UPDATE:

GSMNP will be temporarily closing US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) at 5:00 PM in conjunction with the High Wind Warning for this evening and Saturday. The main road will likely remain closed for the duration. Guests with reservations at the lodge should adjust their plans accordingly. Cherokee Orchard Rd and its trails remains accessible to the public at this time.

Good Morning,

Another gorgeous sunrise greets guests high above East Tennessee this fine Thursday morning. We had ourselves a superbly sunny day yesterday and are expecting a repeat performance again today. Temps overnight dipped down into the 20s, so folks will have to contend with chilly conditions until the sun gains some altitude. Once it does, we should enjoy high temps in the 40s later this afternoon. Speaking of repeat performances, the start to this coming weekend looks wet and windy much like the previous. Clouds will increase during the night and welcome back the rain, thunderstorms, and blustery conditions on Friday. The skies could remain sour deep into Saturday afternoon. No wind advisories have been issued just yet, but early indications are that gusts could tap 65mph late Friday into Saturday. Temps should remain mild throughout, but then dip below freezing again come Sunday after this nasty front blows through. So have all the necessary gear handy for as safe and enjoyable a hike as possible this weekend, and have those alternative options ready in case the NPS feels the need to temporarily close US 441.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

The forecasters were right, as the mountain’s been getting walloped all night by winds, rain, thunder, and lightning. The Park closed US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) last night in anticipation of the worsening conditions and rightfully so. Judging by the radar, the nasty precip should start to clear out later this morning, but the High Wind Warning calling for 70mph gusts doesn’t expire until 2:00 PM this afternoon. Even if skies clear in time for guests to have a decent day on the trail and a rewarding sunset tonight, it will still be on the breezy side up top. Sunday is looking pleasant. Temps have currently dipped into the upper 30s as the biscuits get rolled out. We actually tapped 60° yesterday afternoon, a great day for some of our llamas first trip to the summit, and we are expected to see the upper 50s again today and tomorrow. Cherokee Orchard Rd remains accessible at this time, so anyone eager to start up the hill will have to utilize one of the trails emanating from the mountain’s north side. Every path will be thoroughly soaked today, so dress appropriately. And if you come across what looks like a freshly fallen tree, please take note of its location/size and share with us or the NPS for prompt resolution. Thank you!

Stay dry, hold tight to those umbrellas, and have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

There comes a point during such a long and deep freeze where no amount of blow torches, space heaters, pick axes, or chisels can match the fury of an ice-encased mountain. And when that point is reached, despite all other attempts at countering, the only solution becomes patience. That is the story of the past 72 hours that shall be known as the Great Ground Freeze of March 2023 on Mt. LeConte, of which a book could surely be written, even in the moment’s brevity. Many lodge enthusiasts fantasize about the solitude and simplicity of a life on the mountain during the winter months. Granted, it takes a special kind of person to embrace the lack in a number of common living conveniences, namely running water. And as a bonus, warm water at that. When such a convenience is not an expectation, then there are no surprises. There are multiple reasons the lodge is closed during the winter, the challenges with providing running water in such a remote and fierce location being chief among them.

March on Mt. LeConte has a long history of taking no prisoners when it comes to the turbulent transition of the seasons, and this has been just the latest in a long line of episodes. So how does a crew overcome such a challenge, when doors are open and “modern” conveniences, even in one of the last truly rustic holdouts in the USA, become expectations?

Patience. Perseverance. Then throw in an inspiring dose of teamwork.

You’re going to dig up every last pipe and valve to thaw that last blockage even if it takes all night. You’re going to sweet talk those precious little flames to give it all they’ve got to warm up what feels like liquid straight from arctic ice. And you’re going to amass an army of brawn and bravery to carve out a safe path for courageous llamas and wranglers bringing much needed provisions. Mother Nature and the Winter Warlock may be looking to win some battles, but this crew is committed to winning the war.

And now that all the water is flowing like it should be, a summer-like surge is inbound. Temps are near 50° this afternoon with partly cloudy skies, and we could even creep close to 60° over the coming days. Trails will continue to be a slog as rainfall and melting ice make their way down the slopes. Best to keep those traction devices handy just in case. And a shoutout to the NPS trail crews who clearedTrillium Gap and Rainbow Falls trails of downed trees earlier this week.

Have a great rest of the day, and raise a glass of Tang in honor of every plumber everywhere keeping the water flowing in winter!

Good afternoon
The mountain is experiencing connection issues.  High yesterday was 42, low 27. Guests today are showing up cold and wet.  It has stayed above freezing today, but still ice on the trails. Traction devices are still recommended especially on the upper sections, north facing and shady areas on the trails. The weather should be warmer, with more sun tomorrow  this will help melt the snow and ice. Be prepared for wet and muddy trails as the thawing continues.  Thursday and Friday,  look mostly sunny,  but very windy conditions are predicted. 

The llamas had a tough time negotiating the trail and the crew had to help them out with pickaxes. 
The trail crew cleared Trillium Gap from Grotto Falls Parking area and  Rainbow Falls this week. Remember Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is still closed to the public through April 6.  

Hopefully, with the clearing weather the mountain can start posting soon.
  
Have a good evening .