October 21, 2022

Good Morning,

Glorious sunshine awaits us again this morning and hot cocoa hits the spot in fighting back the outdoor chill. Skies will be clear over the mountains today and temps continue to ascend higher up the thermometer. Although we’re starting off below freezing as the biscuits bake, we might reach 50° this afternoon. Winds will be light so it could feel rather toasty up top compared to where we’ve been in recent days. We have at least one more night of sun freezing temps ahead of us before what should be a beautiful and warm weekend.

​The trails have been loaded with hikers all week, nearly impossible to go without being in sight distance of another human during peak visitation. And with such a promising forecast on tap for the fourth weekend of October, the crowds are sure to pile into the park once again. What leaves have fallen in recent days have already been mulched up by the heavy foot traffic. About all that’s left on the trees now along Mt. LeConte’s slopes would be at the northern trailheads in Cherokee Orchard and while driving the Roaring Fork loop. The scene on the mountain’s south side once you get above the Chimney’s picnic area is already jumping into its winter dormancy. If anything, these cool temps have cleared the air and made for some great views toward the horizon.

Have a great day.