Good Afternoon,
     The sun is working its magic on melting the snow away.  Patches of green are starting to reappear, but there's still plenty of crunchy white powder covering the mountain.  Temperatures rocketed up the thermometer throughout the day, as much as 25 degrees by lunchtime.  Despite the warmer temps today, the shady areas around camp and on trail are steadfast in holding on to their slick surfaces, so be sure and have those traction devices on the ready.  US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) reopened to traffic around lunchtime today.  Guests coming up for our final night will have access to Alum Cave and The Boulevard.

     The llama wranglers made their penultimate trip of the season today, their last haul coming on Closing Day this Wednesday.  Given that we have two rotations of packers, today marked this particular team's final trip of the season.  They'll be excited about getting set loose in the pastures for a few months this winter.  They've more than earned their time to rest up and eat heartily back at the cozy confines of the ranch.  We've said it before and we'll say it again, we're extremely grateful for the work put in by our wranglers and lovable llamas year after year.  It's no cakewalk, and they put in a tremendous effort to get the lodge its various supplies in a timely manner while also taking amazing care of our favorite famous animals.
​     We're also witnessing the culmination of greatness with a loaded graduating class of fine llamas.  Clifford, who's been packing as long as Alan has been wrangling, led his team up the mountain for the final time today.  He's joined by Flash, already enjoying the spoils of retirement, and eventually Chester, who will saddle up for the last time Wednesday.  These three load-luggers have been reliable in their service.  They're also considered members of the family when you get to know them through the years, as our wranglers will surely tell you.  Way to go, guys!  Some of these closing cups of hot chocolate will certainly be raised in your honor.

     Tomorrow is our final full day for business this season.  The weather should be splendid leading up to the holiday.  If you're still waiting to get any of the 2017 "I Hiked It" merchandise, Tuesday will be your last opportunity.  The same can be said for the hot chocolate, sack lunches, and delicious assortment of cookies.  Come Wednesday morning, everything will get boarded up, and there won't be anything for sale or open buildings to warm up in until mid-March.
     Have a great start to the week.

Good Morning,
     We're working our way out of the frigid cold.  The skies are clear and the sun is making its ascent.  Our low temperature last night eventually bottomed out at 12 degrees, but this morning is already warmer than yesterday ever got as we're currently pushing our way through the mid-20's.  We should finally see some some snow melt today, so trail conditions will shift from slick or crunchy to all-out slushy.  Continue to use caution as you reach the upper elevations.  US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) is still closed this morning, but conditions will certainly turn favorable for the NPS road crews in their efforts to clear it.  Guests are once again encouraged to use Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap Trails today for visiting the mountain.

Good Afternoon,
     Well, after a delicious gut-busting feast, it's a little harder to find the motivation to move around camp.  We've topped off at 2" of snow, and despite being teased by patches of blue sky, the peak just can't quite seem to shake the cloud cover.  The temperature has stabilized at 21 degrees for much of the day.  Places where hikers have packed down the snow are sure to be hazardous.  Other places where the snow remains untouched are able to provide better traction at this point.  Trekking poles and traction devices are still advised.

     Our cooks absolutely spoiled us with a mighty and savory feast.  Taste bud conflicts ensued with wanting second opinions of the main course, or saving room for desserts.  One thing is for sure, nobody walked away hungry or dissatisfied.  After cleanup, an impromptu snowball battle sprang up behind the kitchen, marked by constant laughter and eventually soaking wet crew members.  All the makings of a fabulous, fun-filled day on the mountain.

     US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) is still temporarily closed.  Visitors have been able to successfully scale the mountain via Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap Trails today.  Guests are being asked to utilize these two trails for the time being as their access roads remain open.  Remember that these trails are 1.7 miles longer than Alum Cave, and require more of an elevation gain, so you'll want to account for that in your timetable, especially since hiking in snow and ice takes a little more effort as well.
​     Have a great rest of the afternoon.

Good Morning,
     We went to bed in a spring-like rain and woke up to a pristine winter wonderland on this delightful Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Temperatures dropped fast after midnight and the precipitation made the jump from rain to ice to snow.  Skies are trying to open up, and the snow has subsided, but not before covering the mountain top with 2" of fresh powder.  Rain and snow melt combined for 0.9" making for an icy layer underneath.  Traction devices will be crucial for making the climb today, especially as foot steps pack down the accumulation and make it incredibly slick.  Yesterday's high temperature came in at 45, and then it dropped all the way to 19 degrees for breakfast.  Winds are not as strong as they were on Saturday, but the occasional gust can chill you to the core without the proper layering.

