Good Morning,

It’s another warm mountaintop to start this Friday. Folks should have a decent morning to log some miles on the trails before the weather looks to turn stormy and sour later today. Looks like around lunchtime the clouds will build up and finally bring some much needed precip throughout the afternoon. And once this system moves in, cooler temperatures should be right behind, seeing not only our highs and lows but those felt down below as well drop a good 10° on average. For a couple days this weekend at least until another surge of heat hits the region next week.

​Continue to take all necessary steps in keeping your body hydrated and full of energy in these hot and humid conditions. When issues related to heat exhaustion hit, they hit hard. And out here you’re a lot further from receiving immediate care. Early starts, frequent breaks, and maintaining a pace comfortable for you will all contribute positively to a safe and enjoyable hike.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Halfway through the week and halfway through June. The atmosphere will be bringing the heat again today. The mountaintop will be witnessing the thermometer tap the 60s and 70s this afternoon while the lowlands endure more of the 90s. And with heat advisories calling for indices in the triple digits, escaping to the cool shade and calming waters of the mountains sure sounds like a solid plan. There is a chance for some isolated thunderstorms appearing late this afternoon as the heat rises and clouds build. Otherwise count on dappled sun and a soupy haze limiting views to what barely spans a few miles it seems. When it’s this toasty, we sure go through a lot more lemonade than hot chocolate and coffee, and rightfully so. Just keep loading up on those electrolytes before, during, and after your hike!

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

We’re still a week away from the calendar officially recognizing the start of summer, but you wouldn’t know it especially after yesterday in East TN. Another Heat Advisory will be in effect this afternoon, and likely be on repeat for the next couple weeks, if the forecast holds. Temps in the valley will reach the mid 90s easily today, which means up at the lodge we could be tapping the 70s. Combine that with our region’s notorious humidity, and it doesn’t take long to sap one’s energy on the trail, especially if proper steps haven’t been taken to prepare for a safe and enjoyable hike. A slight chance for pop up thunderstorms are in the mix today and for the coming week, but expect mostly sun and haze.

Again, it is absolutely crucial that hikers take these climate conditions seriously. Proper hydration and nourishment starts days before you hit the trail, especially if your body isn’t used to being active outside exerting oneself for a prolonged period. Even during your hike, you need to maintain your sustenance intake as you burn through your energy stores built up from the days prior. Also consider your gear and apparel before hitting the trail. Is it helping to keep you light and cool, or is it retaining heat and moisture making you feel weighted down and lethargic. There’s plenty of daylight this time of year, so start early in the morning when temps are at their coolest, and take frequent breaks to rest up. Soaking up the grand views or smelling the dwarf rhododendron are just a few good excuses for pausing during the climb.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

​We have a steady stretch of sunshine in this week’s forecast, which is going to make for grand views and stunning sunsets for our visitors. Just about everyday there will be a slight chance of a pop up rain shower, typical for this time of year, but we aren’t looking at any gully washers taking place this week. Have the rain shell or umbrella in tow just in case, but you’ll likely find more use out of the sunscreen and shades for now. Temps are going to see a significant bump to their daily average, with highs expected to reach the 70s and overnight lows grasping to the 60s. Such conditions will make trekking back from sunset at Cliff Tops or ambling around camp beneath the bright glow of the full moon that much more pleasant. And down below, the cool call of the creeks might be tantalizing for some seeking relief for the summer heat. During the daylight hours though, it’s essential everyone is diligent about staying hydrated and well nourished. This heat and humid will get you feeling down in a hurry if you aren’t careful.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

We’re officially 1/3 of the way through the 2022 season and barely a week and a half away from the longest day of the year. Whose ready for summer in the Smokies? By most accounts it has already arrived. Most schools are out of session and the families are traveling. Starting this afternoon we’ll be kicking off a new streak of much warmer temps on the mountain to go with that haze diminishing the long distance views. Talking upper 60s and lower 70s up top compared to the heavy and muggy 90s down below. And as the heat rises and clouds build throughout the day, we’ll be subject to that late afternoon/supper time thunderstorm that frequently unloads on the lodge this time of year. More often than not when it does turn out that way, guests are often treated to a vivid Rainbow over High Top a couple hours before a stunning sunset. Other than that, expect skies to be a solid mix of sun and clouds today with light winds.

Heads up this week for travelers coming and going from the park. The NPS will be conducting maintenance along the The Spur between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, meaning single lane closures and brief traffic delays. So plan your routes accordingly Monday through Thursday if you want to avoid some congestion.

Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

​We sure do have ourselves a delightful day atop East TN on hand today. Despite a handful of clouds hanging high over the Smokies’ tallest peaks and a typical summertime haze, skies are open wide and sunny. It got pretty bone chilling this morning, a surprise to many, but thankfully the rising sun took care of business and brought the mercury back up into the 50s. After tonight, the winds will finally shift away from the north, ending what has been an unusually cool stretch to cap off May and kickstart June. By tomorrow afternoon, air will be blowing out of the south bringing much warmer temps to Appalachia over the coming days. That means upper 60s and lower 70s at the lodge, a fine reprieve from what will certainly be hot and humid conditions down below. Chances for precip this weekend will be minimal and inconsistent, so come prepared for any pop up showers that may sneak up on us. Otherwise, be sure to enjoy what should be more pleasant skies and grand views over the mountains.

Have a great rest of the day.

Good Afternoon,

The rain and clouds are breaking up and moving out. It was slow to get going, but the storm bands yesterday eventually dropped just under a half inch of rainfall on the mountain. The gradual clearing today will be accompanied by wind action gusting up around 30mph now and through tomorrow. Skies will start out clear Friday morning, but we’ll witness a reversal back to sour conditions late in the day and leading into the weekend. Temps will also be a little cooler a couple days longer as well, hanging around in the 40s and 50s. Judging by the extended forecast, looks like summer in the South is about to show up. That means the upper elevations will serve as an attractive break from the heat of the lowlands.

​Have a great rest of the day.