Good morning all,

Jack Frost is finally giving me a break! It is 35 degrees at the moment with some light clouds, and no wind. Feels great to get a break from the bitter cold. It will make outings more enjoyable, and not as dangerous! Today is a great day to be on the trail, moody skies offer incredible visibility! Highway 441 opened just after 1:00 pm yesterday, so all trails are accessible! Be aware, all routes leading up to LeConte are coated in thick ice towards the top! Spikes are a must during conditions like these. If you are caught without spikes in an icy and dicey situation, there is almost always a way to avoid it. Whether it be crawling off the trail, or crawling on your hands and knees, you should be able to pass safely. It's better to stop and take a little extra time maneuvering the ice patches, that way you don't take a painful spill. Upper Alum Cave is really dicey, slipping near the steep drop offs could be fatal. Ironically enough, I dropped my microspikes on Alum yesterday night! Coming up the last mile of the trail was very slow, each step was precise and gentle. If you happen to pick up a pair of Kahtoola microspikes on Upper Alum Cave trail, please reach out to me. I am going down to get them now, I talked to a woman that spotted them on Monotony Ridge (about 1.5 miles from here). As always, be safe and use your best judgement. Also, take note of all the ginormous icicles along the way!

Yesterday's high was a blistering 30 degrees, with an inviting low of 2! Single-digit temperatures combined with decent wind gusts made for a very cold start to my day. After I got a sneak peak of the valley below, I was in awe. Heavy blankets of white spread across the park, but no snow up top?! An odd phenomenon, I was dumbfounded seeing all the snow beneath us. Seas of cloud have blocked the valley floor for the past day and a half, I had no knowledge of the snow! Walking down our beloved Alum Cave trail, I didn't see any snow for the first mile. As I progressed down Monotony Ridge, white powder slowly appeared along the trail, getting deeper and deeper with each stride. Common measurements around the top would read anywhere from a dusting to 2 inches. Oddly enough, the same goes for the bottom of the trail too! The most snow occurred right in the middle (just past the cave bluffs), coming in at 3-4 inches in some spots! Wind gusts blew the delicate powder of the trees constantly, looking almost identical to fresh snowfall. Crystal clear blue skies and bright white snow fair well together. Beams of sunlight parted through the sea of clouds about halfway down, giving me a view of the surrounding land. A thick, reflective layer of white was spread across the entire valley before me! This was one of my personal favorite walks down the mountain. To top it all off, I saw a Red Fox near the bluffs! I followed his tracks for about half a mile. I came around a sharp curve in the trail, and it was standing in the middle of the pathway. Never seen a fox in the park, a true first for me!

"The pine stays green in winter; wisdom in hardship..."

​-Norman Douglas

Good morning folks,

The bitter cold is here to stay, as I woke up to single digit temperatures yet again. It is currently a whopping 3 degrees out there, with clear skies above and a deep sea of cloud below! Only the highest peaks were poking out thus morning, and it seems the clouds are slowly burning off. The inversion has been concealing the valley since yesterday, but I have gotten a couple sneak peaks of the snow. Oddly enough, we didn't receive but a trace amount of snow the other day. As I sat and watched the clouds break, I caught a glimpse of the forest below us, deeply coated in white. Looks as if the lower elevations got a couple of inches! Once the cloud sea clears up, I'm eager to see the valley floor. After moseying out to Myrtle Point this morning for another freezing and pleasing sunrise, I can tell you that the wind chill is no joke up top! With temps nearing zero already, wind chills could drop as low as -15 with a decent gust! That being said, wear some warm base layers and quality windbreakers! Luckily, I invested in some very warm gloves, because loosing a finger is my biggest concern! Highway 441/Newfound Gap Road is currently closed due to snow/ice, so Alum Cave and the Boulevard are inaccessible. Also, if you plan on hiking one of our trails this morning, be on the lookout for ice and downed trees! The ice near the summit is especially bad, upper Alum is coated as well. Bring ice traction if you have it! Good spikes can be a little pricey, but if you are on the trail constantly, they are essential when exploring in conditions like these...

