Cold on Top

4/13/2011

Wow, within three days we have gone from 70 degree days to 34 degrees. This weather is a prime example of why you should be prepared for every type of weather in the spring in the Smokies.

Last nights low was 29 degrees. The ground has a hard, crusty layer of snow and ice. I am sure the top section of the trails is quit slick. We have about an inch of snow on the ground. Today is starting off with a beautiful, blue sky.

Doug Y.

4/13/2011 12:47:40 am

It may be cold "On Top", but being at the lodge is always a heartwarming experience; The first time I stayed there the sky was clear and bright, then about a half hour later the wind, fog, andf rain swept over the ridgeline like a tsunami; The unpredictability of the weather is what makes the place appealing for me; I can only imagine what it would have been like staying there sixty or so years ago.

Harold

4/13/2011 04:38:05 pm

Last July we hiked to LeConte via the Boulevard Trail and exited using Alum Cave. It was cloudy when we started and the Knoxville TV stations predicted a 70% change of rain. The rain started about 15 minutes into the hike and continued our entire trip. During the hike amid rain showers, thunder storms occurred very quickly and we had no choice but to go forward. We opted not to turn back. The quickness of the storms surprised us and we had to contend with the wind and fog in addition to the rain. Fortunately, we were at the shelter when the worst storm hit.

The Boulevard trail does have excellent views, but not that trip.

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Cold on Top

LeConte Lodge

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