June 19, 2024

Good Morning,

​Some cloud layers streak across the sky to start this Wednesday, but it shouldn’t take long for the rising sun to burn them off and give travelers clearer skies to bask in. No precip chances this afternoon for a change. Temps will waste no time in getting toasty and creeping close to 70°. Whatever winds come about will be light but certainly feel good, especially during the hike up.

Bears. Bikes. Battlestar Galactica…or something like that…(IYKYK)

BEARS
Are active, more so now that we are deep into the warmer part of the year. While their presence hasn’t been felt at the lodge or nearby backcountry shelter, they are routinely being seen lower down along the various trails. One place of regularity is on Alum Cave Trail in the range of 1-1.5 miles down from the lodge. Apparently there’s some satisfactory foraging to be had for a mama bear and her three (!!!) cubs, which also happens to be in close proximity to the trail. No aggressive behavior by the bears has been reported at this time, but it’s important that visitors maintain safe distances and do not make the bears feel threatened by getting too close or passing between them. These mountains are their home after all, and we are the visitors. Great info about black bears and how to engage them can be found on the NPS website.

BIKES
You’re probably wondering “what on earth do bikes have to do with the happenings on Mt. LeConte?” Well, we’re all in agreement there, but oddly enough the subject needs to be broached.

Are bicycles permitted in GSMNP? Yes, along many of the park’s public roadways, campgrounds, and the famous Cades Cove loop. Only three trails exist (Gatlinburg, Oconaluftee, and lower Deep Creek) where mountain biking is permitted.
Are bicycles permitted on the trails of Mt. LeConte? No, see above.
Did someone have a bicycle on Mt. LeConte? Sadly, yes.
Did this upset visitors? Also yes.
Obviously when a disrespectful and disobedient delinquent decides that national park rules regarding safety and care don’t apply to them, it creates all kinds of problems. Exhibit A - yesterday afternoon on Alum Cave Trail. Bikes on trails not designated for their use causes damage to the terrain, puts the user and hundreds of other hikers at risk, and creates more unnecessary work for those charged with maintaining the trails for hiking or performing medical rescues. If you see someone behaving this poorly in the future, please report it to NPS law enforcement. Info about bicycling in GSMNP can also be found on the NPS website.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Odds are that someone on crew within the last 100 seasons has watched an episode or two at the lodge with the assistance of rabbit ears and a remote power source. Probably over a bowl of popcorn. Or even beets!

​Have a great day.