Yesterday's high was 20 degrees, with another bone-chilling low of 3! Skies were clear the whole day, however, the cloud sea stuck around all day! Inversions make for the best sunsets! Looking ahead at the forecast, the day should warm up ever so slightly as it progresses. Clear skies are expected up until Wednesday afternoon. Snow is still on the radar for Friday, so I'm hoping for some powder! 

01/21/2020

"7:23 a.m. Here I am, another sub-zero morning stroll! The crunch of the earth echoed as a scrambled up the trail. Light winds blew frost off the evergreens, looking similar to soft flurries of snow. I stumbled upon one of my favorite clearings on the mountain, Apollo Point! Apollo is located between the shelter and High Top, giving you a great vantage point for the sunrise. My plan was to press on to Myrtle, but I always take a brief moment to see what's in store. Looking out over the neighborhood, the sea of cloud showed no signs of giving up, still brewing after 24 hours! A thick stripe of orange glowed just above the cloud line, the sun was eager to escape. By the looks of it, I was in for a frozen treat..."

-Kemp

Good afternoon all,

The cold is upon us! I am sitting in my cabin seeking shelter, the bottom half of my room is a walk-in freezer and the top half is a sauna! Condensation is slowly vanishing from the windows, and the sun is here and accounted for. Right now, it's 17 degrees with clear skies above, dragon's breath below. A slight coating of snow resides on the mountain, as does a hefty amount of ice! Temperatures are expected to stay fairly low throughout the day, getting even chillier this evening! Wind chills could drop below zero at and around the summit... If you plan on climbing LeConte today, be on the lookout for ice and downed trees towards the top. In addition, layer up! Freezer-like temperatures make travel outside lethal if you're not prepared! Shaded spots along the trail can be significantly colder than exposed spots, especially when the wind is involved. After making a rash decision to walk to Myrtle Point early this morning, I can tell you first hand the Jack Frost is hiding in these woods somewhere. Good layers to protect your core, and warm gloves/socks are must-haves in conditions like these. Watch your step out there, and try to get off the mountain before dark!

Yesterday's high was a mere 21 degrees, with a low (get ready for it) of 3! Clear skies and high winds dominated most of the day. Sunset was fast approaching, when out of nowhere, a sea of white clouds overtook the mountain! No clouds were expected, so sunset looked out of the picture. I ended up walking to Cliff Tops anyway to try my luck, and flurries of snow began to fall. Light snow would come and go through the night, leaving us with a trace amount in the morning! Weather should stay primarily clear until this weekend, with hefty amounts of snow in the forecast for Friday and Saturday! I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and I'll update you all as the week progresses!

01/20/2020

"6:32 a.m. In a incoherent haze, I turned my alarm off and rose from my bed, a good sleep it was. Stepping onto my strategically-placed wool blanket, I felt the bitter cold rush up my bare legs. I knew what resided beyond the front door. I quickly threw on a layer for every year I've been on this earth and reached for the door. Inhospitable winds filled the room instantly, I was now fully awake! A mere 5 degrees outside, wind chill was sub-zero. The valley below was concealed by an ocean of white clouds. A light pink haze rested just above the bellowing clouds, growing brighter as time went on. Setting out for sunrise was risky, but I couldn't pass this one up! Boots crunching with every step, walking was difficult with the amount of clothing I had on. The mountain had a light coating of white, while the predawn sky grew pink. Upon arrival, I was truly blown away by the breath of the dragon. As the sun unveiled, the cloud sea burned yellow gold, nothing could compare. The once bitter cold was replaced with warm as I captured the sun in its glory..."

