Good Morning,

We at LeConte Lodge join the rest of America in observance of Memorial Day, as we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. We remember the fallen men and women in uniform who so proudly and bravely wore our nation’s colors. Thank you to those courageous souls whom we have lost, and to their families, in standing up for so much on behalf of our nation.
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We’re due for some much improved skies today across all elevations, with a more equal distribution of sun shining from top to bottom. There is a slight chance of some clouds popping up throughout the day, but relatively clear and pleasant conditions are on tap. Winds should be calm, and temps will make a steady climb out of the cold cellar we’ve been enduring this past weekend. Once again starting in the upper 30s, but we should get comfortably into the 50s later this afternoon. Not really a threat for rain these next couple days, but certainly come ready with an extra layer for warmth until summer makes its return.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Spring and summer have taken a brief siesta this weekend. Waking up to a mountain top experiencing temps in the mid 30s this morning. Once again our high for this afternoon will be lucky to break 50°. Clouds are thickly covering the lower elevations, but conditions should improve as the day progresses. Meanwhile, the higher peaks of the mountains have a decent shot at soaking up some sun which ought to help fight off the chill. We’re due for one more cold night before things warm back up significantly for Monday. Will certainly make for great outdoor exploration, especially since the recent rains and cooler temps have helped to clear the air. Still plan on having to endure busy roads and trails a couple more days as you navigate the park and gateway communities.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

It sure is nice to hear the pitter-patter of rain drops on rooftops again. Seems like it’s been a long time, and our area needed it dearly. Yesterday delivered with intermittent squalls throughout the day Friday, although there were some decent gaps in the action which certainly helped hikers in transit. This morning there will be some lingering showers to start, otherwise we’re looking at a mostly cloudy Saturday high above East Tennessee. Winds are expected to remain light, all things considered. Temps will be the most interesting story of the holiday weekend. Our high temp for the day should be what we’re experiencing here for breakfast, currently in the low 50s. As the cold air pushes through the region we’ll gradually slide into the upper 30s by this evening. Yowza! Just like that we go from excessive heat to unseasonably chilly for late May. Mother Nature on Mt. LeConte sure keeps one on their toes! Temps for Sunday will be similar, although we should witness the return of the sun.

Wishing safe travels to everyone coming into the Smokies for the holiday weekend. It’s going to be a busy beehive of activity for sure. Pack your rain coats, warm layers, and some extra patience for the drive. Have a great day.

Per recent guidance from the National Park Service (NPS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), changes to mask wearing requirements for fully vaccinated individuals are going into effect.  Here are new COVID-19 protocols that visitors can expect beginning May 28, 2021 at LeConte Lodge.

• FULLY VACCINATED individuals are no longer required to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by NPS federal regulations or LeConte Lodge guidance.
• ALL individuals over the age of two who are NOT yet FULLY VACCINATED must wear masks inside all public buildings at LeConte Lodge, as well as outdoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

 
Current COVID-19 health and safety protocols to remain in place include:

• Occupancy limits inside all public buildings.
• All guests will continue to be served meals in their respective cabins at this time, NOT the Dining Hall.
• The Gift Shop is open during normal operating hours 8:30-9:30 AM / 12:00-5:00 PM.  The lobby area is closed.
• The Dining Hall is closed to all day hikers.  Sack lunches and snacks are currently being sold at the Gift Shop.  No inside dining available.  All orders are to-go.
• Limited beverage services available to overnight guests in the Dining Hall.  Times subject to change.  The back porch is also closed, and all beverages are served to-go.

 
Overnight guests or day hikers seeking more information about our COVID-19 health and safety protocols and their impact on the lodge experience should visit our reservations website.  We will also continue to provide updates on our various social media outlets, where visitors can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

​Thank you for your cooperation and support during these unusual times.

