August 6, 2023

Good Morning,

It turned out to be a superbly sunny Saturday in the Smokies, and as one would expect, it brought the crowds out to play in the park. The upper elevation breezes and cool creeks sure hit the spot when trying to find reprieve from the relentless heat and humidity of summer. Conditions up top are going to be a mix of sun clouds this morning, with strong chances for severe thunderstorms by this afternoon. The same story is in the cards for Monday as well. Precip could be heavy at times, and winds are also expected to crank it up a notch, gusting as much as 20mph today and 40mph tomorrow. Temps will continue to be warm at the lodge in the upper 60s, but the breezy air and dampness from rain will undoubtedly make it feel cool to those unaccustomed. So remember your layers for staying dry on trail and warm at the top once your body has adjusted after making the ascent.

As the season creeps into the back half of summer, plants and trees begin to produce fruit and nuts. A primary natural food source for numerous creatures in the national park. More notably for the famous black bear, so it is not unusual to witness heightened bear activity as they forage both high and low for plentiful sustenance. What they shouldn’t eat? The cookies, crackers, and orange peels of human hikers for example. GSMNP has helpful and informative literature discussing black bears on their official website, and every visitor is highly encouraged to check it out before coming to the Smokies. If you come across unusual bear behavior (or unacceptable human behavior around bears), please report it to the NPS.

​Have a great day.