-Kemp

Good morning fellow higlanders,

The sun is shining ever so brightly this morning! It is 16 degrees at the moment and dropping, with clear skies and light wind gusts. Oh boy let me tell you, when those winds pick up just a little bit, you could be in a world of hurt! Judging by today's forecast, wind chills could plummet below zero by this evening! The sun is not giving us much warmth, even though it is beaming directly above us. The next few days are supposed to be COLD, so keep that in mind if you decide to maneuver your way up to the lodge. With the 0.3" of rain we received yesterday, the upper half of the mountain is frozen solid. Every step I take makes a loud crunching noise, sounds similar to stomping on ice cubes. Those who plan on hiking up today, look out for ice on the top half of the trail! Highway 441 opened an hour ago, so all trails in accessible! Also, many trees are still down around the mountain, some of which are blocking the paths. After chatting with some hikers yesterday afternoon, they spoke of a couple big trees down on Rainbow Falls trail too. Virtually all of these barked behemoths are easily maneuverable, some take a little extra thinking...

Yesterday's high temp was a blistering 40 degrees, with a mere low of 16. If anyone is planning on staying at the LeConte Shelter, be on the lookout for some bone-chilling wind gusts and blistering cold. Humans weren't equipped to survive in conditions like this, so make sure you bring your warmest jackets, best windbreakers, and plenty of determination. Those who push through the cold will be rewarded with clear skies and great visibility! If you make it up to one of our many overlooks on top, the temperature could be 10 degrees colder! Enjoy this beautiful Sunday, but take your time along the trail. Look out for yourself, and your fellow man. If you feel cold and/or under-prepared, don't feel ashamed if you turn around! Better to try the climb on a more pleasant day than to hurt yourself in the process! Stay warm and explore with caution...

"Shut that door! Not that it lets in the cold, but that it lets out the coziness..."

-Mark Twain

Good morning all,

I am residing in my cabin at the moment, listening to the sheer howl of the wind. It is 32 degrees out, with heavy fog and moderate winds. Wind gusts whipped the evergreen trees around all night, making a very distinct noise. On occasion, I could feel my cabin move slightly from the wind. I have never heard of a building getting blown away by extremely high winds, but it honestly wouldn't surprise me! I love the feeling of a good breeze on the trail. Just enough to cool me down when I'm exerting high amounts of energy. I certainly enjoy the sound of wind migrating up the mountain, but I don't enjoy the fear of getting blown into thin air (or a ravine). It is really rare to have a picture perfect day on this mountain; clear skies, no wind, bright sun, good visibility, etc. I prefer sun rays over cloud haze any day, but a foggy day every now and then is completely fine with me. It gives me a chance to rest! I always feel guilty missing out on a beautiful day, so I often take a rest day while engulfed in the clouds. If I happen to be walking in the forest, rather than flocking to our many vistas near the top, I'll study the trees, examine the moss, wander through the brush, and admire the construction of the trail. Being a fairly fast hiker/trail runner, there are a lot of things that go unnoticed on these trails! I like to take the time to stop and smell the roses, or in this case, the spruces...

Yesterday's high was 42 degrees, with a chilling low of 24. The sky was grey, but that's okay! I really enjoyed the weather yesterday, another great day on the trail! Pleasant temperatures up top and below during the afternoon, with colder temps moving in after dark. If I had to describe the day with only three words, I would use; calm, quiet, and moody...

High winds should continue through this afternoon, with a chance of rain also starting this afternoon. No more than a half inch is expected, so make sure to bring that rain coat if you plan on hiking up today! Be advised, high winds will continue through most of the day, so be on the lookout for more trees and debris during the climb. Trees are still down on all trails, so keep that in mind while you're out and about! Clear skies are moving in tomorrow, and they could stick around until Thursday! Also, colder temperatures have starting moving in, with single digits expected on Monday! Wind chills could dive under zero, so I'll keep you guys posted if anything changes. I wish we had some snow to go along with the cold, but it doesn't look promising...

"If the world is cold, make it your business to build fires..."

-Horace Traubel

Top of the morning mountain-goers,

Another beautiful morning to be alive and well up top, clouds are beginning to turn pink and orange just over the summit! As the sun creeps over the horizon to start a new day, I am starting a new day by drinking a cup of Joe and eating a big bowl of cooked oats. It is currently 35 degrees out there, partly cloudy skies make for some great pre-dawn colors! Skies should stay primarily clear for the rest of the day, possible rain showers moving in tomorrow. Moderate winds are flowing through the evergreens as we speak, the "light show" that is Pigeon Forge is shining brighter than ever. It's a funny reminder of how high up were are, and how distant we are from the go-karts, laser tag, and pancake houses. As much as I love all of those things, I'd much rather spend a day deep in the mountains!

