 Good Afternoon, Happy Easter everyone! It’s going to be another beautiful day, and although plenty of folks will be staying close to home today, one should expect the park to still be congested at times. Skies will be an even mix of sun and clouds, with winds continuing to have their presence felt. Gusts upwards of 35mph will likely take the warm edge off of afternoon highs near 60°. It’s been most enjoyable to have a taste of spring this week, but happening this early in the calendar can be fool’s gold for a mountaintop that knows dustings of snow in mid May. And the upcoming forecast indicates just that, with the return of cold temps and icy precip looming in the days ahead. The crew has been hustling ever since we opened our doors…to be expected when your first week of the 100th season coincides with exemplary weather, spring breaks, and Easter weekend. But they still took time to make good on one of the fun holiday traditions, painting eggs. We sure have some creative folks on our team! Have a great day. 
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 Good Morning, Well it was certainly a “Good” Friday yesterday, and the hikers sure showed up on the mountain. Holiday weekend, sun shining, friends and family outside enjoying nature, fun and laughter filling the Dining Hall. That’s some real Mt. LeConte magic right there! As busy as the summit was yesterday, one expects that the nation’s most visited national park will busting at the seams today. So pick your routes wisely and pack the patience while in transit. We missed out on a Wednesday visit from our favorite fuzzy friends due to the chaotic weather earlier this week, but our courageous llamas and wranglers made their first round trip run of supplies yesterday. It’s no easy thing to shake off the cobwebs after a winter of getting plump and happy, but we’re proud of our packers for diving right back into action. And the NPS was able to reopen Roaring Fork Road for the season yesterday. Please respect the signage about where it is permissible to park along the one-way road, as ignoring it can cause numerous obstructions and headaches trying to navigate the windiness. Plus it destroys the natural resources that a park is created to protect. Sunny skies are on tap for this Saturday. Temps will be a bit warmer today, ascending into the mid 50s. Breezy conditions are expected though, with gusts of 35mph possible over the crest. So don’t forget the wind breaker and hold on to your hat if basking in bountiful sunshine Myrtle Point this afternoon. Easter Sunday is going to be even warmer, calling for a high near 60°. If you pegged the Smokies for your spring break getaway this weekend, you certainly drew the lucky cards with this forecast! Have a great day.   Good Morning, It’s going to be a bit cooler today, a reminder that winter is far from finished with us, at least at our elevation anyway. A stunning sunset that never seemed to end last night has been followed by cloudier skies this morning. Breezy conditions have also returned, which will only add to the windchill in the teens. It’s unlikely the summit will eclipse 40° this afternoon. Gusts of 40mph are being predicted. Clouds are expected to thin as the hours pass, and temps really start to improve come Friday. That will bring joy to anyone visiting the Smokies over the holiday weekend, which hopefully exceeds potential traffic congestion frustrations likely to be incurred. The NPS sure have their hands full park-wide as they continue to cleanup downed trees and debris after the recent wind event. We’ve gathered some intel on Trillium Gap Trail and noted a few downed trees along the path and roadway. It is unknown when this area will be cleared and if the planned reopening of Roaring Fork will be delayed. As soon as we know for certain, we will share it. In the meantime, please continue to make detailed notes of new trail hazards so that they can be addressed sooner rather than later. Thank you. Our reservations office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday and the Easter holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday. Have a great day.   Good Morning, Yesterday was a wet and nasty day to be just about anywhere. With so many roads closed, only a handful of courageous souls challenged the trails and attained the summit. That said, it’s been a pretty sparse crowd enjoying meals in the dining hall. But we did get a few glimmers of hope come evening time. The skies parted during sunset to display some impressive views of the valley among purples and oranges above. Plus we learned that the NPS had reopened US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd). So visitors now have access to Alum Cave this morning. And now we’re waking up to an inspiring sunrise above a cloud sea. We’re still waiting on Cherokee Orchard to be cleared and to know if Trillium Gap Trail survived the storm unscathed so that we can welcome our first llama trip of the season. If you come across new hazards on any Mt. LeConte trail, please let us. Details matter…pictures, location, size and scale, trunk or rootball. Every bit helps the NPS know how to approach and clear the obstruction safely and effectively. The weather looks great now and into Easter Sunday. Given the forecast, the timing of the holiday, and a large portion of the Eastern US taking spring breaks, one should fully expect the Smokies to be slammed this week. That means traffic jams on roadways, packed parking lots early, and crowded trails with everyone trying to get a piece of the sunny outdoors. Temps will range from near freezing to 40s the next couple days, but get warmer toward the weekend. Have a great day.   