January 08th, 2017

1/8/2017

...the winters can be fantastically cruel. The Shining

Morning y'all,
It's another beautiful, snowy morning up top. The high yesterday reached 4 degrees. The overnight low was -7 degrees. It was -7 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is still about 3 inches of snow on the ground. The trails still have black ice beneath the snow, so I would recommend traction if you intend to reach the summit. As of this posting, both 441 and Cherokee Orchard road are still closed. Be prepared for bitter cold if you get out there today! Enjoy this snowy, isolated day!

11 Comments

Gulf Coast Doug

1/8/2017 09:59:57 am

I'm cold just looking at this picture JP. Maybe a books and hot chocolate kind of day. Saw talk the other day on Bullhead trail condition from fires. Know the forests are resilient, but has anyone seen the Chimney Picnic area since the fires?

Gail Findlay

1/8/2017 11:02:13 am

We stopped by the Chimneys picnic area the day Gatlinburg opened up. The fire came down to the edge of the campground but nothing was damaged - buildings and picnic tables were fine.

Mark p

1/8/2017 12:04:45 pm

Doug, from what I can see driving by it's not too bad lots of burned trees. Hardwood cove trail is burned also. It looks like the picnic area itself is ok

Elaine

1/8/2017 12:57:48 pm

Was in the area following Christmas and the Chimney Tops picnic area was closed but probably is closed during the winter season. Wouldnt stop a person from walking behind the gate. It still saddens me to drive those first 7 miles on 441 through the park and see the fire damage. It will come back but not sure if it will in my lifetime.

Gulf Coast Doug

1/8/2017 02:59:47 pm

Thanks for all the feedback Gail, Mark and Elaine. Sounds like one of my favorite spots will survive. The woods do an amazing job of recovery...

Whiteman

1/8/2017 10:09:46 am

Enjoy the snow and endure tre trips to the spring

Christine Nelson

1/8/2017 10:34:30 am

Simply Beautiful! Hope to get there soon! In the meantime I will continue to enjoy your pictures and posts JP! Have a wonderful day!

doug y link

1/8/2017 10:58:25 am

It's good that you have friends to keep you company up there. Friends are hard to come by..........................

Karen

1/8/2017 11:01:07 am

What was your wind speed overnight? Wondering what your windchill temp was.
I.e. Wind speed of 5mph at that temp puts your windchill at -19
Wind speed of 10mph at that temp and it'll feel like -25.

April

1/8/2017 11:14:22 am

Glad we are booked for mid-April! We enjoy your photos and posts!

Steve Greenfield

1/8/2017 11:30:48 am

Looks AMAZING!!
Hope to see the lodge come Spring!

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January 08th, 2017

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