Good Morning,
If you got outside for a ramble in the woods yesterday, you sure scored big on enjoying a beautiful day. And if you didn’t, well don’t fret! Today is calling for more of the same…lots of sunshine, little bit of clouds, no precip. Even Saturday is shaping up to be a decent day to kick off the month of June, as the return of any rain chances aren’t until late tomorrow night. Visitors will want to continue packing that extra layer or two for added warmth. Temps are still swinging between lower 40s and upper 50s these days, but with winds gusting as much as 20mph at times. Once you stop exerting energy from the hike up, it doesn’t take long for a slight chill at the summit to set in. Even a breezy sunset at Cliff Tops could cause one to question whether summer is really approaching or not. With May about to get the boot, that means traffic in the Smokies and neighboring towns will be substantially more populated for the next couple months. We’re already seeing travelers arrive who have wrapped up the school year, kicking their summers off with a trip to East TN. We’re flattered that so many people include Mt. LeConte as a must-stop destination on their vacation. Be that as it may, park roads, parking lots, trails, and mountain tops still retain their shape. That is, the nation’s most visited national park doesn’t magically expand to accommodate the exceptional increase in crowds. How to avoid those headaches? Early starts to avoid peak traffic hours, planning outdoor activities on weekdays vs. weekends, or considering alternate routes that aren’t as popular among the average visitor. With warmer temps and vegetation filling out, that also means wildlife is getting more active along footpaths and roadways. “Bear jams” - as they are often referred to - will become the norm in some of the Smokies’ busiest areas. So, planning and patience are both key to one’s enjoyment. Have a great day.
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Good Morning,
A few low-hanging clouds are present over the higher peaks of the Smokies this morning, but they aren’t expected to stick around long. Another splendidly sun-filled day is on tap for us this Wednesday. Those bright rays will feel delightful against the skin, but temps at our elevation might feel a bit brisk for some, especially if in the shade or caught in the wind. We’ll range from the lower 40s early to upper 50s this afternoon. Conditions will be clear but breezy for us, as we could experience gusts of 35mph at times today. So wind breaking layers will be helpful in feeling comfortable at the lodge and after the body’s post-activity cool down. Tomorrow is calling for more of the same…sunny and mild. This is a major week for communities across the USA to wrap up their school years, with others likely to conclude by next week as well. That means with summer vacations rolling into full effect, the nation’s most visited national park will see a surge soon and then a steady presence of exceptional visitation over the coming months. So come prepared and patient for bustling towns, slow-rolling roads, packed parking lots, and congested trails. Whereas during the spring and autumn months when Saturdays tend to bring the highest attendance to the park, it can be just about any day of the week in June and July. Weather will of course continue to have the biggest impact on visitors day-to-day, affecting just how quickly permissible parking spaces will fill up each morning. Consider this for when to arrive at a popular trailhead: Sunny? Get there sooner. Wet? Okay to wait. (Odds are the casual hikers will hit up the pancake houses first before convincing themselves to willingly hike in the rain.) For reference, sunrise these days is about 6:20 AM, with enough light to ditch the headlamp a little bit earlier. Have a great day. Good Afternoon,
Oh, sweet sunny skies. Where have you been all month? Anyone looking at this week’s forecast has to be licking their chops at the potential for some grand outdoor exploration. After a stormy Memorial Day, capping off what has been perhaps the cloudiest and rainiest month of May on record (15.5” so far), it’s a huge relief to look at the coming days that show simply sunshine. It’s one thing to be a guest overnight and deal with the dreariness for a day or two before returning to your sunny abode or place of comfort. Consider what our dedicated crew has to endure at times for weeks on end when unrelenting clouds decide to stick. If there’s a crowd more delighted to witness blue skies and a bright shiny overhead for more than a few hours, it’s these folks! Temps feel fantastic at the moment. Anyone working up a sweat on the ascent will find some cool reprieve as soon as they surpass 6,000’ of elevation. Temps this week are going to hit highs close to 60° most days, and overnight lows could easily dip into the 40s. So even though that sunshine will feel toasty in the lower elevations or during the climb, an extra layer or two will be appreciated once your body temp adjusts or at night enjoying a sensational sunset. Assuming the forecasts don’t throw us a curveball this week, plan on swapping that rain gear for wide brimmed hats, sunscreen, shades, and plenty of electrolytes. We can confirm that even after Monday morning’s deluge, Alum Cave and Trillium Gap remain the only two trails completely clear of obstructions. It’s highly possible that those other paths accessing the summit and already waiting to be cleared by NPS trail crew have since seen a few more downed trees added. So continue to use caution if choosing to pursue Rainbow Falls, Bull Head, Boulevard, or Brushy Mtn trails anytime soon. Have a great day. Good Morning,
