Good Morning,

Well it’s hard to ask for a better set of days for saying farewell to 2019 and another decade. It didn’t take long for the clouds to dissipate yesterday morning, and once they did it became a sweet sunshine filled spectacle. With such nice weather and so many people in town for the holiday, the mountain played host to a great many day hikers out enjoying the day. It’s quite possible we see a repeat of such action again today. Was nice to see the road crews made quick work of cleaning up and reopening US 441.

Monday’s high temp, despite the abundant sunshine, was down compared to recent days at just 38°. Same story for the low, dropping to 17°. No new precipitation recorded. Today and tomorrow are expected to be slightly cooler but still pleasant. The rest of the week looks like we’re in for a roller coaster ride of temps and stormy conditions, both the rainy and snowy variety. Could make things interesting up here for sure.

​Have a great conclusion to the year wherever you are!

Good Morning,

​US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is temporarily closed this morning due to downed trees courtesy of last night’s high winds. Hopefully the NPS crews can make quick work of it so visitors in town for the holiday can come enjoy the park.

Sunday was a day spent in the clouds with occasional rain showers, the bulk of which passed through during the night. The mountain received 1.1” of rainfall, not nearly as much as compared to our neighboring states to the north who appeared to be getting dumped on all day. Temps were quite stable much of the afternoon, hovering in the upper 40s. Our high eventually topped out at 49° and our low managed to dip down to 32°. Current conditions are mostly cloudy skies with mountain tops poking through varying levels of the atmosphere, with temps starting out in the mid 30s.

With less than ideal conditions for gallivanting around the forest, yesterday made for a great opportunity to catch up on some camp chores and keeping cozy in the kitchen. That means baking and reading!

Good Morning,

​Another mild mountain day in the books. Saturday’s high came in at 48° and our low was 36°. It’s already in the mid 40s this morning under mostly cloudy skies. Rain is coming across the region in scattered bands today, so we’ll see just how much we get here on the mountain. So far the clouds have squeaked out just 0.07”. Don’t seem to be any issues with park roads for the moment.

Have a great finish to the weekend.

Good Morning,

​It was another lovely spring...or fall...or winter (?) day in the Smokies to welcome the weekend. Friday’s high temp was 46°, accompanied by a low of 36°. Current conditions are pleasantly partly cloudy with temps back in the low 40s. Should be another wonderful day to ramble around the mountain. Even warmer tomorrow!

Enjoy your Saturday!

Good morning,

About to be another stunning day across the mountains of East TN. We’re in the waning days and hours of the decade, and there are still a few more unseasonably warm days ahead of us before the real winter returns in time for ringing in 2020.

Thursday’s high temp reached a toasty 55°, and the low was only 37°. We’re in the upper 30s at the moment under partly cloudy conditions. As you can see above, the skies came together nicely for a sunrise spectacular. Once again no new precip, so hopefully trails are drying out and making for safe and easy passage. The next chance for rain isn’t until Sunday, which will be downright spring-like, at least below in the valley. Should be chillier when it comes time for everyone to watch the NYE ball drop.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

Hopefully everyone is recovering nicely after the holiday. A great way to stretch the legs and get over the holiday hangover hump would be to get outside in this lovey warm weather we’re having. Yesterday’s high soared to 56° and low our was 34°. Once again no new precipitation and the last of the patchy snow is gone. Current conditions are partly cloudy. These next few days ought to be quite pleasant for rambles in the woods. Folks visiting the Smokies couldn’t have asked for a better time to be here for the holidays!

​Enjoy your afternoon.

Good Morning and Merry Christmas,

Hopefully everyone is having a prosperous holiday so far, either doing something you enjoy or spending time with friends and loved ones.  To those of you working hard and keeping us safe today who happen to catch today's blog, thank you for doing what you do.  And not just military, medical, law enforcement, and emergency personnel, but especially those folks who keep the hotels and restaurants going here in the Smokies during one of the busiest weeks of the year.

As anticipated, not much variance in the weather atop Mt. LeConte.  Temps in the 40s again under partly cloudy skies.  Trails should be in decent hiking shape except for the occasional downed tree.

Now for some fun at the bearded man's expense.  Rumor has it he's back in the North Pole resting up with Mrs. Claus, Rudolph and the boys, and those hard working never-quit elves.  Despite a slight hiccup in his routine at 6,593', it was another successful holiday haul for jolly old Saint Nick.  All llamas are also well and accounted for.  Enjoy!

Good Afternoon,

We're dreaming of a white Christmas, but in reality it's bare trees and earth tones abound.  Monday's high temp topped out at 43 degrees, and the low wasn't far from it at only 38.  Current temps are once again in the 40s.  After starting the day off above an inversion cloud layer, skies have mostly cleared and long range views are to be had.  The next several days are going to be fairly cut and paste as far as the weather goes.  Should make for some great opportunities to get out and explore the woods, and even burn some post-holiday feast calories.

Maybe if the night sky stays clear, we'll be able to see Santa's sleigh zip over Mt. LeConte.  Now that would be a sight, even for a place where tracking satellites, space stations, and meteor showers is common.

Have a great evening.

Good Morning All,

Well, we’ve made it thru this pre-Christmas soaker. The rain has subsided and the system seems to be rolling out of town. The mountain received a steady 1.25” of rain which has creeks running high at the moment. Yesterday’s high temp was an otherwise balmy 42° and our low was 32°. Current conditions are partly cloudy with temps in the upper 30s. This week is going to see considerably mild temps, which will make for pleasant forest exploration!

Anyone looking to contact our reservations office in the coming weeks should be aware of our holiday hours. Our office will be closed all day Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday, and then again on Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. All other week days during that time will see normal operating hours.

​Have a great rest of the day.

Good Morning,

Yesterday sure made for a delightful opportunity to explore the outdoors.  Hopefully some of you in the area found a window of time to get outside and play.  For those of you who braved the outlet malls and crowds of shoppers, may you be home recovering in peace today.

Saturday's high temp came in at 39 degrees, and we never got below the freezing mark.  We're currently staring at 33 degrees under cloudy skies which aren't expected to break.  No new precip, and only trace amounts of hardly recognizable snow remain.

The rain is coming, taunting us as it slowly trudges up from the south.  If forecasts are accurate, the system should arrive around lunchtime today and pace itself clear through much of Monday.  Temps should remain too mild for any liquid precip to solidify into something more white and crystalline.  Conditions should improve and temperatures warm in plenty of time for the holiday.  It doesn't look like 6,593' will be the place to find a white Christmas this year though.

Have a great end to the week.  Wishing safe travels to anyone going cross country to be with family and friends for the holiday.