October 7, 2022

Good Afternoon,

Holy High Top, it’s already the second weekend of October! The sunny skies, crisp temps, and changing leaves are drawing in the crowds now. The Smokies are sure to be slam-packed with people this weekend, which will undoubtedly include the trails scaling Mt. LeConte. Pack the patience for plenty of vehicular congestion en route to and from the trailheads. The weather is stellar for soaking up the sights and sounds of the mountains today. We should reach the mid 50s easily this afternoon, but beginning tonight the thermometer will witness a cooling trend over the next few days. Lows will creep closer to freezing each night and day time highs might not escape the upper 40s. Winds will also be present, ranging from light and variable to gusting near 20mph at times. Extra layers are a must, especially when bookending the day with a soothing sunset at Cliff Tops. The vegetation around the lodge, and certainly the park’s highest peaks, have seen the trees shed their leaves and the non-woody plants whither and brown. But the range between the mid and upper elevations is transforming into a lush and colorful landscape. We don’t always get such ideal conditions for leaf-peeping in October, so get out there and enjoy it if you can!

Have a great rest of the day.