Good Afternoon,

The first day of the 2022 season is here! The sun is shining and the crew is welcoming the first distant travelers to the lodge. Tonight marks the beginning of nearly eight months straight of hosting outdoor enthusiasts on a daily basis. That also means our gift shop is open for folks to purchase this year’s new shirt design, and many other unique products. This year’s artwork is detailed ridge-for-ridge view from Cliff Tops while catching one of those famous sunsets.

Today is a glorious mountain Monday to be hiking on Mt. LeConte. We’ve been spending time in the 50s this afternoon and should enjoy mild temps and clear skies this evening. Looks like by Tuesday night through Wednesday the atmosphere will be rocking and rolling. Our region is on tap for a High Wind Watch, where the upper elevations could endure 70mph gusts. Rain is also expected. Whether you’re heading up or down the mountain that day, come ready for the elements.

Have a great rest of the day.

Good Afternoon,

What a busy week it’s been getting this place all ready for opening day. Cleaning and organizing for hours on end, and working out the kinks on our brand-spanking-new range oven. Everyone up here is excited to start hosting guests and hikers once again. Looks like Monday will be a stunningly sunny and clear day for hikers. Temps at the lodge should start out cool in the 30s but have no problem rising up into the mid 50s. As mid-week draws near, the chances for rain increase.

GSMNP recently announced this past week that mask wearing will not be required for visitors to the Smokies while inside federal buildings or concessions like LeConte Lodge at this time. Prospective visitors looking for the latest COVID-19 information and what they will experience at the lodge to start the new season should check out our website. We will of course announce any future updates through this blog.

Have a great night.

Good Morning,

Winter came back with a vengeance yesterday, reminding us all just how dominant a force it can be in these parts this time of year. One might have thought spring was here to stay after such a string of pleasant days up through Friday. ‘Twas not to be.

Saturday on Mt. LeConte by the numbers: high temp of 9° that steadily dropped to -4° during the night. Total snow accumulation of 10”, made nearly impossible to gauge with such persistent drifting, over a foot in numerous places. We never quite got the intense winds that were predicted, but even max gusts of 30mph put the wind chill factor around -30° at times. Even with propane heaters and layers of blankets, this type of cold serves as a reminder why the lodge is still closed during the winter.

Yesterday’s weather presented plenty of challenges for our team as they prepare for the upcoming airlift resupply. It didn’t take long for shoveling to become a fool’s errand once the winds arrived. It made for a worthy opportunity to tackle the first of several indoor cleaning tasks where at least one could stay warm and sheltered. Our mountain played host to the last cloud in the sky, eventually lifting just after sunset. The moon and stars against the fresh snow, combined with the shimmering city lights below, gave the lodge grounds a white glow. Today should be sunny and beautiful, with temps rising back up above freezing. As long as flying can kickstart on Monday, we’ll have a lot of prepping to do outside today. No time to waste!

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Cherokee Orchard Rd above Twin Creeks remain temporarily closed because of the hazardous conditions.

Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

​It’s another delightful day on the mountain. Skies have been mostly clear this Friday, with clouds only slowly starting to creep in and thicken. Temps have felt spring like yet again in the mid 40s. Couldn’t ask for a better day to have our crew making their ascent to kick things into gear for the upcoming season.

​We’re on the cusp of what should an interesting 48 hours. Tonight what could start as rain will eventually transition over to snow, falling heavy at times throughout Saturday. The accumulation amounts have danced around a bit, with the latest forecast calling for up to 10” of powder. That will be coupled with fierce winds and a steep temperature drop Saturday afternoon. The most intense part of this winter blast is predicting temps in the single digits, wind gusts up around 50mph, spawning wind chills near -30°. Come Sunday, spring will make a prompt return and conditions will normalize.

GSMNP will be closing US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) at 6:00 PM this evening on account of the pending storm. There is no timetable for when it will reopen, but road crews hope to start assessing and clearing Sunday.

Be safe wherever you are this weekend. Have a great rest of the day.

Good Morning,

As expected, the mountain endured a rainy and rocky evening. We received 1.27” of rainfall, although judging by the amount of water flowing down from Cliff Tops clear through camp, you’d think we received more. It looks like the rain is pretty much done for the day, but the trails are going to be solidly saturated, so unless you like squishy feet, remember some waterproof boots. Temps are still fairly warm, as we reached a high of 50° yesterday and we’re already starting out in the lower 40s this morning. The clouds and breezes will persist today with a slight possibility of some clearing later.

As we do around this time each year, it’s good to remind folks of what the lodge will look like during our annual airlift resupply. Beginning Sunday, March 13, lodge grounds and buildings will be off limits to all visitors. This is for the safety of all visitors and to ensure an efficient and effective process for our team. Visitors can’t be in the flight path during the resupply or interfering with our operations. Our team will be using loud and heavy equipment at times in between drops and creating obstructions in what would otherwise be public spaces. Hikers will still be able to access the pit privies at the west end of camp or the backcountry shelter. Hikers are also advised to bring enough food and water for the duration of their trip, unless they choose to draw water from the naturally flowing spring shortly down Trillium Gap Trail (boil/purification recommended). Visitors will still be able to access the popular landmarks like Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point at anytime. After this Sunday, lodge grounds will not reopen to the public until the airlift is complete. Again, no services are available until we officially open our doors on Monday, March 21. Thank you for your cooperation and support!

​Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

What a delightful day to kickstart the second week of March. Folks in the lowlands would have had a difficult time noticing until the skies broke not long ago, but Mt. LeConte has been soaring above the cloud sea all day. The temperature inversion even had things feeling swimmingly springlike up here compared to the veiled grey and cool mist prevalent below. We tapped 50° at one point, and it felt perfect to be out tackling preseason chores in the sunshine. Unfortunately, the forecast is going to turn less than stellar beginning tonight. We’re expecting several inches of rainfall and strong winds that might gust up to 40mph late this evening and for much of Wednesday. It would appear tomorrow one will be forced to whittle away at some indoor tasks.

The mountain has been covered up in flocks of youngsters who seem to be enjoying their spring breaks. Can’t blame them for picking this destination on such a stunning day. Hopefully everyone researches the forecast for the coming days and comes prepared. It’ll be a wet, cold, and miserable experience for anyone not dressed to spend prolonged hours in the harsh elements. Reminder that even though activity is about to increase over the next couple weeks, the lodge is still closed and no services are available. Opening day is set for Monday, March 21st once we get all of our supplies flown in and we give the entire complex a thorough tune up. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates for a successful and timely lift!

​Have a great rest of the day.

Good Morning,

Better strap down the ole’ noggin’ protector if you’re out and about today because the winds are a’howlin’! It’s in gusty conditions like this where weakened trees tend to pry loose or fracture, so use caution. Winds could tap 50mph at times today as the current advisory lasts until 7:00 PM tonight. Temps are still crazily warm for this time of year. The mountain reached a high of 54° yesterday along with a low of 37°. No precip once again, but judging by the line of storms rolling this direction from across the state, that’s all about to change. Rest of the week sure looks like it’ll be a wet one with cooler conditions in tow. Going to be a shock to the system to all the vegetation that was ready to kickstart spring. Sounds like hunkering down inside a warm, dry, and cozy cabin is the ticket in the foreseeable future. Stay safe out there!

Good afternoon folks,

​Its another fine day. The high yesterday reached 53 degrees. The overnight low dipped down to 37 degrees. It was 41 degrees at 7am observation. Have a good one.

SEE YOU AT THE TOP
​PNUT