Let's Get This Season Started

3/25/2013

Nothing like a few inches of snow to start off the 2013 season. I apologize for being late getting the post up. We are having a bit of a time with our internet connection. The wind and snow are whipping between the cabins. We currently have about 4 inches of snow and it is coming down hard. The high yesterday was 42 with the low of 10. It is currently 10º on the mountain.

Here is the trail information we have at the moment.
Hwy 441 is closed. That makes Alum Cave trail closed. The only trails you will have access to are Rainbow Falls trail and Bullhead. Bullhead is still in bad shape at the moment. I would only recommend Rainbow. Now, with this being said, I only recommend Rainbow if you are extremely well prepared. That means warm layers with a water proof shell on the outside. You will probably not need yak traks for most of the trail, the snow is good traction. You will need them for the hike down. Once the snow has been traveled on several times, it will become very slick.

If you are not sure about making it up the mountain and you have a reservation, please call our reservation office at
865-429-5704. They will be happy to discuss your options. I have nothing to do with the reservations on the mountain, so I am of no help in that department.

If you decide to attempt the hike, please be safe. Make sure someone knows you are on the trail. I will keep you informed of any changes as we hear about them.

Something tells me it will be awhile before these rocking chairs are fully enjoyed.

Gary Wilson

3/25/2013 02:15:21 am

I really would hone in on the fact to not do bullhead. Especially in snow. You have to crawl under downed trees, and it's nightmarish to all but the most masochistic.

Debbie

3/25/2013 02:20:36 am

We have reservations for Thursday night - do you think we are safe to attempt Boulevard on the trip down on Friday? We've only done Alum Cave & Trillium in the past, so we're not at all familiar with Boulevard.

3/25/2013 02:56:10 am

How much experience do you have in snow? The boulevard is a long long trail even from new found gap. So, you probably would encounter sections of snow drifts that could be knee deep. It just depends on how much they get, but snow is scheduled for the next 3 days, which means thursday will be the first nice day. Boulevard would be probably the least i'd recommend. I"ve heard Trillium is also in bad shape due to a landslide. Only Rainbow Falls at the moment is without downed trees.

We had a major 4 day rain event in January that created many landslides and downed trees. The park hasn't been able to fund the trail crews like previous years because of the sequester, so things are still a bit hairy out there. The boulevard is probably not the right call if you aren't very experienced in snowy conditions (or have the right gear ie gaitors, winter snow clothing, etc). You probably would deal with downed tree sections on the boulevard too since it travels through a large section of spruce forests which were very effected by january's weather. .

3/25/2013 03:57:51 am

Thanks, Gary! I think what concerned me the most is that I've heard Boulevard has steep slopes on both sides of the trail - so ice is my concern. We do have crampons, but with nothing to hold on to, it is still a bit scary. We've taken Alum Cave in March, which was scary enough at some points - 3 or so years ago there was so much ice on the trail the handrails were actually covered in ice & at our ankles!

Helen

3/25/2013 01:01:48 pm

We are scheduled to hike on Thursday also.I will continue to watch the post.

Carl

3/25/2013 02:35:04 am

We have a reservation for Tuesday. If it is safe we will be heading up Rainbow Falls at 8:30. Is anyone else planning on heading up at that time?

Heather

3/25/2013 05:49:38 am

we may attempt it depending on conditions. We are hiking with 12 year olds. We brought tons of snow gear. We are prepared to start but if we get an hour in and it seems too tough we are prepared to back out. We will check this site tomorrow. Are you hiking with kids?

Heidi

3/25/2013 06:00:55 am

Heather,
My husband and I are hiking with our 13 year old daughter. We plan on heading out around 8:30 and like you will turn around if it doesn't seem safe. We have lots of snow gear too. Would probably be a good idea to hike together-safety in numbers! Hopefully we'll see you tomorrow.

3/25/2013 08:26:04 am

heidi my email is phfagan1@comcast.net. If u r comfortable with it email me ur cell and we will call u from trailhead in am to c if we can hook up

tomk in SC

3/25/2013 02:59:33 am

Debbie: Until the snow is mostly gone, Boulevard is likely a bad choice. There is one spot that scares me when traction is good. I wouldn't consider it going down where footing is questionable. It is a long way under the best of circumstances.
Allyson: I cannot figure out where you were standing/looking when you took the unloading shot posted yesterday. I've figured out you are generally looking EAST as the sun comes from the right, but beyond that I can't make the buildings line up with the aerial photo. The skylights must be new or different. . .any clues?

Pat N.

3/25/2013 08:36:58 am

I helped 2 years ago with the lift, and my guess is that the building to the far back is the back (right side) of the office. Think of walking towards the pit toilets with that back office side on your left. Building on the right (in picture) hold supplies.

