Good Morning All,

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that Trillium Gap Trail will be temporarily closed through Thursday, July 11, due to hazardous trail conditions. The area received heavy rainfall over the last couple of weeks causing extremely slippery, muddy conditions on the trail surface undergoing rehabilitation.

The views offered from LeConte Lodge are some of the best in the park but some times of the day we are socked in and can't see twenty feet in front of us. During those times, we like to look at the things right around us; the way the wood twists and turns on the pine trees, how green the grass is, our friends. Then when one really takes the time, the smallest of creatures open our eyes to a whole new world. This tiny snail with his huge antenna make each blade of grass look ten feet tall. He moves at his own pace over each pebble getting where he wants to go eventually.
It is currently 61 degrees outside and still climbing. A small chance of rain on the forecast but not till later this evening. Yesterday we received 0.5 inches of rain. Overnight low clocked in at 47 degrees.  ​

​Good afternoon, 

The last 24 hours have been a roller coaster of weather. With a high of 71 yesterday and overnight low of 48, guests went from shorts and T-shirt’s to hoodies and flannel pants. Yesterday, we added .42 inches of rain to our total for the year. Today, we are staying in the low 60s with scattered sprinkles of rain and thunder in the close distance. If you plan on hiking up, remember that rain gear!

​Please check out this press release from our partners at the NPS:

“GSMNP officials announced that Trillium Gap Trail will be temporarily closed through Thursday, July 11, due to hazardous trail conditions. The area received heavy rainfall over the last couple of weeks causing extremely slippery, muddy conditions on the trail surface undergoing rehabilitation.

Park trail crews will continue to diligently work on these sections during the closure to make needed repairs. The full closure will allow time for the trail tread to set up and harden for use. Weather depending, the trail is expected to reopen after July 11 for weekend use each week on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and on federal holidays through November 15.”

Guests and visitors to LeConte Lodge will not have access to Trillium Gap Trail (this means Grotto Falls) on weekends during this closure.  Your best opportunity to see the llamas will be at the lodge on packing days, whose schedule remains tentative.  Alum Cave, Rainbow Falls, Bull Head, and The Boulevard are fully open to use.

Good morning,​

It has been a HOT 24 hours with a high of 68 degrees! With that being said please remember to hike with plenty of water. We don’t want anyone dehydrated on the trail! Today, we are expecting much of the same as we are currently at 55 degrees and steadily rising. While no clouds are currently in sight, we are expecting a light rain to hit the mountain this afternoon just in time for dinner. 


As you know, much progress has been made on the Trillium Gap Trail this season as crews are hard at work. Unfortunately though, to continue their work, the Trillium Gap Trail has officially closed (even on weekends and federal holidays) until further notice to permit the trail crews to continue their hard work. Never fear though, the llamas will still be making their way up Trillium Gap Trail their scheduled three days a week. Continue to use Bull Head, Rainbow Falls, Boulevard, or Alum Cave Trails to come see us as well as your beloved llama friends at the top!

Good afternoon all,

It is looking like the next couple of days are going to be clear and sunny ones. No rain on the forecast. With this much direct sunlight we are looking to see warmer temperatures. It is currently 61 degrees and climbing. Be sure to pack plenty of water as trail conditions will be hot, especially at lower elevations. Yesterday we received 0.40 inches of rain. Our overnight lows are remaining in to low 50s and upper 40s.

Good afternoon,

we were lucky this morning to be rain free. For a few hours we had clear skies and views all the way to the valley floor below. Now the rain clouds are slowly moving in bringing with them cooler temperatures. It is currently 62 degrees and not expected to get much warmer. Last night we dropped to 50 degrees. Forecast are calling for scattered showers for the rest of the day. But the lodge is certainly a wonderful oasis for hikers in the backcountry. With hot coffee brewing and heaters keeping us toasty it’s a great day to relax inside and watch the weather roll in.

Good morning,

As I inched out of bed this morning to begin making coffee for breakfast I was pleasantly surprised to see clear skies all the way to the valley floor. Our forecast for today is calling for heavy rain all day. At least we got a good sunrise in to kick off the weekend. The rains are expected to continue throughout the weekend. Trail conditions will be wet with higher water levels, especially on rainbow falls trail and Trillium Gap. Be sure to pack that rain gear. Temperatures are going to be a little bit warmer over the weekend. Highes expected in the upper 60s and low 70s. Be sure to pack plenty of water. It is currently 59 degrees out. Last night we only dropped to 51 degrees.

Greetings All

After receiving 1.1 inches of rain yesterday I wish I could say that it was over but it is continuing to rain on us today. Forecast are calling for high winds, approximately 30 mph. Expect trail conditions to be wet with higher water levels on Rainbow Falls trail and Trillium Gap. Looking ahead into the weekend we are expecting temperatures to rise into the low 70s. If you are planning a hike up be sure to pack that rain gear and bring plenty of water. It is currently 56 degrees outside with last nights low coming in at 50 degrees.

Good morning,

The rains are continuing today but on and off scattered showers. It doesn’t seem like these rain clouds are going to lift today. But have no fear for the hot coffee is flowing and the heaters are keeping us nice and toasty. Last night we only dropped to 42 degrees. With a mixture of cold rain and no sunshine things are a bit on the chilly side. Currently 51 degrees. Expect trail conditions to be wet and be sure to pack that rain gear.

Hello All,

The predicted rains have finally got to us. No major storms just some scattered showers dropping 0.2 inches of rain at the summit. The forecast is calling for the rain to continue today. Expect wet conditions on the trails and higher water levels at creek crossings, especially Rainbow Falls trail. Yesterday the llamas were able to make it before any rainfall and they were happy about that. With all this rain cloud cover we are not getting much sunlight to warm us up. Currently at 55 degrees. Yesterday’s high reached 70 degrees. Overnight lows are staying in the low 40s. Be sure to pack that rain gear and warm dry layers.