The sky was very confused yesterday. The high temperature was 34 degrees, with a low of 21. No rain or snow yesterday, but I did see some hoarfrost! For those who don't know what hoarfrost is, it is formed when the moisture on the trees freezes due to extremely cold conditions. Temperatures continued to drop after I left the lodge, making for a bone-chilling walk. With winds upwards of 30-40 mph, that puts the wind chill in the lower single digits! Those making the climb today, the trees are still blocking the trail on Alum Cave. I have not explored the Bullhead or Rainbow Falls, but I will do so in the next day or two. Riding the Boulevard ridge yesterday, I saw a decent amount of downed trees/large limbs on the trail. Most of them are easily maneuverable, with a couple larger ones closer to the Appalachian Trail. With temps dropping yesterday significantly, you may see some ice on the upper portion of your hike. Use caution and precision when hiking the mountain. Take your sweet time and inhale some fresh air!

01/16/2020

"Upon opening the kitchen door, I was heartbroken. The clear sky I had come to know and love was now encased in fog, what a shocker... My plans of getting out to the A.T. were still in full swing, and with some stellar views ahead of me, I craved sunlight. Just before I reached the summit, something caught my eye. Looking out over the center of the Smokies, the clouds were just beneath us, revealing only the tallest mountains. My eyes were fixated on "The Boulevard," a skinny, prominent ridge that snakes between LeConte and Mount Kephart. The right side of the ridge was engulfed in a sea of white, while the left side was as clear as day. I was anxious to get out there, but unsure what was in store. As I progressed down the trail, the clouds struggled to get comfortable. I would be in complete sunlight for about five minutes, then the clouds would sweep over me, crushing my hopes and dreams of a clear day. I didn't let those clouds deter me, completing the 5-mile trail in less than 90 minutes. Right before I arrived at the Appalachian Trail junction, I decided to stop by "The Jump Off." Appropriately named, "The Jumpoff" is a 1,000 ft cliff overlook at the false summit of Mount Kephart. With sweeping views of the Smokies' Crest and other surrounding hills, this side trail was a must. A mere half mile separated me from my first stop of the day, I was eager. Sun rays and a light breeze motivated me more than anything, pressing up the steep slope with passion and precision. Just steps away from the cliffs, I stopped clean in my tracks. Clouds rolled in and winds picked up drastically. Temperatures plummeted quickly, so I had to layer up! Wrapped up like the Michelin Man, I proceeded with caution (as always). The last 100 feet of the trail was caked in frost, evergreen trees accented with blankets of white. The view had been lost in the haze, or so I had thought. Staring into what seemed like an endless sea of cloud, I wasn't optimistic. I waited for a while before growing impatient. Just as I was about to leave, a quick break in the clouds revealed something mesmerizing. I watched as the parting clouds rushed up and over the cliffs, the dragon's breath was visible from a distance. For the next 20 minutes, the clouds kept unveiling the precious valley beneath me, so I made myself comfortable. I felt the need to applaud, as I had front row seats to a great show, with no price of admission..."

-Kemp

Good morning from the high country,

Woke up to an indecisive sky this morning... At about 6:45 thus morning, the clouds were below us. A radiant half moon shined through a thin layer of clouds, guiding me to the kitchen. Within five minutes, clouds slowly crept up the hill, socking us in once again. According to the forecast, these clouds should burn off before noon, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Right now, it is 30 degrees out with light wind gusts and heavy fog. I am currently sitting in the kitchen, drinking a small cup of coffee and eating my usual bowl of oats. Once I finish up in here, I'm planing on hiking along the Appalachian Trail and the Boulevard. There are many captivating views along the way, so I'm hoping these clouds burn off soon! 