During the night and throughout this morning, strong storms and torrential downpours have pounded the northern Smokies and slopes of Mt. LeConte. Creeks that drain the mountain’s slopes are absolutely raging at the moment and will take several hours to subside once the rain has finally stopped. Our area has gone from severe storms to flood watches then to flash flood warnings in the blink of an eye this morning. Thankfully, the rain bands are forecast to move out shortly, giving conditions the better part of the day to clear up and calm down for everyone on trail. Guests with reservations will appreciate hanging back before hitting the trails today, but don’t be surprised if getting one’s feet wet is unavoidable either from creek crossings or just a thoroughly soaked walking path. There are slight chances for popup storms later this evening, but the worst of it should be behind us soon. After today, the rest of the week’s weather looks stunning, calling for abundant sunshine. That will be a welcomed changed to everyone after such a cloud and rain-filled month of May. Hopefully the sloppy weather today doesn’t throw a wrench into any plans that have communities or families have in noting the Memorial Day occasion. Either way, it’s still important to take time and reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. Thanks to the fallen, we have countless freedoms to be able to enjoy, such as spending time in our beautiful national parks in safety and security, which is but a small piece of the bigger picture. Have a great day. Good Morning,
It’s amazing to think that we’re already 25% of the way through the 100th season. Time sure does fly! Be that as it may, we still have a great many things planned to mark the occasion throughout the season, and are excited to announce those special happenings in the coming days, weeks, and months. So keep checking back! Yesterday’s threat for evening atmospheric turbulence turned out to be big ole nothing burger, and it’s doubtful anybody would have complained about that. A rewarding sunset last night was readily followed by an inspiring sunrise this morning, sure to set trail travelers both high and low on the right path. Today is shaping up to be a beautiful day across the Smokies, and although there is the possibility for storms late this afternoon, any action is not expected to last long. This Sunday will most likely be the most pleasant of the entire holiday weekend. Monday continues to show the strongest possibility for rain and storms. Pack those layers for staying dry! Temps at the summit will likely hit the upper 60s today so long as the sun keeps shining. Overnight lows will remain mild in the 50s. Have a great day. Good Morning,
When the first bands of rain rolled through Sevier County before sunrise, that was an early indication that the weather this morning was going to be interesting. The mountain has been battered by several hours of rain and lightning, but skies are clearing at lunchtime. Temps are hovering in the lower 50s and winds are calm. The next round of storms is set to appear around supper time, so travelers this afternoon will have to contend with water underfoot without more falling from above. Scattered storms are still being forecast for Sunday and Monday. In conjunction with EMS week… Wanting to spend time in the wilderness? Does your plan require physical activity in a remote location miles from technology and luxury? Does your route include rugged terrain, variable temperatures, and the possibility of hazardous weather? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then PERSONAL RESEARCH AND PREPARATION IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. That means the individual traveler is solely responsible for the time and energy they put into making sure their experience in the wilderness is safe and successful, no one else, small inexperienced children being an exception. It’s no surprise that all national parks across the country are going to be busting at the seams this holiday weekend, with personnel and resources stretched thin. What has become a concerning reality though, despite the wealth of information available in this day and age, is that how such a significant portion of these record numbers of visitors ignore this most important step of research and preparation. And as we continue to see all over the Smokies and parks elsewhere, the consequences of this lack of preparation can be dangerous. Detailed weather forecasts, highly tested rain gear, efficiently performing warm layers…these things all exist in great abundance! Deliberately choosing not to bring the proper