UPDATE: Cherokee Orchard has been recently assessed and is now closed at the park boundary due to downed trees. Guests with reservations for tonight affected by the road closures should contact our reservations office to discuss options if they have not already done so. Good Morning, Over the past twelve hours, the howling winds have been packing some serious punch. We’re fortunate that the lodge sits below the ridge on a north-facing slope, because the roar of what’s been blowing over the crest from the south has been legit. The weather station at nearby Cove Mountain has recorded max wind gusts of 85mph so far, and Mt. LeConte has easily experienced the same. These winds are the kind that make you think your cabin is about to take flight, or knock you off your feet if not unconditionally focused on your balance while walking. No wonder they chain buildings to the ground atop Mt. Washington in NH! US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) will likely be closed for the duration of the High Wind Warning, as well as the rain expected to last all day. Precip could be heavy at times unless the mountains happen to break up the passing system. Cherokee Orchard Road is still open, but it’s possible that could change at a moment’s notice, especially if that road hasn’t been recently assessed. Anyone accessing the mountain from that side should know what they’re facing trail-wise. Trillium Gap Trail is 8.9 miles from that point, and although the path was recently clear of trees, that makes for a lengthy ascent in less than ideal elements. Bull Head is littered with downed trees of varying size and chewed up sections of trail. That leaves Rainbow Falls, the shortest of the three at 6.7 miles and with at least one major downed tree to navigate near the top. Please note this intel was before the current winds arrived. The rain is expected to roll in around breakfast time. That means anyone getting an early start can do themselves a favor by putting as many miles underfoot as possible before trails turn to muck or creeks swell. There’s also the benefit that traversing the north side of the mountain shields one from the nagging winds. Reminder that guests with reservations have peace of mind knowing a cozy cabin providing shelter awaits them. Day hikers don’t have that luxury and would be wise to wait this one out. Wednesday looks promising for up and down rambles. Be safe and have a great day.   Good Morning, There’s a spotlight focused on Mt. LeConte to start this Monday. Or is it just the incredibly bright “worm moon” taking place this month? Seriously had to check if the solar panels were drawing power from it. Winds have picked up speed during the night, and that will be one of the major storylines…aside from our reopening…these next couple days. Hikers will get to bask in mild temps and partly cloudy skies if out and about today, with rain expected for much of Tuesday. Winds will continue to increase in speed, hitting an apex of 80mph gusts tonight and into tomorrow. Despite the High Wind Warning, park roads accessing Mt. LeConte remain open at this time (save for seasonal Roaring Fork), but visitors should not be surprised if that changes on account of the conditions. Still, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for guests with reservations to take the shortest and quickest route up and down the mountain early this week. Especially since downed trees are still an obstacle on a couple trails. Now that we’ve got that vital info out of the way, it’s on to what everyone is really excited about. By now, most LeConte Lodge enthusiasts are aware that 2024 marks our 100th Season in existence (1st=1925, 2nd=1926, 3rd=1927…1934=10th…..2024=100th). Not to be confused with the 100th Anniversary set to place next summer. So to help us celebrate all year long, it only makes sense to offer a range of merchandise speaking to this season’s significance. Specifically 2024’s edition of the now decades-famous “I Hiked It” shirt, only available up here to those courageous enough to claim it. There’s no doubt that climbers of Mt. LeConte will wear this apparel with pride, and that anyone with any hint of familiarity to LeConte Lodge will immediately recognize the famous look. SO…it’s time to unveil the official shirt of the 100th Season! Drumroll……… (Bubbling anticipation and brow sweat)……… Cymbal crash!!!   Good Afternoon, It’s the Eve of Opening Day 2024 and the 100th season of LeConte Lodge. Sounds like the spring breakers have arrived to the Smokies en masse this Palm Sunday. With such nice weather expected tomorrow, one would fully expect the trails of Mt. LeConte to be hopping! It’s been another exciting day full of prep work and fine tuning in anticipation of Monday’s first arrivals. Sunshine, blustery winds, and temps near 50° are on tap for the new week. Recently, the National Park Service decided to close the Office building historically used for providing check-in and retail services at the lodge. While plans for its renovation continue to go through the motions, the Dining Hall will now serve as the major hub for the overnight guest and day hiker experience. Here are some key things to expect upon arriving at the lodge beginning tomorrow… Q: Where can visitors purchase merchandise like the famous “I Hiked It” shirts now? A: The Dining Hall will house the Gift Shop, welcoming both overnight guests and day hikers inside during posted hours. Q: Will overnight guests still get served meals family style in the Dining Hall? A: Absolutely! Same times, same place, same delicious Southern fix-in’s, same unforgettable lodge experience. Q: Can the Dining Hall really accommodate the inclusion of a Gift shop? A: Yes! It’s impressive just how spacious the hall is, and although a few tables have been shuffled around, there remains adequate space for visitors to safely and comfortably access the gift shop, utilize dining tables, and enjoy views from the back porch. Q: What will the check-in process be like for overnight guests now? A: First, follow and read all signage directing you toward and inside the Dining Hall. A party leader should then check-in with a crewmember at the kitchen counter instead of at the Gift Shop. Tours of camp will ensue without disrupting customers in line looking to purchase souvenirs. Q: What else