May 25, 2024

Good Morning,

When the first bands of rain rolled through Sevier County before sunrise, that was an early indication that the weather this morning was going to be interesting. The mountain has been battered by several hours of rain and lightning, but skies are clearing at lunchtime. Temps are hovering in the lower 50s and winds are calm. The next round of storms is set to appear around supper time, so travelers this afternoon will have to contend with water underfoot without more falling from above. Scattered storms are still being forecast for Sunday and Monday.

In conjunction with EMS week…

Wanting to spend time in the wilderness? Does your plan require physical activity in a remote location miles from technology and luxury? Does your route include rugged terrain, variable temperatures, and the possibility of hazardous weather? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then PERSONAL RESEARCH AND PREPARATION IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. That means the individual traveler is solely responsible for the time and energy they put into making sure their experience in the wilderness is safe and successful, no one else, small inexperienced children being an exception.

It’s no surprise that all national parks across the country are going to be busting at the seams this holiday weekend, with personnel and resources stretched thin. What has become a concerning reality though, despite the wealth of information available in this day and age, is that how such a significant portion of these record numbers of visitors ignore this most important step of research and preparation. And as we continue to see all over the Smokies and parks elsewhere, the consequences of this lack of preparation can be dangerous.

Detailed weather forecasts, highly tested rain gear, efficiently performing warm layers…these things all exist in great abundance! Deliberately choosing not to bring the proper gear or clothing, deliberately choosing to trudge on through hazardous climate conditions when there is no sensible reason to do so, or deliberately choosing to convince others (possibly unprepared or inexperienced) is reckless and irresponsible.

The Lodge is in a remote location, at an uncompromising elevation, limited in space and resources, and relies on those visitors choosing to hike here to come prepared, to take personal accountability, and to have thoroughly considered the inherent risks associated with exploring the wilderness. Doing so will improve the entirety of one’s experience to and from Mt. LeConte by leaps and bounds. Failure to do so, and we have to turn otherwise public places like the dining hall into a hypothermia triage center like we did today, instead of the fun and happy gathering place it should be for the record number of day hikers and paying overnight guests when all come prepared.

So, please do the research. Please make the preparations. Please consider all your options before ever starting. Please make responsible decisions for yourself and those who depend on you (kids/grandkids) throughout. Please know when to turn around, don’t play the pride vs. shame game. You will thank you. Your dependents will thank you. Medically trained personnel, whether representing the NPS or the Lodge, will thank you.

Be safe and have a great day.