July 25, 2023

Good Morning,

It’s going to be another mostly sunny day across the Smokies. Temps around the lodge should climb into the upper 60s this afternoon. As of now, the Wednesday forecast looks quite similar but with the potential of being even hotter. A popular loop hike is to combine the Rainbow Falls and Bull Head trails out of Cherokee Orchard. This time of year it is advised that hikers ascend via Rainbow Falls because of it’s location on the shaded northern slopes and numerous creek crossings, all helping to provide relief in the summer heat and humidity. Bull Head has several miles without natural coverage, so one is fully exposed to the blazing unabated sun. Such an area can be traversed more quickly and comfortably while descending. Overnight guests who have just departed the lodge can also tackle that section of trail early in the day before those typical late afternoon popup thunderstorms appear. Not the ideal place to be the tallest thing around in an otherwise moonlike landscape if lightning is present. During the warmer months, it’s not unusual to find a timber rattlesnake sunning themselves among the toasty rocks. So keep your eyes sharp and ears attentive when passing through the most arid stretches of Bull Head.

​Have a great day.