Yesterday's high was a comfortable 47 degrees, with a chilly low of 29. Clouds dropped a half inch of rain on us throughout the day, another foggy and rainy one in the books. According to the forecast, clouds should clear off before this afternoon! The next few days look free of any precipitation as of right now. Rain is expected to move in on Saturday morning. Those planning on making the climb, don't forget about the downed trees and high water levels! As I am typing this post, the clouds are beginning to clear up! I hope you all are blessed with clear skies and good health once you reach the top!

After being socked in for a total of 30 minutes, the clouds have diminished, revealing a sea of clouds below us. This "sea of clouds," or "dragon's breath" is called a cloud inversion. Also known as a temperature inversion, this occurs when the air near the ground is significantly cooler than the air above it. This happens up here quite often during late Fall and Winter. At this elevation, the top of LeConte and many other taller mountains in the park, poke out of the clouds, looking like ancient islands over a white sea! It makes for some stunning pictures, and beautiful sunrises/sunsets!

All who are traveling up and down the mountain today, be safe and strong. Also, please pack out your trash! There was a lot of trash on Alum Cave Trail, I picked up a majority of it. There are trash cans in the parking lot, so please keep our trails clean! Thank you, and get some good trail time in today!

-Kemp

"Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud..."

-Maya Angelou

Good morning folks,

The rain has returned yet again... At the moment, it is 44 degrees with steady rain and thick cloud cover. The door to my cabin is slightly perched open, letting in just enough fresh air to keep to heart pumping and the gears turning. Rain is supposed to continue through this evening, with a slight risk of thunderstorms. As of right now, clear skies are in the forecast tomorrow! I have not been able to catch a sunrise/sunset in the past few days, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Those who plan on hitting the trail today, be mindful of high water levels. The creeks and tributaries around Mount LeConte are swelled up and flowing fast! Every trail leading to the lodge has at least one creek crossing (Rainbow, Trillium, and the Bullhead having the most). Some of those paths can be deemed "impassable during high stream flow," so you might want to consider hiking another trail. In addition, the trees that I mentioned yesterday are still there. Hiker Beware; Two large trees are down on upper Alum Cave trail! You can barely slither by them with a small pack, but they are still extremely hazardous! Bring your rain coat, dry socks, and a taste for adventure...

Yesterday's high was a mere 45 degrees, with a low of 41. In total, we received 1.2 inches of rain! Temperatures have climbed recently, with highs and lows increasing significantly. Judging by the forecast tomorrow, we should see temps fall below freezing once again (wind chills could be in the upper teens).

Be sure to check the forecast the day of your hike, conditions can change really quick in the Smokies, especially up high! Furthermore, you should prepare for any weather outcome. The weather has turned for the better (and for the worst) countless times, despite what the forecast predicted. Stay safe out there folks! If you do not feel comfortable/safe continuing up a trail, turn around and try another time! I have put in a lot of hours on the trails in this park, and the weather has gotten the best of me many times. It only took one potentially fatal outing to change my mentality on and off the trail. There is no shame in turning around if you're putting yourself in danger...

"It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it..."

-Amelia Barr

Good morning all,

Woke up to a crack of lightning and heavy rain this morning! It is currently 43 degrees outside with heavy cloud cover and thunderstorms. Water is flowing aggressively down the mountain, creating miniature cascades along the way. We have already received 0.3" of rain this morning, so bring your rain coats! If you are planning on making the climb today, be aware. High winds over the last few days have downed many large trees, some of which are blocking the trail. During my time on Alum Cave trail, I came across two problematic downed trees, both of which are barely maneuverable. In addition, there are sections along the severe slopes of Monotony Ridge where copious trees have fallen, which could potentially be dangerous. There is also 1 large tree down on Trillium Gap trail, and I am yet to traverse the other three trails. Those planning on hitting the trail, be on the lookout for some obstacles along the way...

Yesterday's high was a comfortable 49 degrees, with a semi-comfortable low of 42. It was partly cloudy all day, but I thoroughly enjoyed being out and about! Very pleasant hiking temperature; not too hot, not too cold! Grey skies and light cloud cover made for some moody landscapes. Other than the downed trees on Alum Cave, I paid a lot of attention to the surrounding tributaries. Water levels seemed very high, swelled creeks looked wider and deeper! While admiring the creeks, I reminisced about all the brutal hikes in the park I completed with "unbridged" creek crossings. With Alum Cave being the most popular trail in the park, wooden creek bridges are a must. Some of the park's less popular, seldom-traveled trails do not have that luxury! Next time you are crossing one of our beloved log bridges, be thankful and appreciative of the trail crew's work. Traveling in the park would be a lot harder without their help!

