Good Morning,

The clouds are in control this morning keeping things cool and closed in. The rain seems to be staying south of the park for the most part, but we could still catch some passing showers throughout the day. Otherwise, looking at mostly grey and overcast conditions today. Perhaps we’ll catch a glimpse or two of the sun. Rain percentages remain low for the rest of the week so hopefully the soggiest days are behind us now. Winds are to remain calm. Temps are starting out in the low 50s this morning and we’ll be lucky to break 60° this afternoon. If you’re looking for a break from the heat and don’t mind the clouds, then Mt. LeConte’s the place to be!

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Life in a stormy blender continues. The lodge is sitting in between an assortment of cloud layers to start the new week. Rain showers have been passing through quite often and are still expected throughout today. We could see a small hiatus in the action this morning, but storms will fire up again for most of the afternoon and early evening. Going to be a little cooler today, with lows in the bottom 50s and a high that will barely top 60°. Winds to remain calm. Tuesday is still calling for some rain possibilities, but hoping that by Wednesday things calm down a bit and conditions in the mountains improve. The ground is plenty saturated and trails will surely be murky and muddy in places. So watch for those slick and sticky spots. And probably leave the white shoes at home!

Have a good day.

Good Morning,

The atmospheric boxing match continues this Sunday, with clouds and clearer skies exchanging blows over the mountain. There are some small spotty showers in the vicinity this morning, but the percentages ramp up for some bigger and louder action this afternoon. The mountain could receive anywhere from 2-3” of rain today and tonight if the forecast plays out as predicted. That’s going create a great amount amount of water running off these slopes given how saturated the ground already is. So continue to plan your hikes accordingly. Winds should remain relatively calm today. Temps are starting off in the lower 50s and could climb into the lower 60s today. Wet conditions are expected for the beginning of the new week, so keep those dry and warm layers packed and ready to go over the coming days.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Guess we’re enjoying the calm before the storms to begin this weekend. Multiple layers of clouds at all ranges of the atmosphere have the early morning views rolling in and out. Just after lunch time today, the thunderstorms are expected to flare up and serve as a constant presence through what could be Monday judging by the percentages. Depending on where and how big they decide to form, the mountains could receive a couple inches of rainfall over these next few days. Winds will also pickup and could gust as high as 20mph at times. With the potential for flash flooding, pick your trails wisely, as some trails like Rainbow Falls can produce dangerous unbridged stream crossings at times of high water. We’re waking up to temps in the mid 50s today and should reach the mid 60s later. The rest of the weekend it appears we’ll be lucky to escape highs in the 50s once the rains move in.

Hikers should be wary, as even in mid July the unprepared can succumb to hypothermia. Waterproof jackets, hats, and pants, plus boots with gaiters can all work wonders in keeping your clothes and skin dry and warm in stormy elements. Thus a safer and more enjoyable experience on the trail. Tank tops, crop tops, leggings, sandals, blue jeans…not so much. And don’t forget to keep your body fueled up with water and a balanced attack of salts and sugars. Walking five miles in the flat of Florida isn’t the same as five miles up a 2,600’ ascent to Mount LeConte, and your body appreciates all the help it can get.

​Have a great start to the weekend.

Good Morning,

Aside from having to duck and dodge a few patchy clouds here in the upper elevations, it’s an otherwise beautiful morning. The first half of the day should be great for hiking, with potential for turbulent weather later this afternoon. It’s going to be a hot day down below regardless, so it should feel fabulous this high up. We’re rolling out of bed to temps in the mid 50s and expect to reach the upper 60s by midday. Little air movement over the peaks today. This weekend is shaping up to be a soaker, with higher chances of thunderstorms throughout. Remember to pack the appropriate gear to keep yourself and your belongings dry should you get caught out in a squall hiking up or down. Boots with good traction in wet and muddy conditions will also serve you well.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

It’s the middle of the month and we’re off to a beautiful start this Thursday. A few clouds in the area aren’t going to be enough to dampen spirits after such a bright and beautiful sunrise and mostly clear skies. Other than a small chance for some rain showers late this afternoon, today’s forecast is calling for mostly sunny conditions. We’ll gladly take it! Temps should feel good up top, with us moving from the low 50s to mid 60s today. The air movement will be relatively calm. Great conditions for rambles in the woods. But don’t forget the rain shell just in case.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

All things considered, this midpoint of the week should make for a pretty decent day to get outside and explore. There are plenty of lingering clouds smothering the upper elevations as we all wake up, even some spotty showers across the region still, but the skies aren’t expected to give us any trouble until late this afternoon. Might even get to enjoy some sunshine at times today. We’re starting off in the mid 50s, but temps should get a little warmer today than the have been, pushing into the upper 60s. Winds will also be a little calmer as well. Right now conditions and rain chances for the next few days are comparable to what is on tap for today. It’s amazing how often turbulent skies will clear up just in time for sunset though, so if you happen to endure a wet ascent, don’t lose hope that the entire evening won’t be a wash. Might even get to enjoy a supper time rainbow over High Top!

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

There’s no denying we’re deep into summer these days. Sun and clouds are in constant combat for superiority over this mountain’s skies. Looking at thick clouds capping the mountain top with the potential for scattered storms again today. If we catch any warm rays from above, it’ll be a nice treat. Temps will bounce between the mid 50s and mid 60s today. Winds will remain breezy with gusts of 20mph
possible at times. Still looking like a pretty consistent weather pattern for us this week so pack your bags for wet conditions at some point during your adventure.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

A damp and cloudy start is in store for the new week. Going to be solid mix of clouds and occasional sun today, with a decent chance of scattered storms. Winds will be a bit higher today, gusting upwards of 25mph today and tonight. There is the potential for heavy rainfall and localized flooding at times depending on how the storm cells hit. Temps will maintain their balancing act between the mid 50s and mid 60s. Tuesday is looking very much like a copy cat forecast.

Over the next two weeks, various maintenance and construction projects will be taking place at the lodge. This could mean temporary disturbances to area accessibility and amenities for means of visitor safety. Overnight guests with reservations during this time can expect temporary partial or brief complete closures of the flush toilets as that building undergoes maintenance. As progress and weather allow, it is our goal to have at least some of the flush toilets accessible to overnight guests at different times during the day and/or night. Thank you for your understanding and support while we tackle some of these projects to improve the guest experience.

Have a great day.