Good Morning,

It’s going to be another hot day in late May for the Smokies. Skies will be a mix of sun and clouds today with only a slight chance for some afternoon rainshower development. We’re starting off in the lower 50s and could get into the mid 60s this afternoon. After today we’re going to slide down the thermometer substantially as a cold front pushes through the region bringing rain and chillier temps. Beginning Friday and lasting into Saturday the mountains will be receiving some much needed rain. High and low temps will be about 20° cooler than they’ve been this past week. We’re talking 40s-50s at the lodge for the bulk of the holiday weekend. So come layered up for wet and chilly weather at times if you have upcoming reservations. In the meantime, it’s obvious the humidity levels are ramping up. Extra perspiration happens when hiking in these conditions, so be diligent about staying hydrated and well nourished during your hike.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Sign us up for another sunny start to this Tuesday. It’s hazy on the horizon and temps are in the low 50s. Winds are calm and the early birds are chirping. It should warm up enough today that we could reach 70° at the lodge. For the first time in quite a while, there is a chance for precipitation. About mid afternoon today our area could experience some isolated thunderstorms. Conditions should improve in plenty of time for a sunset hopefully. We sure could use the rain. Be ready if skies decide to become turbulent while on trail.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

It’s going to be another sizzling sunny day in the Smokies to begin this last week of May. Skies are once again hazy from the unseasonably high temperatures and lack of rain of late. We’re starting off in the low 50s but should soar into the upper 60s this afternoon. Winds are to remain relatively calm and could blow in a few extra clouds as the day goes on. The code orange air quality alert has been extended through midnight tonight. There is a slight chance for some scattered rain showers Tuesday, intermixed with periods of sun. A little wet weather would do the region some good. Have those rain shells ready for tomorrow should a squall pop-up during one’s hike.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Oh, what a beautiful mountain morning. Things are toasty to kickoff this Sunday, with our breakfast temps already in the mid 50s. The summit should have no problem getting into the upper 60s today. Winds passing over the region will be much lighter than of late. This glorious pattern of sunny skies is going to continue the next few days.

Folks are likely noticing how much hazier the views are becoming, quite common as we roll into the warmer months. There is a code orange air quality alert in effect for today, which means heightened ozone concentrations in the lower elevations. This can also be common when we fo several days experiencing hot temps and no rain. Although the general public likely won’t notice a difference, it’s wise for anyone with respiratory issues to make note of before attempting a climb of Mount LeConte. For any first timers, the journey does require prolonged physical exertion in the outdoors, gaining anywhere from 2,500-4,000 feet of elevation depending on the approach trail chosen.

​Have a great end to the week.

Good Morning,

The bright and beautiful weekend is upon us! The sun will be shining in its glorious radiance from start to finish these next several days, with only occasional clouds expected. With these summer-like temps settling in over the region, views from the top will be much hazier. Crystal clear skies with detailed definition toward the horizon will be few and far between now through next winter. Temps today are starting in the upper 40s for breakfast, but we’ll easily soar into the mid 60s this afternoon. Sunday should be like hitting the repeat button. Winds today will be active still, with gusts upwards of 20mph possible at times.

With these hotter temps and the summer season nearly here, it’s smart to take that into account when deciding which trails to utilize. Those paths located on Mt. LeConte’s northern and eastern slopes - such as Rainbow Falls, Trillium Gap, and Brushy Mountain - will provide the most shade throughout the day. Bull Head, with several miles of canopy-less trekking, leaves one exposed to the full force of the sun, especially since so much of it faces south and west. Better to descend that trail than attempt the up when the forecast calls for blistering conditions. The Boulevard is hard to beat on a clear sunny day, but just be mindful of its longer distance and not to get caught out in a bad afternoon storm as one traverses the ridge line most of the way. Lastly, Alum Cave, despite navigating the southern slopes, at least offers hikers some reprieve in its shaded river walk down below. Plus it’s the shortest way to access the lodge if you’re all about minimizing the step count.

Several great options for gallivanting. Remember to pack enough water and snacks! Have a great weekend.