     US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) remains closed at this time and will likely stay that way today, as upper elevation temperatures are not expected to surpass the freezing mark.  Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork are still open, so guests are being asked to utilized the Rainbow Falls or Trillium Gap Trails at this time.  If you come across downed trees, please notify the lodge staff and/or the NPS so that we can work swiftly to get trails cleared.  Thank you and be safe out there!

Good Afternoon,
     The clouds have settled onto the mountain and the winds continue to pick up steam.  There have been intermittent drops of rain, but no persistent showers at this point.  The temperatures continue to hang out in the lower 40's, but the wind and cloud moisture are keeping visitors cold and damp.  Warm layers and protective waterproof shells are essential in these conditions.  The sun is setting before 5:30 PM these days, so as we progress through the winter it's important to remember not to get caught out late.  There have been no road closures at this time.
​     Have a great day.

Good Morning,
     The mountain top is rockin' and rollin'!  We're in the early stages of a wind advisory that extends through early tomorrow morning.  Skies are partly cloudy, but the wind and veiled sun will keep the unseasonably mild temperatures at bay.  Gusts around camp have been between 20 and 30 mph so far this morning.  Yesterday's high temperature came in an otherwise toasty 51 degrees, while our low from the previous morning was 28.  It was already 39 degrees at breakfast today as the warming trend should continue until the front roars through.
​     With that said, we are expecting a rapid shift from rain to snow later this evening as the turbulent weather kicks in to gear.  Temperatures will plummet early Sunday, and even as skies clear, it will be a chilly day on the mountain for sure.  We'll do our best to keep you posted in regards to road and trail conditions to help you prepare for an ascent, particularly our overnight guests.

     While we aren't keeping our eye on the changing weather, we're excitedly preparing for our annual crew Mountain Thanksgiving feast.  Some casseroles and desserts have already been concocted by our talented cooks.  No amount of wind, rain, or snow will keep this hungry bunch from chowing down on a magnificently fulfilling buffet tomorrow.  We'll of course provide you with the final results of a fabulous spread, but here's at least a taste of what's coming.  If you haven't gotten into the Thanksgiving spirit just yet, perhaps this will be the inspiration you need to start salivating over turkey and pie.
     Have a great start to the weekend, and if you're out on the trail, please be safe!

Good Morning,
     We're all waking up to clear skies, and temperatures are expected to be fairly mild for this time of year.  Today be should gloriously sunny, and Saturday should start that way before souring later on.  Rain is expected much later in the day, and could possibly transition over to snow and ice here in the upper elevations.  Temps on Sunday should then drop significantly, even as skies clear.  We'll try and keep everyone up to speed as things change.  Yesterday's high temperature was tallied at 40 degrees, and our overnight low dipped to 27.  It can feel nice in the mid-day sun, but expect a chill in the shade.

     The NPS trail crew performed some maintenance work on cables along Alum Cave Trail yesterday, which is important once paths get coated in snow and ice.  It's good to have one more option for hand holds, especially if you lack traction devices or trekking poles during your climb.  We're honored to work alongside so many amazing people representing GSMNP.  The maintenance crews for park roads/trails, medical personnel, law enforcement, dispatch, interpretive rangers, volunteers, and those in the administrative offices are all doing wonderful things at different times of the year to ensure our visitors' needs are met.  Those needs range from keeping trails safe and accessible (for people and llamas), responding promptly to hikers in distress,  maintaining a natural wilderness appearance by cleaning up trash around the shelter and trails, and working in harmony with the lodge to promote a environmentally responsible and hospitable backcountry lodging experience for our visitors.  And there are many more.  So a big thanks to our friends and colleagues wearing the green and gray here in the Smokies!
​     Have a great start to the weekend.

Good Morning,
     We're off to a chilly and windy start this Thursday, with the thermometer showing 29 degrees but feeling much colder outside in the elements.  Despite starting the day out in a fog, the intermittent puffs of gray and white are gradually thinning out, giving way to sunny skies.  Last night's passing showers didn't amount to much in the rain gauge, but enough fell to create some slick places around camp and on trail.  Please use caution, particularly on the exposed log water bars, as they tend to freeze up first without appearing so.  Yesterday's high temperature registered at 48 degrees, with a low of 28.
     Let's wrap up our recollection of the year in pictures with this third and final installment.  Enjoy some of the sights and stories from the months of August through November.

