April 8, 2024

Good Morning,

What a stunning finish to the weekend we got to enjoy on the mountain. After a week of clouds, cold, and snow, another day full of sunshine and a return to milder temps was greatly appreciated by all. The good news is that we shouldn’t see the freezing mark again, at least for this next week. The not-as-superb news is that it appears the next several days will be cloudy and wet in the Smokies. Already this morning there are some passing showers scraping by to the north, but perhaps they’ll dodge us. We’re hopeful we could snag some views and sunshine this afternoon, but by tomorrow, the mountains will be receiving a thorough soaking of spring rains. Come dressed from head to toe for dreary skies and soggy trails. Temps will range from the 50s during the day to 40s at night. Expect winds to remain a factor this week as the seasons transition.

Reminder that lodge gift shop hours are from 9:00-10:00 AM and 12:00-4:30 PM now that retail services are based out of the dining hall. Visitors (specifically day hikers) are only granted access to the dining hall during those times, as outside of those hours our hardworking crew is performing all the necessary cleaning and organizing tasks prepping for our paying overnight guests. If only those bunk beds would learn to make themselves! Thank you for planning your routes and travel times accordingly if snagging some sweet lodge swag or to-go snacks are high on your wish list. And also coming properly outfitted for the weather conditions for the entirety of your adventure in the wilderness. As much as we’d like to, we’re no closer to being able to guarantee sunshine, blue skies, warm temps, flat trails, and pain-free hiking everyday for every person than we were 99 seasons ago. But hey, why not keep trying, right?

​Have a great day.