Good Afternoon,

The skies over the mountain opted for a reversal from what was originally forecast, starting out dreary and improving as the day went on instead of the other way around. Estimated wind speeds also managed to double overnight and this morning, gusting upwards of 45mph at varying elevations. The breezy conditions, bare trees, and cloud-capped peaks were quite befitting of the holiday mood. The gray layer eventually lifted once we got into the afternoon hours, affording hikers ample sunshine and grand views of the now colorless slopes and hollers. That’s right, from our vantage point, the 2024 autumn leaf change is just about over. Trails like Alum Cave and The Boulevard are now full of monochrome woody skeletons that will let in abundant natural light for the next 5-6 months. If you’re hoping to catch any remaining vibrant leaves during your Mt. LeConte escapade, then you’re better off utilizing one of the longer trails out of Cherokee Orchard or Roaring Fork on the mountain’s north side. The lower elevations are at peak as we speak and should put on quite a show through this coming weekend at least. What rain showers were first anticipated for late this evening have now been pushed back into Friday morning and afternoon. So expect cloudy and wet conditions to kick off November. After that, the first weekend of the new month should bring back some sunshine and the current trend of warm temps will continue, with 50s during the day and 40s at night. Those of us into hiking as much as we can sure have been spoiled this October. How much longer will this pleasant streak of weather persist?

Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

The peaks have finally shaken off the clouds of the past few days, and we’ve returned to another stint of open skies and mild temps. Some rain found the mountain this last weekend which will help keep things from getting too dried out. Be careful when navigating sections of trail covered in fresh leaf litter, as the leaves and surfaces underneath can become slick by holding on to that moisture and concealing jagged rocks and roots. We expect ample sunshine in the coming days, with some patchy clouds mixed in. Conditions will be a bit breezy at times, enough perhaps to make high temps in the 50s feel a tad cool. Lows in the 40s will certainly be tolerable, as it means things aren’t at risk of freezing as we count down the remaining days in October.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

It’s the fourth and final weekend of what has been a frenetic October. As visitor’s fall breaks wind down and foliage in the middle elevations is at peak, we fully expect the Smokies to be absolutely swarmed today. Trailheads will be filling up early, roads will be backing up often, and paths will be shepherding tightly packed lines of people from sunup to sundown. If there’s one factor that might take the edge off of the crowds today, though highly unlikely, it’s the mix of clouds and slight chances of rain today and early tomorrow. That’s right, some precip possibilities have slyly worked their way into the forecast. It’s been a dry month and a little wet weather would do the local ecosystem some good. Temps will remain unphased by the atmospheric changes, still hovering from 40° to 60°, although an obstructed sun and some breezes might have it feeling cooler for some. So remember to pack layers for both staying dry and warm this weekend, especially at the top.

Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

Oh my, are the middle elevations popping! Trails like Alum Cave are as good as they’re going to be this autumn, with the most oranges and reds visible between Arch Rock and Gracie’s Pulpit, while the brightly glowing “gold zone” along the first mile is peaking. No shortage of jaw-dropping photo opportunities at any time of day. All this uninterrupted sunshine only adds to vividness. While mornings and shaded sections are cool, the afternoons and open places are getting quiet toasty each afternoon as the week rolls along. This is important to remember, especially if getting a late start up the trail, because that heat of the air and what’s radiating off the rocks can sap you quickly and unexpectedly. It’s easy ignore the need for nutrients and hydration when it’s cold and you aren’t working up that sweat. So when your body requires that extra gear to work through a tougher part of the trail or to cool itself down, that’s when your energy and stamina can drop hard. So keep fueling and pacing yourselves, even in these tantalizing conditions. And with all these eye-catching leaves, there are plenty of good excuses to stop and take a break.

​Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

We’ve never had control of the weather, and there have been plenty of instances through the years where Mt. LeConte seems to make its own weather (though not in same way as say Mt. Rainier). So of course guaranteeing what guests and day hikers are going to experience day in and day out inherently comes with some uncertainty. But this October has certainly bucked the trends and become quite predictable. Sunshine? Clear skies? Cool mornings near 40°? Warm afternoons near 60°? Just copy and paste day after day this month. It just wouldn’t be right to be an overnight guest and skip out on a famous sunset at Cliff Tops right now, because plenty of guests past who’ve missed out to due clouds and rain would gladly swap places if they could. If you aren’t getting an early start, you’ll find that in those sunny places partway up the trail it’s still getting plenty warm by midday. So don’t be surprised if you begin your trek in parkas, hats, and gloves but eventually transition to shorts and a shirt. Not a bad deal all things considered. Plus it gives you an excuse to stop and admire the fine fall foliage taking place between 3,000-5,000’ right now.

​Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,

After the first significant clash of the seasons, warming temps and melting snow finally have autumn back on track. After two solid days spent above freezing, trails are just about completely clear of any ice across the upper elevations. About the thickest snow remnants appear to be isolated to the crest and around the lodge. Much like what was enjoyed today, the extended forecast is calling for more sunshine and temps ranging from upper 30s to mid 50s. Winds will be light, providing comfort in the sun but a chill in the shade.

The masses continue to flock to the Smokies and Mt. LeConte, hoping to enjoy the changing leaves, catch glimpses of the remaining snow, and soak up these splendidly sun-filled skies. With being the most visited national park in the country, coupled with the Lodge celebrating its 100th Season, that has meant record smashing visitation. And when it’s an October weekend, that increasingly equates to substantial park-wide congestion. Words used by countless observers today described trails, parking lots, roadways, and gateway communities as “amusement parks” or “big-city traffic jams.” It’s important to remember that this is neither of the above, but a national park created to protect and preserve the numerous types of resources within its confines. And upholding that mission isn’t exclusive the dedicated and courageous NPS personnel, concessioners, and volunteers, but to every single visitor that sets foot here or enjoys a scenic drive as well. While hosting millions of people annually garners some bragging rights, it only works when every visitor respects and appreciates that which we’ve been given…majestic mountains, soothing streams, wonderful wildlife, vibrant vegetation, and humbling history.

Have a great day.

Good Morning,

We can always count on the first snowfall of autumn to “break the internet” as they say, and this latest edition of winter’s abrupt introduction certainly followed suit. It’s going to be a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sort of moment though, as the melting process quickly kicked into gear yesterday between the unabated sun and rising temps. For example, in the morning the upper half of Alum Cave Trail was coated in impacted ice, but by midafternoon what hadn’t disappeared or turned to slush was relegated to the last mile of trail. It will take another day or two for the remainder to completely vanish, so everyone would be wise to have the traction devices packed and ready. There’s no substitute for sure-footing in such conditions.

The lodge basked in sunny skies yesterday and even saw the thermometer surpass the freezing mark after starting out at 19°. That trend will only continue in the coming days. We may tap 50° this afternoon, which will feel delightful after these recent single digit windchills we’ve gotten to endure. Overnight lows should return to more seasonably appropriate temps back above freezing which will be nice. That will be good because everyone likes to have running water up here, an amenity that gets to be a bit tricky this time of year given the location and climate challenges. But we make it work!

​Have a great day.