Just a Dusting of Snow

4/5/2013

Well, we got a little bit of snow last night. Thank goodness it was just a dusting. The high yesterday was 44º with a low of 28º. We did receive 1.1" of rain. It rained all day.
It is bitter cold up top. The snow that did melt yesterday is now a slick sheet of ice. The llamas are supposed to make a trip up today. As long as they make it, we are expecting a full shipment of Yak Traks. You will need them today. If you are hiking up today, just take it slow. You will be just fine. I did see some folks posting about coming up Bullhead. Remember people, Bullhead has not been cleared and there are some tricky spots where you have to climb around blowdowns. We are not recommending Bullhead. I also heard people talking about the Boulevard. It is in bad shape. That will be the slickest trail leading to the top. Unless you are an experienced hiker and have the right gear, please do not attempt it. We are suggesting Alum and Rainbow to hikers making their way to the lodge. If you are in shape and want to do an extra 2 miles, Trillium is open as well. Just remember, you have to park at Rainbow Falls trailhead and take the connector trail to Trillium. It is further so head out earlier. I hope this helps and everyone has a safe trip up the mountain.

kevin L

4/5/2013 01:02:06 am

We are hiking up Alum for our first ever stay on Sunday! Simply cant wait and can't wait to go again.

Debi

4/5/2013 02:19:48 am

Kevin, you will love Alum!! It has some very beautiful views. Heres hoping you have a clear day to see them all.

Zack link

4/5/2013 01:04:21 am

Time to head up rainbow falls trail with our 8 year old. Hope it's not too icy or muddy.

Pam

4/5/2013 01:47:36 am

Zach my husband and I came down Rainbow on Sunday. It was very muddy and the creeks are very full. One was rushing and very full the water came over the top of my boots.

Angie

4/5/2013 06:50:50 am

We're hiking up Alum Cave tomorrow. I wonder how the trail is?

Brian N bama

4/5/2013 09:20:56 am

Angie, I do not know for certain but it will most likely be wet with possible icy spots still. Parts of the trail do not receive sunlight so ice lingers up top. Just go slow and be ready for anything. If you have yaktrax, I would take them as a precaution.

mark weidner

4/5/2013 01:53:03 pm

Hiked up and down today on Alum. We had yak traks and I'm sure it helped in a few spots. All cables are free of ice. Enjoy.

Christy

4/5/2013 11:29:04 am

We hiked up trillium on Wednesday and down rainbow falls today. Rainbow falls is very muddy!!

Rob

4/5/2013 12:09:49 pm

We hiked Alum Cave to the top of Leconte this morning/afternoon. The trip up was foggy and had some slick spots where the micro spike came in handly. Once we came down temperatures were warming up and things were pretty wet. Overall the trail is in alright condition, just take your time on the rocks. Fog, Ice, and then Sunshine! It was a good day! Thanks for the lunch up top crew!

4/5/2013 01:06:03 pm

My wife and I are planning a day trip between April 15 and 18. I hiked Mt. LeConte round trip using the Alum trail 25 yrs ago in one day. Needless to say, I'm not as young as I used to be, but in decent shape. My wife and I walk a brisk 4 miles 4-5 times a week. My question... in your opinican we make the round trip in a day considering the wet, muddy and snowy conditions of the trails?

Shane S

4/5/2013 03:24:47 pm

If you guys walk 4 miles that often you should have no problems. Take your time going up and enjoy the trip. You should allow 4-5 hrs up, 2 1/2-3 hrs down. Long day but well worth the trip. My wife and I are in our 40's and not in great shape but we go up/down in the same day with no problems.

4/5/2013 11:45:22 pm

Shane.... thanks for the feedback. I'm really looking forward to this trip. I hope the weather cooperates.

Mark

4/5/2013 04:20:54 pm

Looking forward toward making my 4th trip up LeConte on Sunday. Going to stay at the Lodge 2 nights. I always enjoy the meals where we meet folks from many different walks of life. Hopefully, the weather will be nice. Sounds like there's been a little snow and ice in recent days. Will that continue to be the forecast through Tuesday?

Will

4/5/2013 06:10:11 pm

How do you reach the Alum Cave Trail? Isn't Newfound Gap Road closed still?

Gina

4/5/2013 11:14:26 pm

Closed on my side of the mountain, (the Newfound Gap to Cherokee side) You can go in from Gatlinburg

Mary

4/5/2013 11:56:43 pm

We are hiking up our first time using Alum Trail on Tuesday (4/9) and staying at the top. How can we find out if it is still icy? Where can we buy Yak Traks? What time do they serve dinner? Any other suggestions for first timers?

Steve D

4/6/2013 01:34:55 am

Mary-by Tuesday there won't be much left of the ice but maybe a few isolated patches on the upper side of the Alum Cave Trail, but if you read this sites report each day it will give you the best info. I may hike Alum tomorrow, and will give a report when I get back. Allyson said she was supposed to get Yak Traks on her Llama shipment yesterday so you could possibly get some from them at the Lodge when you get there. It helps if you have a hiking stick or poles, though it is easier going up without yaktraks than going down. You can buy them at outdoor stores in your area hopefully, though we are hearing that many stores are out of them. Dinner is served at 6pm, but you can go on the lecontelodge.com website and read all of their recommendations, they are really helpful. Just give yourselves plenty of time to go up, somewhere between 4-5 hours for first timers, rest often and drink plenty of water going up. Don't forget sunblock either. It should be beautiful Tuesday, have a great trip!

4/6/2013 01:49:54 am

Thank you, two other questions - do we need to worry about bears. Should we have bear spray? Do you know if there is any cell coverage on the mountain?

4/6/2013 01:51:45 am

Thank you for information. Two other questions. Do we need bear spray or is that trail busy enough not to worry? Is there any cell coverage on the mountain?

4/6/2013 02:21:17 am

Mary- you could call the Park at 865-436-1291 and ask their recommendations on the bear spray. It is a very busy trail, and I haven't seen a bear on it this past year. Cell coverage varies on which carrier you have. I have Verizon and get some coverage on the upper side of the Alum Cave Trail and then at the Lodge the staff can tell you where you might be able to get it in certain spots.

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Just a Dusting of Snow

LeConte Lodge

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