01/14/2020

"I threw my unusually light pack on my back, stunned at the true weight of my provisions. The time was 6:17 pm. With darkness already converging on me, climbing by my lonesome was not my first choice. Each stride felt intimate. Aside from the rushing creek, not a sound was uttered. Loose legs and less weight, I held my head high as I trotted along the path. Advancing quick while passing several well-known landmarks, I reached the deadly stairs beneath the cave bluffs. No matter how strong an individual is (physically or mentally), these stairs will break you down. I braced myself before greeting the first step, the second, and even the third. About halfway up the dreaded staircase, I caught a glimpse of something. Two yellow eyes floated at the top of the stairs, looking dead at me. Stopping clean in my tracks, I kept my distance as the eyes moved closer. My headlamp revealed a fairly large bear underneath the cave bluffs. I moved toward the beast, trekking pole in hand, speaking in a clear and calm tone. The bear scoffed and darted into the nearby brush, I wasn't worth his time. For the next quarter mile, I could see the eyes watching me from the forested slope beneath me..."

-Kemp

Good day to you all,

I am enjoying a hot cup of tea in the kitchen, curiously looking out the back screen door. It is currently 42 degrees and partly cloudy, light blue hues blend the sky and the valley floor into one. Winds are still howling, just not as loud as before. Rather than heading out to Myrtle Point for sunrise, I made an executive decision to stay around the lodge. With cloud cover above and sub-par visibility below, the oranges and reds I've grown to love are absent on this Monday morning. All roads remain open as of right now, no more nasty weather is predicted until tomorrow. There are risks of thunderstorms and rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, so get out while you can! As always, proceed with caution. Look for downed trees and debris along the way. Upon exploring the Trillium Gap trail yesterday, I came across a couple of downed trees and copious limbs on the trail. There is a large downed tree over the trail about half a mile from the top. You can shimmy between the branches, but it'll definitely a huge obstacle in your path. I will be hiking down Alum Cave today, so I'll report my findings on here tomorrow! Stay safe out there, folks...

The high temperature was 50 degrees yesterday, with a low of 40. What a day to be alive! Clear skies, to my surprise, after two gloomy and windy days back to back! Conditions resembled a late Spring afternoon, with mild temps and calm wind. With the roads being opened later in the morning, I hardly saw anyone up top until lunchtime. I took the time to venture down to Brushy Mountain yesterday afternoon, and I didn't see a soul along the way. I abandoned my heavy winter coat and long johns, feeling light as a feather cruising up and down the mountain...

01/12/2020

"Shortly after refilling my water reservoir, I did some last minute stretching and hit the high road. The first half mile was like walking in a dried-out ditch, loose rocks and mud lined the path. One wrong move, and I could be a crutches for a few weeks. Trillium Gap has always been my favorite trail on the North side of the mountain, and for good reason. An intimate forest path with great timber, rock walls, and cascading creeks; my cup of tea. Throughout my progression, I took the time to look through the leafless trees. Towering mountains and deep valleys to my right; the Smokies Crest was ever present. Staring my favorite mountains in the face, I yearned to be out there. I thought a lot about perspective. I have traveled for miles, early mornings and strenuous climbs, to see certain perspectives. Personally, I can't get enough of it in this park! Upon crossing creeks, hopping over downed trees, and skipping over large rocks, I was closing in. The summit was picturesque, so I answered the call. Looking almost dead East, I admired the crest from a far. To the South, the mighty LeConte casts a dark shadow over its neighbors. Scanning the top of the world-renowned peak, I noticed something; between High Top and Cliff Tops. A small reflection, from one of the cabins I assume. If I was unsure where to go earlier, I was certain now!"

-Kemp