January 5, 2024

GOOD MORNING, FRIENDS!

It looks like a great day on Mt LeConte! The skies are clear, and the temperature is ten degrees warmer than yesterday.

If you are planning on being a successful day hiker, I do have some advice for you.

First of all, please remember that “COTTON KILLS”! The only cotton that I would recommend is a bandana handkerchief—certainly not socks! I would recommend wool socks!

Some sort of headgear is important—thirty percent of your body’s heat escapes thru the top of your head!

Be prepared to keep your hands warm and dry. Mittens are warmer than gloves.

Some type of traction devices can be critical to your success in reaching the top of the mountain. There is a lot of ice remaining on the trails at the present time!

Be sure to carry adequate amounts of food and water! Hydration is as important in the winter as it is in the summer—plenty of fluids actually help your body stay warm in the winter!

Clothing—dress for the mountains, not for walking the streets of Gatlinburg! The temperature at the top of the mountain is usually about 20 degrees cooler than down in town. And it almost always rains on LeConte. Please dress accordingly.

Always pack a headlamp with good batteries—your “short” day hike may last longer than you expected!

Allow an adequate amount of time to hike up and back down during day light hours!

REMEMBER: THE LODGE IS CLOSED! We are not properly equipped to bail you out when you fail to plan and prepare properly.

Have a good hike!

HAPPY TRAILS!!
WILDCAT/Bert