gear or clothing, deliberately choosing to trudge on through hazardous climate conditions when there is no sensible reason to do so, or deliberately choosing to convince others (possibly unprepared or inexperienced) is reckless and irresponsible. The Lodge is in a remote location, at an uncompromising elevation, limited in space and resources, and relies on those visitors choosing to hike here to come prepared, to take personal accountability, and to have thoroughly considered the inherent risks associated with exploring the wilderness. Doing so will improve the entirety of one’s experience to and from Mt. LeConte by leaps and bounds. Failure to do so, and we have to turn otherwise public places like the dining hall into a hypothermia triage center like we did today, instead of the fun and happy gathering place it should be for the record number of day hikers and paying overnight guests when all come prepared. So, please do the research. Please make the preparations. Please consider all your options before ever starting. Please make responsible decisions for yourself and those who depend on you (kids/grandkids) throughout. Please know when to turn around, don’t play the pride vs. shame game. You will thank you. Your dependents will thank you. Medically trained personnel, whether representing the NPS or the Lodge, will thank you. Be safe and have a great day. Good Morning,
It seems that in a matter of hours, the forecast for the holiday weekend actually continues to improve. That’s certainly music to the ears of every hiker with hopes of conquering the Smokies’ crown jewel in the coming days. Now through Sunday, mornings are looking decent while rain and storm percentages have lessened slightly for each afternoon. Continue to pack the protective gear for staying dry, because all it takes is one popup storm to hit just right and soak you to the core. Temps should feel delightful in the 50s and 60s, but bank on that humidity to sap you of energy on the ascent if not actively staying hydrated and nourished. The NPS are anticipating a bustling park over the coming days, and so are we, as the start of “tourist summer” gets under way. Heavy traffic congestion both via automobile and foot will likely be the norm inside the national park and throughout the surrounding gateway communities. Early starts or considering the lesser traveled trails to the summit will help one avoid the crowds. Otherwise, pack the patience while in transit or when visiting our on-site gift shop located in the dining hall. Reminder that gift shop hours are the same as they have been since the start of the season, even as we stroll into summer. 9:00 - 10:00 AM each morning for early risers and departing guests, then 12:00 - 4:30 PM for day hikers and arriving guests. Those times are also when the dining hall is accessible to visitors looking to step inside for a brief moment of reprieve from the elements, resting one’s feet by having a seat and a snack at our dining tables, playing one of our countless classic games available to all visitors (literally a giant cart bursting with traditional family favorites and more!), checking out one of our stringed instruments to strum and sing, or rocking away your worries with a view on the cozy back porch. It’s the main hub and the happening place on the mountain where strangers from all around can mingle and meet, sharing in what makes our mountain so special. Simply no denying that the spirit of Mt. LeConte is alive and well, even after 100 seasons! Please take note that our reservations office will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Normal business hours for receiving phone calls and emails will resume on Tuesday. So if you are an overnight guest needing to make some last minute changes before that day, please contact us before close of business today. Same for any day hikers seeking advice before attempting to explore the mountain this weekend. Don’t rely on outdated or misleading information online that can put you and others at risk. Contact our reservations office to speak with a real live person boasting decades of experience and insight, providing realtime, objective information and guidance that can set you on a safe and satisfying course for visiting the Lodge. Have a great day. Good Afternoon,
The clouds have gotten comfortable on the peaks of Mt. LeConte this morning, and it appears they’ll be sitting snugly for the rest of the day. It’s much quieter on the mountain and along our trails today, with the looming threat of rain and storms for this afternoon likely keeping the timid trekker at bay. We expect skies to start firing up here shortly, but anyone who took care of business heading up or down before lunchtime today was wise and successful in keeping dry, excluding naturally produced sweat of course. Temps will be in the 50s and 60s today, but that could still feel cool to the unaccustomed visitor so long as this cloud stays on us and obscures the sun. Right now the forecast for the next couple days is getting more specific. Both Friday and Saturday are calling for clear-ish mornings with thunderstorms building during the afternoon hours. That should