Good Morning,

It’s time to close the door on July. A lot to get into today!

A code orange Air Quality Alert is in effect for Saturday. So those with respiratory sensitivity are advised to refrain from overexerting themselves during outdoor physical activities. It’s also going to be another hazy atmosphere across East TN resulting from the heat wave and particles blowing our direction from the numerous western states fires.

Skies will be a mix of sun and clouds today, with temps expected to tap the lower 70s again. Lows will dip down into the upper 50s. Winds will be light but should feel good against that blazing sun and heat. Late tonight and into Sunday the rain and storm chances ramp up significantly. Could see some potential localized flooding depending on some of the squalls strike. Although the mountain’s creeks are running a bit low of late, so some water will likely do some good.

This weekend is the state of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday as families take advantage of discounted clothes and back-to-school items in area stores. So expect the numerous shops and outlet malls across Sevier County to clog up traffic around the Smokies. Of course we at the lodge are participating, so select merchandise items that qualify will be discounted.

​Have a great weekend.

Good Morning,

Going to be an active Friday in the skies. Already some strong storms rolling this way to start the day. Expecting a mix of sun, clouds, and isolated thunderstorms this afternoon as well. Wind gusts of 20mph are possible. Temps shouldn’t get as hot up top today, but there is still a Heat Advisory in effect for the lowlands. Currently around 60° at the lodge which is a hot wake up call for the mountain, but we shouldn’t jump much past 70° this afternoon. Please continue to take this heat and humidity seriously if you intend on venturing into the backcountry.

How can one tell it’s unusually hot for Mt. LeConte? Pay attention to the White Striped Black Moth activity. They tend to show up on the warmest days of summer, especially when the lower elevations are getting baked. When the lodge surpassed 80° back in 2012, these little flutterers were everywhere. Yesterday their population density skyrocketed around the lodge. Thursday’s high temp…79.1°. So the theory still holds true.
​
Be safe and have a great day.

Good Morning,

We have another scorcher of a day ahead of us, supposedly it’ll be even hotter than the last. At least the skies are calling for a few more clouds to move in and out, so maybe we’ll get some shade to help provide cover. Temps are already in the lower 60s, which for us is a pretty warm start to the day. The lodge will have no problem soaring into the 70s by this afternoon. Winds could pick up a bit by this evening, cruising upwards of 20mph. Might want to skip bringing the hat for sunset. Slight chance of a shower on Friday, but otherwise another toasty day mixed with sun and clouds. Again, hydration and nourishment are the keys to a safe and enjoyable hike if you intend on being physically active in these conditions. Heat exhaustion is no joke in the backcountry!

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Alright, the super heat wave is here. Today and tomorrow will see full unabated sunshine blazing down on East TN and the Smokies. Temps in the lowlands could reach the upper 90s, with a heat index in the triple digits. What that means for us is 80s at trailheads and lower 70s at the summit. And when they aren’t calling for much wind in the forecast, that heat and humidity just makes the air feel hot and heavy on the chest. So again, take care of your bodies and take your time hiking in this stuff. Trails with plenty of shade, like Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap, are recommended for afternoon hiking since they’re on the northern slopes. Alum Cave at least affords hikers some time by the creeks and is the shortest option. Bull Head, with its southern exposure and miles of canopy-less trail, should be avoided for the time being, especially as an ascent. Keeping your bodies fueled with electrolytes and calories is essential, and there’s no shame in taking a lot of breaks along to the way.

​Have a great day and safe trekking.

Good Morning,

It’s already off to a warm start atop the mountain this morning. We’re in a blender of haze, clouds, and sun that has most of the surroundings obscured. We should get to enjoy a mostly sunny front half of the day, especially once the sun burns off the fog in the lowlands. Later this afternoon and into the evening there is the chance for some thunderstorm development. Same as yesterday, depending on how big the storm cells get and where they strike could produce some heavy rainfall. Temps today should have no problem eclipsing 70 and judging by the forecast our overnight lows might stay out in the lower 60s. Expecting little air movement which will only help the humidity make things feel even stickier. Once we get past today, we have a couple of sunny days lined up.

Folks planning to tackle the mountain this week need to be extra cautious about prepping their bodies for the heat and humidity. That means eating plenty of balanced meals days in advance of your trek, and then staying hydrated and well nourished during the climb. Starting early and taking plenty of breaks along the way is wise as well, and why not with so many great views. Please don’t be the person who nibbles on a couple snacks the day before and then takes some energy chews the morning of their hike. This is setting your body up for failure in a dangerous way, especially if you aren’t used to climbing a mountain, covering long distances, or doing routine physical activities. Too often do our staff and the NPS have to respond to heat related issues that were completely avoidable to begin with. So please do yourselves and those around you a huge favor and take this weather seriously by preparing for a safe and enjoyable hike. Thank you!

​Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

The south is getting pretty toasty these days, and we’re entering what is set to be our hottest week of the year thus far. But first, we have a couple days on tap with heightened rain and thunderstorm potential. Clouds have been building all morning and this afternoon the skies could get noisy. Depending on how certain storm cells track, they could produce enough rain to cause localized flooding along mountain streams. So use caution if you happen to be out late on any of the trails. Tuesday is also calling for scattered storms and rain, so come ready for wet conditions either up top or en route. Temps are already in the lower 60s and we could top 70° later. Winds should remain relatively calm around the lodge. Still pretty hazy all around this part of the country, but hopefully this pending rain will help clear the air out a bit.

Have a great rest of the day.

Good Morning,

Another hot summer day, another summer haze obscuring one’s gaze. It’s difficult to determine where the haze ends and cloud bottoms begin from our vantage point. Still waiting on the return of rain to help wash the dirty air out. We’re looking at a mix of sun and clouds today, with the possibility of passing showers later this afternoon. Temps are in the mid 50s for breakfast and we should climb into the upper 60s today. Light winds over the mountain are expected. If we don’t witness any rain drops from above today, it appears that Monday and Tuesday are set to be soakers.

There has been an explosion of mushrooms along the trails, plus an increase in happy little bee activity. The fuzzy striped flyers were dancing from one Rugel’s Ragwort to another yesterday as those plants gradually bloom higher up the mountain. As soon the coneflower and monkshood pop around the lodge, we’ll get to enjoy their constant buzzing and flower hopping.

Have a great end to the week.

Good Morning,

Haze all around. So thick yesterday that looking south from Sevierville one might not even know there were mountains. Skies will be a mix of sun and clouds today with the haze simply filling in the gaps. Again, if you are someone with sensitivity to air quality, especially at higher elevations, take whatever precautions you need to recreate safely and enjoyably in the outdoors this weekend. There is only a slight chance for some passing afternoon rain showers today and tomorrow. Until we get some liquid precip, it’s possible these soupy looking skies hang around. Temps will be consistent, with highs in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 50s. Certainly feels refreshingly brisk up top compared to the 90s baking the lower elevations of late. Little air movement expected today.

​The park has been incredibly busy in recent days, so one should expect the weekend warriors to be out in force now that Saturday is here. Fortunately, Mt. LeConte has an assortment of trails to the summit if you are looking to avoid the crowds of the more popular footpaths. And if it’s brand new to you, be sure and treat yourself with one of our awesome trail specific patches or hiking stick medallions! Reminder that our gift shop hours are 8:30-9:30 AM and 12:00-5:00 PM daily. Our crew has a great deal of tasks to complete day in and day out tending to our overnight guests with only so much time to do it in. Thank you in advance for planning your treks to the lodge accordingly if you hope to browse our exclusive souvenir offerings.

​Have a great weekend.

Good Morning,

The sunny streak continues, and so does the soupy haze. Waking up to partly cloudy conditions across the mountains, but it should be a mostly sunny Friday. There is an ever-so-slight chance of a rain shower later this evening, but nothing worth shaking a stick at. We managed to tap 70° again yesterday, and there’s a possibility we do so again the next couple days. Our lows continue to be in the mid 50s. As we march through the weekend and beyond, the rain and storm chances seem to increase little by little. That should hopefully help to cleanse the air and rid us of some of the lingering haze. Have the rain gear handy because some pop-up showers can spawn without warning. The annual summer bloom around the lodge is running about a week later than usual this year, which has pretty much been par for the course all over the Smokies since the spring. By next weekend there should be a lot more yellow glowing around camp.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

So nice to wake up to consecutive sunny skies. We were in and out of the clouds yesterday, but getting to enjoy some warm temps and no rain was a nice treat for what has been the norm this month. We actually tapped 70° yesterday and might do so again today. Overnight lows will continue to be in the mid 50s. We should have another delightfully sunny day ahead of us, but everyone should be mindful of the air quality alert still in effect. This haze is already thicker today than yesterday from our vantage point. So folks with respiratory concerns please take note. Friday looks decent for us with only a slight chance of an afternoon rain shower.

Our maintenance projects will be taking a break from the action these next couple days and will resume again next week. Thank you to all of our recent visitors for putting up with the atypical noises and amenity alterations while we tackle various improvements. The weather and time of year dictate when and how we can approach certain fixer-uppers, so again, thank you to everyone’s outstanding support, patience, and understanding.

​Have a great day.