Good Morning,
     It was just another blue bell kind of day atop Mt LeConte.  Once again the skies were calm and clear, the sun stretching its rays across the mountain from its point in the southern sky.  Temperatures were a little milder yesterday, as our high came in at 46 degrees.  Our low dipped down to 20.  Once that sun drops behind the horizon, it doesn't take long for it get chilly this time of year.  We're under partly cloudy skies currently.
     Without further ado, we resume this year's photo-graphical review.  Enjoy some memories from the months of May through July on the mountain.

     Next up, the end of summer gives way to a mild autumn as we march toward the culmination of the 2017 season.  Have a great afternoon.

Greetings,
     The clouds that were covering the valley all of Monday finally broke free last night, so it looks like everyone in East Tennessee, regardless of elevation, will get to partake of the wonderful sunshine today.  Temperatures dropped sharply last night to 25 degrees before returning to the freezing mark by breakfast.  Our high yesterday was 40.  We're expecting repetitive conditions the next few days, so it should make for some great hiking weather.  Come on up and see us if you can!

     With the season winding down and the lodge a week away from serving its last overnight guests, we'll go back through the calendar and relive some of the pictorial highlights from 2017.  Enjoy a look back at months January through April!

     We'll revisit the arrival of spring and enter the heat of summer in the next installment.  Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,
     We began the day cloaked in gray, but as the morning progressed the clouds gradually gave up their grasp of the mountain.  It has been a delightfully sunny afternoon since, overlooking the sea of white blanketing the East Tennessee Valley below.  Yesterday's high temperature was recorded at 38 degrees, followed by a low of 31.  There were brief showers during the night, but even as temps tip-toed around the freezing mark, it never gave way to flurries.  All of the sprinkles and mists only amounted for 0.05" of rain, and the sun is working its magic to dry things out.

     You can really tell it's November on the mountain.  The air is cool and clear.  Camp is calm and quiet.  There is increasing talk of turkey.  The days are growing short, and the cozy appeal of candlelit cabins gives the undeniable sense that winter is coming.  Guests will surely be clinging to those comfortable Hudson Bay blankets and satisfyingly steamy cups of hot chocolate these remaining days of the season.  We're excited about showing the last run of guests a grand time before boarding the place up for its next winter slumber.
     Until then, have a great start to the week and thanks for stopping by.

Good Afternoon,
     We've been sitting in a cloud since well before daybreak, and that forecast seems like it should stick the rest of the day.  The overcast is also producing an ever-so-slight mist that is wetting all of the exposed surfaces, so a waterproof shell will actually do some good.  Yesterday's high temperature was 46 degrees, and our low ended down at 30.  We've been hovering at 37 for the past several hours.  The cloudiness and slight chance of showers will linger through tomorrow morning before supposedly clearing off Monday afternoon.  We'll see what comes of it, but the weather looks like it'll be throwing varying conditions at us these final ten days of the season.

     On our penultimate Sunday of the season, I'd like to give a special shout-out to our outstanding chaplain this year, Chad Long.  Most years, some of the local ministries are able to provide chaplains for the Smokies, which includes campgrounds as well as our lodge.  He is a realtor by trade, but takes the time out of his weekend and away from his family to provide services for guests and crew here on the mountain.  More often than not, that's meant getting up very early to lead groups out to Myrtle Point for sunrise, sometimes under blustery or chilly conditions.  He's also been a tremendous help to the crew whenever present, and is an even better person.  If you've been guests of ours on Saturday nights at all this year, perhaps you've had the pleasure of meeting Chad and attending one of his services the following morning.  Thanks, Chad, for being a great member of the team and helping to provide a positive experience for our guests!
​     Have a great conclusion to the weekend.

Good Morning,
     It's shaping up to be a gorgeous Veterans Day on Mt. LeConte.  The crew would like thank all the brave men and women who have served in our nation's military through the ages.  We so greatly appreciate your dedication and sacrifice.  Temperatures are already in the upper 30's and the sun is shining bright over High Top.  Yesterday's high temp came in at 46 degrees, and our low of 24 was from the previous morning, as we never dropped below 30 last night.  There is still potential for some lingering icy patches in those shadiest of places on the trails, so keep an eye out during your trek.  Sunday is calling for a slight chance of showers.

     On this Veterans Day, we'd like to salute and thank our very own Henry Neel, who served proudly in our nation's armed forces, retiring as Sergeant First Class several years ago after a tour in Iraq.  Not only has he been on the lodge crew for quite some time now, but he's also been a winter caretaker for us, his most recent stint of snowy solitude coming after his last tour of duty.  We also have some outstanding team members who assist with our preseason Airlift operations that have served.  So a salute to the likes of Dave MacKenzie and Tom Sabo for their service to our country and doing great things for the lodge.
     Have a great weekend.