May 29, 2024

Good Morning,

​A few low-hanging clouds are present over the higher peaks of the Smokies this morning, but they aren’t expected to stick around long. Another splendidly sun-filled day is on tap for us this Wednesday. Those bright rays will feel delightful against the skin, but temps at our elevation might feel a bit brisk for some, especially if in the shade or caught in the wind. We’ll range from the lower 40s early to upper 50s this afternoon. Conditions will be clear but breezy for us, as we could experience gusts of 35mph at times today. So wind breaking layers will be helpful in feeling comfortable at the lodge and after the body’s post-activity cool down. Tomorrow is calling for more of the same…sunny and mild.

This is a major week for communities across the USA to wrap up their school years, with others likely to conclude by next week as well. That means with summer vacations rolling into full effect, the nation’s most visited national park will see a surge soon and then a steady presence of exceptional visitation over the coming months. So come prepared and patient for bustling towns, slow-rolling roads, packed parking lots, and congested trails. Whereas during the spring and autumn months when Saturdays tend to bring the highest attendance to the park, it can be just about any day of the week in June and July. Weather will of course continue to have the biggest impact on visitors day-to-day, affecting just how quickly permissible parking spaces will fill up each morning. Consider this for when to arrive at a popular trailhead: Sunny? Get there sooner. Wet? Okay to wait. (Odds are the casual hikers will hit up the pancake houses first before convincing themselves to willingly hike in the rain.) For reference, sunrise these days is about 6:20 AM, with enough light to ditch the headlamp a little bit earlier.
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​Have a great day.