June 8, 2024

Good Morning,

Another sunny June Saturday is in store for all weekend warriors and distant travelers eager to frolic in the awe-inspiring forests of the Smokies. If yesterday was any indication, Mt. LeConte is high on everyone’s must-do lists this month, because lodge grounds were absolutely hopping! And it could be even busier today, so plan your routes and destinations accordingly if wanting to maximize your time enjoying the sights and sounds of nature while avoiding the crowds and extended wait times, whether that’s on trail or in vehicular transit. It’s not unusual to see an initial surge in visitor traffic when the gift shop opens at noon each day. So when such delightful weather is forecast like today, including stops at the summit’s nearby vistas for a relaxing rest or picnic first, then swinging by the dining hall to snag your well-earned 100th Season “I Hiked It” shirt later in the afternoon, can help get you in and out and on your way without missing a beat.

Aside from a few patchy clouds, skies over the mountains will be mostly sunny today. Temps will also be a little warmer for us up top, nearing the mid 60s this afternoon. Winds won’t be as active as yesterday, so it’s going to feel downright pleasant at our elevation. Down low, expect that southern heat and humidity to do their thing. If sunny conditions are your preference, then be sure and get after it today, because rain and storms return for Sunday. Tomorrow morning will start decent, but by lunch time the clouds will build and start producing storms that will make for wet unprepared hikers. Sounds like a typical summer day, although the solstice is still a couple weeks away.

​Have a great day.