November 23, 2022

Good Morning,

It’s Closing Day of the 2022 season! Last night’s guests who helped us bookend what was been a busy past eight months are slurping down the last coffee and pancakes to be whipped up until March 2023. The jubilant crew is ready to put a ribbon on all they’ve accomplished this year. The weather is fantastic for a final day on the mountain. Plenty of sunshine is expected today, and even though we’re starting out around freezing with some light frost on the grass, temps should soar this afternoon jumping as high as 50°. Much of the ice on trail has melted in recent days, and today’s warmth might just take care of the rest. The Thanksgiving holiday is shaping up to be nice for outdoor ramblings, but rain showers are expected to roll in tomorrow night and persist through the weekend. After today, the weather can throw all it wants at the mountain.

Even though all visitor services at the lodge will stop until next spring, folks hiking to the summit will still have access to the pit privies at the far west end of camp. Our caretakers always do a great job keeping them stocked and cleaned daily. Anyone looking for water will need to filter it from the natural spring located 100’ down the Trillium Gap northeast of camp. There will be no inside shelter at the lodge for anyone at anytime, so come prepared for all climate conditions if attempting the mountain this winter. Camping of any kind on all lodge grounds is strictly prohibited. The backcountry shelter a quarter mile up the hill from the lodge requires permits, all regulated by the NPS. And as always, caring and responsible visitors to the Smokies are expected to pack at all trash.

Even though our on site gift shop will be closed, there is a great lineup of lodge swag available 24/7 through our online store. With the holiday season swinging into gear, there’s no better time to get that sweet lodge memorabilia for loved ones and friends. Check out this year’s exclusive ornament and more here!

​Have a great day.