Whiteman

3/25/2013 03:03:09 pm

Pat, you are correct, the peak of the roof seen in the far back is that of the office. The building directly in front view is the flush toilet building. To the right is the food storage building and to the left is the woodshed. The food storage building is rodent-proof and holds all the dry and canned goods for the season. The woodshed is the storage for tee shirts and the workshop as well as three propane powered freezers.

3/25/2013 03:40:20 pm

That makes sense. Picture was taken late in the day then. I just couldn't orient myself. Once you told me, the flush skylights lock it up. I don't think guests ever walk that stretch. We would almost always walk behind the flush toilets and to the right of the office. I'll pay attention next time. Thanks!

Patty Stevens

3/25/2013 03:05:10 am

Oh my this seems a repeat of our hike in October during Sandy. Luckily we did Trillium, also did the connector trail to get to Trillium. We could hear trees falling behind us. Made for a long hike but was worth it in the end. Be safe. Make sure you drink your water and eat......dress in layers. We returned via Rainbow.

Nicole

3/25/2013 03:09:34 am

I've hiked up about every trail in bad weather...definitely take Rainbow!

Ronnie Tn

3/25/2013 05:10:23 am

Everyone please be careful and wear the proper clothing in this kind of weather. The weather can change so fast in these mountains. I see people on the trails not dressed properly for conditions and it could turn into a bad situation very fast. 10 degree and winds not good at all. Have a good one!

Debnfl

3/25/2013 03:28:12 am

Wow! I can't imagine hiking in the conditions now on the trails, but to each his own!!
I sure am glad we planned our stay at Mt LeConte at the end of May.

3/25/2013 03:35:10 am

I have a question about food at the lodge. I understand there is an evening meal for those staying at the lodge, but do they sell food like sandwiches if someone arrives earlier in the day or should we pack a lunch besides snacks?

Rick

3/25/2013 04:13:16 am

In the past couple of years they have offered day hikers a bag lunch of bagle sandwich and a fruit

Mary F

3/25/2013 05:15:26 am

Deb, I would pack extra sandwiches. The lodge does offer a bag lunch for your hike down, but most times it has to be ordered in advance. When I hike up I take two lunches, one for the day up and one for the day down, and snacks. The lodge does offer an assortment of snacks, candy bars, etc. Best of luck to anyone with reservations during these storm conditions. As a resident of Florida, I would be considered a "fair weather" hiker!

Paul B

3/25/2013 07:03:13 am

Last year they also had a more formal lunch that you could reserve by calling ahead. We day hiked once and planned our overnight with a early arrival each time to enjoy lunch before heading out to Myrtle Point. It consisted of a bowl of soup, (tomato once and potato the other), a huge chicken salad sandwich and a chocolate cookie with enough hot chocolate to wash it all down. I did not see it on their "Dayhiker Services" link on the main lodge website so maybe they are no longer offering it. It was really good!

Chas Eddingfield link

3/25/2013 05:05:40 am

I love the blog. I have not been fortunate to hike to LeConte yet, but plan to with my son when we come down to Gatlinburg the last week of April. Hopefully there will be no snow then!

3/25/2013 05:13:23 am

Don't bet on it. We can have big snows in April. I hope spring is just around the bend. I was planning a day trip tomorrow and cancelled the plans yesterday.

Brad

3/25/2013 05:34:58 am

I have reservations for Tue. Looks like my wife and I will be taking Rainbow this year.We did Rainbow one year in snow. I believe we are prepared. Lot's of layers, traction devices, and food and water.

doug y

3/25/2013 07:02:21 am

Rainbow Falls Trail. Rainbow Falls Trail. Rainbow Falls Trail. What a day for an opening !! And here I sit at home wishing I was headed up there !! Irony. I do hope those that attempt it will prepare adequately for the winter conditions. A good indicator in my opinion is that when the Park Service closes 441, then it'll be an arduous trek up on any trail, and Rainbow should be the choice. I pray that everyone on thier way up will be safe.

Steve D

3/25/2013 07:34:40 am

My sentiments exactly. Congrats to Tim, Allyson, Chris, Nathan and the rest of the crew for today being the opening for the 2013 Lodge season! Can't wait to get up there and see you all. I know how hard you all work to get it ready and then keep it going all season long. Kudos to all of you.

Tony Ga

3/25/2013 07:25:37 am

All that are headed up tomorrow let us know how it went. Sounds like a great adventure ahead of you. Be safe.

Brian N bama

3/25/2013 07:26:17 am

As always, I picked the wrong weekend to come up. Was just up last weekend in the driest, warmest conditions in a while. One week later ( our original dates picked to come up) SNOW!!!! It will be hard to take off on sudden notice but if anyone cancells for tomorrow night, please post>

Rob

3/25/2013 07:33:47 am

Having hiking in the Tetons and Tahoe area, I am curious to know if any of the back country sites are open for overnight stays. I would love to hike up and spend some time, then spend a couple other days in the mountains before heading back down. Experience,Gear is covered, I just do not know enough details on current trail conditions to properly cover the other areas ( safety,warmth,flooding,)...Sound there are too many downed tree and safey hazards to make this trek...

jay

3/25/2013 07:41:56 am

Gear up before you go up. Stay safe.

