Good Afternoon,

​Last nights cold front brought us a light snow dusting which made for a beautiful yet chilly landscape to (slowly) get out of bed to. This afternoons warm temperatures, upper 40s, has made quick work of washing away any lingering snow patches, to leave us with a wonderfully warm and sunny afternoon. 

The great weather and holiday weekend has got the mountain in full swing, with many day hikers and overnight guest filling up the porches to soak in the views and sunshine that we are blessed with today. As for the crew, they are just hoping this weather is here to stay.

Happy Friday!

The spring weather left us faster than it came. Temps dropped overnight into the upper 30s and continue to drop as the day goes on. We have had sporadic rain showers throughout the day and are expecting some snow as we get below freezing.

While we LOVE the warm and sunny weather we received, we also appreciate the cold rain. It's calming to be able to peer outside, sip on a hot beverage and admire the tiny drops of water on window panes. The clouds serve as a curtain, allowing us to focus on what is directly around us, and leave us day dreaming about happenings on flat land. 

We hope to see you soon!

-Adventure is out there.
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Hello everybody,

Crew votes are in.. Today has been awarded the prettiest day since the 2018 season began! We have rich blue skies with brilliant white clouds, a balmy breeze and temps in the upper 40s. During camp this morning, the crew stopped for a moment to admire a doe (affectionately named Marjorie) and listened to birds chirping in the spring air. After what feels like weeks of being socked in, we are all loving how lively camp has become. After finishing camp, we opened the doors to the dining room porch and soaked in how truly lucky we are to live and work on this beautiful mountain. 

-Adventure is out there.
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Greetings,

Temperatures are still in the low 40s but spirits are high for after several cloudy days, sunshine has finally touched down on camp bringing our first glimpse of the spring weather that is to come. Not only are crew and guests enjoying the sunshine, but so are the llamas! 

Here to say hi from the llama train is Mocha! After he and his co-workers received some well deserved treats, they began their trek home. 

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

Good afternoon!

Temperatures on top of the mountain have reached the low 40s but wind chills are keeping guests and crew bundled by the heaters. Even though conditions are cloudy with slight chance of scattered showers, the trails are clear of snow and ice.

With chilly winds bringing in heavy fog, it is perfect weather to pull up a rocking chair and enjoy a hot drink on the office porch. 

-Adventure is out there
(35.654261, -83.436827)

On another exciting note, please check out our updated team member page.  These will be the dedicated folks who look forward to serving you this season, whether you're an overnight guest or just up for the afternoon.

Good Morning,
The snow is almost entirely gone from the mountain. The rain and warmer temps (finally!) contributed greatly to that cause. What remains is a very slushy mix, and with temps dipping back into the 20’s last night, several areas have become icy. The trees are coated in a fine hoar frost this morning, but it’s gradually getting warmer, and the lodge is barely scraping the clouds. The next few days look to be pleasant for a visit to the mountain. Continue to bring those traction devices until the last of snow and slush has receded.
Have a great start to the week!

Good Afternoon,
Who ordered up this heat wave? We’ve been sitting at 31 degrees since daybreak, and it’s made quite a difference in how things feel around the mountain. We’re finally seeing some substantial melting, and trails are quickly becoming a slog. The clouds have been rolling in and out all day, either affording us brief glimpses into the valley below or smothering is in gray and mist. We actually acquired a half inch of new snow before the great thaw began. We expect scattered rain showers to persist throughout the remainder of the weekend, in addition to some steady winds.

After a great deal of anticipation, our first team of llamas made their ascent today with a light load of crew groceries. Major kudos to them and our wranglers for trudging through the variable conditions of the trail and what the sky has thrown at them. We look forward to seeing the other squad up on Monday. A reminder that the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail which provides access to the Grotto Falls parking lot for Trillium Gap Trail is still a couple weeks away from opening for the season. A schedule of reopening dates for Smokies roads and facilities can be found at www.nps.gov/grsm.
Have a great weekend and stay dry out there.

Good Afternoon,
Despite not seeing any flakes fall in the last day and a half, the mountain seems to be locked in a standstill. The overcast skies continue to keep the sun at bay, and thus we aren’t seeing any snow melt. The trees are as densely caked in white as they were when the flurries started sticking. Temps continue to hover in the teens, and the breezes keep it feeling extra chilly.
With Newfound Gap Road reopening yesterday, we’ve seen a massive influx of day hikers again. Alum Cave and Rainbow Falls will continue to be your best options for ascending the mountain because of their extensive use and snow being packed down. There is a chance for more precip starting tonight and lasting through Sunday, so we’ll see how that shakes out up here. If US 441 succumbs to another temporary closure overnight, we’ll be sure and let you know.
Continue to pack those warm and waterproof layers for the climb, and especially the traction devices. Have a great weekend!

Good Afternoon,
That was quite a snow squall we witnessed yesterday. The flurries and the winds just never seemed to end. By dawn this morning, things finally appeared to ease up, but not before leaving us with 13” of measurable snow. The drifts across the mountain have it much deeper in places. Our temps only varied a little yesterday, our high being 12 degrees and our low at 9. It’s been a heat wave comparatively today, as we’ve soared up to the 20’s.

The NPS recently reopened Newfound Gap Road (US 441), so guests with reservations tomorrow can once again utilize Alum Cave Trail. With all of this snow, and the high probability of thaw/refreeze over the next couple days, you’ll still want to tote those traction devices. The first folks to use Alum Cave, The Boulevard, and Trillium Gap should expect to be breaking trail and post-holing. The weather has thrown a wrench into our first llama trips of the season, but we’re hoping to see them back on schedule next week. It’s looking like Monday/Wednesday/Friday, but please keep in mind that pattern is subject to change at a moment’s notice. Be safe out there and happy trails!

2:00 PM Update:

Good Afternoon,
     We're now up to 8" of snow with flurries still flying.  The drifting has been persistent, as all and any paths shoveled between cabins swiftly get filled in.  Accumulation in places has swirled into mounds over a foot deep.  We've been sitting at 12 degrees all day, sure to feel cooler in the wind.  Cherokee Orchard is still open, so expect Rainbow Falls to be the bloodline to the mountain again tomorrow.  Atmospheric conditions should improve for Thursday, but you'll still want to pack all the gear essentials for trudging through the snow.
     Please be safe if you're out enjoying the spring snow!

8:00 AM Update:

Good Morning,
     We have received close to 6” of snow with more on the way. Our low was 11 degrees. Cherokee Orchard Road remains open so guests can still hike up via Rainbow Falls Trail. Please use caution on the trail today.