can visitors do inside the Dining Hall besides shop for souvenirs or eat meals as overnight guests? A: To-go lunches, baked goods, and other snacks will be sold from the Gift Shop as normal. Games will be available to all those interested, as well as string guitars upon request. We’ve even incorporated some of the famous historical and interpretive pictures from the former Office. Overnight guests will be served complimentary drinks during posted hours, and still have self-service beverages at night and before breakfast. Q: What about the swing and rocking chairs from the Office porch? A: The swing has been relocated to the Dining Hall back porch, paired with some new rockers we think you’ll enjoy (special announcement forthcoming!). Of course, now day hikers will be able to utilize the dining tables inside during posted hours. And there are nine outside picnic tables around camp for visitors to enjoy. Remember to pack out all trash, and to respect that porches of guest cabins are for those paying guests with reservations only. Q: So aside from having to transition certain services from one building to another, will that much really change for the average visitor? A: While we share in the memories and value all that the Office building offered to decades of visitors, we eagerly look forward to what renovations are in store for the structure. LeConte Lodge also remains unphased by new challenges and fully committed to providing a positive and memorable experience in the backcountry. Friendly service with a smile, delicious food after a day on the trail, must-have purchases and memorabilia, laughs and sing-alongs with friends, captivating sunsets with family…they’re all coming at you same as they ever have for 99 seasons prior. We take pride in what we do, and our crew is stacked with folks who take hospitality to heart. So, beginning tomorrow, come on up and let us make your mountain getaway a special one…for the 100th time.   Good Evening, As predicted, it has been a wet and dreary day from start to finish on the mountain. Certainly a great opportunity to complete chores indoors, and admire the beauty of the outdoors from behind the cozy confines of windows, board, and batten. Temps had been in the upper 30s much of the day, but about supper time the thermometer dropped and it didn’t take long for surfaces to ice over. Sunday will make for a much better day than today to hit the trails and explore the forest. Expect conditions to be chilly at sunrise, but it shouldn’t take long for skies to clear and warmth to return, as we hope to reach the 50s tomorrow. Progress continues in earnest as our team puts the finishing touches on getting the lodge organized and suitable for welcoming of our first guests Monday. The excitement builds with each new box opened and cabin tidied and tucked. If initial glimpses are any indication, we think you’re going to fall in love with this year’s special 100th season “I Hiked It” shirt and a whole treasure trove of exclusive Lodge memorabilia. As per tradition, we’ll unveil the “pièce de résistance” on Opening Day! Have a great night.   Good Morning,
Our hard-working crew continues to churn through preparations for the coming 100th season of LeConte Lodge. Indoors, outdoors…there’s a plethora of tasks to be tackled in anticipation of welcoming back our beloved guests. Day by day, hour by hour, working beneath both sunlight and moonlight, we can see the vision coming together and the progress has us all excited. We have a veteran crew that’s perhaps the most motivated this mountain has ever seen, eager to deliver and undaunted by any challenge. An ideal fit for what this year has in store. We’ve enjoyed a sweet streak of sunshine in recent days, but later today that weather will turn less favorable for spending time outside. Clouds will increase throughout the day, eventually seeing the return of rain showers by supper time. Wet conditions are expected to persist Saturday, possibly dampening plans for the weekend warriors and spring breakers. Temps won’t stray much from the 40s today and tonight. There’s also a Wind Advisory in effect now until late this evening, calling for gusts upwards of 45mph. Sunday certainly looks more promising for rambles in the woods and wandering over peaks. Have a great day.  Good Morning, Happy official first full day of Spring! It was another superb day of flying on the mountain. We managed to wrap up provisioning yesterday afternoon for the 2024 season. That means beginning today, safety protocols have been lifted and visitors can now mosey through lodge grounds once again. Please note, that the Lodge is not providing visitor services just yet, as there’s still a great deal of prep work taking place before we open our doors on Monday. Water will continue to be available at the natural spring, but not the spigots. Hikers will notice that we have a great many materials staged for improvement projects, not just for completion this week, but over the coming months. Thankfully it isn’t as frigid atop the mountain this morning. No single digit readings or sub-zero wind chills expected today! We’ll start out below freezing again, but it will feel warmer sooner for everyone as the bright sun ascends into clear skies. Temps could reach the upper 40s this afternoon. Winds will put a chilly damper on conditions though, gusting as much as 35mph over the peaks. So layer up and watch for patchy ice on trail if starting up the mountain early. A special shout out to everyone on our team who helped make this year’s airlift a quick, efficient, and smashing success once again! Always an exciting time made possible by the efforts of many dedicated and hard working people. Have a great day.  |
LeConte LodgeWelcome to the official blog of LeConte Lodge. We hope you find the information provided here both helpful and enjoyable. Thank you for visiting the site, and we hope to see you on the mountain! Archives
June 2024
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