Workman

3/25/2013 08:06:21 am

Is the lodge full tonight? Looks like Rainbow will get a workout today. Maybe for the next 2 or 3 days.

Sandy

3/25/2013 09:13:34 am

Alittle worried about this hike up. We (3 couples) have reservations for Sat March 30. ( we arent spring chickens) I have done Alum Trail only once. Never Rainbow. Concerned about the possible ice and the rocks. Never hiked in snowy conditions... pondering cancelling...
If we do any takers on reservations?

Amy

3/25/2013 09:53:34 am

Briannbamma- or anyone else interested, we had reservations for Thursday night and cancelled for safety sake as our children have no experience hiking in the current conditions. If any one is interested in Thursday the 28th please call the office for reservations. We look forward to trying again next year. For all those hiking this week Be Safe out there!

3/25/2013 11:10:45 am

Looks like I will be stuck in Alabama. Maybe the weather will break by thursday. Look at the blog, Allyson does an outstanding job about keeping everyone up to date on trail conditions. How old are the children? We hiked up Alum last november just after the big snow storm.

Gina

3/25/2013 09:53:38 am

It has been snowing on my side of the mountain all day, I bet there getting a lot up top

Tom

3/25/2013 10:19:40 am

Thanks for your winter post. My wife and I have enjoyed reading your thoughts and viewing your pictures. Wonderful....this is what the Internet was created for.

3/25/2013 10:33:59 am

We hiked up to Alum Cave last November and it was icy and snowy in some areas but was okay for the hike with hiking poles. It was really beautiful. My biggest gripe was.... no trees for potty in the winter on that trail. At least not for us city girls. haha!

3/25/2013 12:56:19 pm

Great Galloping Gertie !! I knew that I was losing my mind, greiving over not having a reservation for opening dayor week, but now I know I'm losing my marbles: right about 6:00p I detected the wonderful aroma of a dinner being served - - I could smell the inticing invitation of a hot bowl of soup - - I could hear the sounds being made as a variety of dishes were being placed on plates - - and I could nearly taste the red wine as I sipped it eagerly !! And, I know that in the morning the same experience will present itself right around 8:00a !! If I were schooled in psychology (did I even spell that word right ?) I might be able to determine why I was having such symptoms and delusions. But, hey, I enjoy them ! Well, I'll be sitting at one of those dinner tables before too long. More importantly, I sure do hope that everyone who attempted the hike up today made it safely; I see where a few have cancelled and I am going to try to grap a spot if I can change some other appointments this week; not likely, but it gives me somethng to hope for !! Good evening.

Chris

3/25/2013 02:23:04 pm

Posting from mt leconte. The weather today was ok however the last mile was brutal. Word of advice our water lines froze before rainbow falls so make sure they are tucked in your jackets. Not much ice today mainly snow. But I am sure as more travel on the trail tomorrow it will be icy for sure. When we arrived at 3 it was 11 degrees on the mountain and blustery. Be careful tomorrow but if my 8 year can make it anyone can. Lol. Dress in layers!

3/25/2013 03:42:16 pm

Glad to hear that you made it ok.... Thanks for the heads up on the water freezing. We are trying to decide about Saturday.
We are a long ways from the energy of an 8 yr old? (40-50) in our group. How deep is the trails. We have only done Alum... Which had some narrow passes. How was rainbow?

3/25/2013 03:44:42 pm

3/25/2013 03:44:56 pm

Michelle

3/25/2013 04:26:14 pm

We are headed up Wed am and back down again on Friday. Thanks for the updates! It helps to prepare for the worst!

Tara

3/25/2013 04:29:07 pm

We have a reservation for Wed night and plan to hike up with our 11yr old and 15yr olds, if we decide it is safe. We'd like to meet other families to hike up Wed am. We have our winter clothes, but just hiking boots (& micro spikes ) for foot gear.

Cristie

3/26/2013 04:20:36 pm

Hi Tara,
A group of us will also be hiking up on Wednesday. You are welcome to join us. We will be meeting at 8am at the Log Cabin Pancake House for breakfast before we head out.

Roger

3/25/2013 05:33:16 pm

We're supposed to hike up this Thursday, 28 March, 2013. I hope the weather/terrain is okay by then. May also be interseted in hiking with someone else. There will be two of us.

Debi

3/25/2013 11:42:50 pm

I am sooooo glad I choose to hike up in July this year.

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Let's Get This Season Started

LeConte Lodge

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