to yourself.

Happy trails.

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While this wouldn't rank as a spectacular sunset on LeConte, stay a little longer after the crowd leaves Cliff Tops and you might be treated to the best colors of the night.
doug y link
4/30/2014 09:55:29 am

You are absolutely right about lingering on up at Cliff Tops after a sunset. I've done just that nearly every time I've bee up there. Yes, it's truly worth remaining for; your advice about carrying a light with you reminds me of just the one time I didn't have one and I had a bit of a difficult time returning to the lodge. I guess I was lucky not to have taken a bad fall as I was alone. I don't know if anyone else has done it, but I went to Cliff Tops not too many months ago in the middle of the night and watched a full moon sink below the horizon, much like a sunset, but of course entirely different. It was well worth it, too. Good evening.

Pat N
4/30/2014 10:05:21 am

Great pic and info....so true about your secret!

Lydia
4/30/2014 11:27:51 am

We notice the exodus at Edisto Beach, near where we live also. The afterglow is the best part of a sunset!

Eddie
4/30/2014 02:14:47 pm

I learned the hard way about leaving from Cliff Tops too early......thought I had seen a beautiful sunset and when I got back to the lodge, had to see an even prettier sight from the back deck! We are hiking up Friday and hope to see a spectacular sunset Friday night and sunrise from Myrtle Point Saturday morning.....looks like the weather gods are smiling on us for this weekend.

Kaye
4/30/2014 03:08:56 pm

Allison, Thank you for sharing the info about the sunset. I have made many trips to LeConte and to Cliff Tops for the beautiful sunsets from that point. I am one of the crowd that leaves , but next time , thanks to you, will linger longer. Such a beautiful , peaceful place. Hoping to see yall in October. Enjoy your moments at Le Conte. One of my favorite places to spend time!

Kent link
5/1/2014 04:25:00 am

Yes, I learned that little sunset secret some years ago while lingering with my family awhile after the sun had dropped below the horizon at one my favorite state parks in Indiana (Turkey Run).

The actual spot is aptly named "Sunset Point."

Gail Findlay
5/2/2014 02:42:44 pm

Thank you so much for this particular picture - it brings back such wonderful memories of our 30 plus hikes up LeConte. Every time we came up, I praised God for letting me make it one more time. I may not ever get to hike up again, but I have the gift of seeing LeConte when I drive from my home near Cherokee to Bryson City NC and I think about the wonderful times we had up there, thanks to the special people who work there every year. Thank You!


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