give guests ample time either incoming or outgoing to make their trek without having to contend with much rain, if any. As early spring ephemerals fade, such as trillium, several of the late season bloomers and bushier vegetation are starting to take center stage. Catawba rhododendron are opening up around 4,500’ while yellow bead lily add a splash of color to the ground cover. The Myrtle blooms are hanging on at Inspiration Point but are on their way out, but the populations higher up on Cliff Tops and Myrtle Point have some more days in them for folks to admire. With so much color and beauty befalling the mountain, now’s as good a time as any to remind hikers that the picking or scavenging of plants and flowers in the national park is prohibited. That means…don’t do it! The national park is a space dedicated to protecting these natural resources, not pillaging or destroying, and responsibility is most definitely shared by those who choose to explore and recreate in said space. Picking flowers, for example, robs future visitors from the opportunity to enjoy these mountains’ natural beauty, it harms that resource’s ability to flourish and sustain, plus it negatively effects the various forms of wildlife dependent upon it. The “it’s just one” attitude is absolutely wrong to have, especially if you multiply that times the number of visitors the Smokies receives annually. There’d be nothing left. So please, show restraint when it comes to trying to add some flare to that silly selfie or Insta post that in reality does more harm than good. “Take only pictures, leave only footprints” carries more weight and long lasting impacts than one might realize in a place as special as this. Have a great day. Good Afternoon,
It’s beginning to look and feel like summer now high above the Smokies. Bountiful sunshine graced the mountains today with only spotty clouds to briefly break up the brightness. As expected, the trails were quite busy all day with hikers young and old eager to make the ascent with such delightful conditions forecast. That said, there has been an obvious uptick in the temps, humidity, and haze, hence the whole feeling and looking like summer thing. 80s in the lowlands and 60s at the lodge gets to be the norm for much of June and July, so anyone with ambitions of climbing Mt. LeConte really need to start taking the adequate hydration and nutrition plan seriously going forward. And that process, to be done correctly, starts days before you ever hit the trail. Early starts to beat the heat, and numerous rest stops during the hike will go a long way in making your trek more enjoyable. Speaking of summer in the south, the other substantial part of the equation includes isolated thunderstorms and rain showers most afternoons. With this heat and humidity settling in for the next few months, expect the weather forecasts to mention it almost daily. That’s exactly how tomorrow and the coming holiday weekend are shaping up, which may or may not play spoiler to certain Memorial Day events or family gatherings happening in and around the national park. Partly sunny with a chance for storms everyday. So pack the poncho and umbrella right alongside the sunscreen and snacks. Blustery winds will likely occur with any and every storm. Temps are going to swing between 50s and 60s at our elevation. We’re still a month away from the summer solstice, but there’s more than 14 hours of daylight nowadays with sunrise at 6:20 AM and sunset at 8:40 PM. Ample time for day hikers to comfortably make the hike up, take in the summit’s various vistas and inspirational sights, claim an increasingly popular 100th Season “I Hiked It” shirt from the gift shop, then safely make the stroll back down before the sinking sun even sniffs the horizon. Have a great night. Good Morning,
Residents of Mt. LeConte are waking up to a cloud-capped lodge this morning, but the veiled conditions are expected to lift as the day progresses. Skies should be mostly sunny for us again today, but there is a slight chance for a late afternoon rain shower. Temps are stellar, as we start out in the 50s and should reach the mid 60s after lunch. Right now, Wednesday is showing nothing but sunny skies over the Smokies. With the positive turn in the weather, combined with the approaching national holiday, expect traffic congestion in the park to continue to increase this week. Several schools in our gateway communities and surrounding counties have or are about to dismiss for the summer. So although school zones won’t have those moments prone to traffic backups during the day until autumn, that means a greater portion of the local population will now be out and about exploring the wilderness. The same can be said for the eastern half of the US in the next couple weeks, as families from all around flock to the Smokies for a fun-filled summer vacation. Hard to believe that June is already knocking on the door! Phone/internet services are temporarily down at our reservations office due to construction work taking place in the area. 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
January 2025
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