Good Morning,

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) reopened yesterday afternoon providing access to the heart of the park once again. It should stay that way today, at least until the next round of snow rolls in for Monday. Temps in the coming days won’t be that far below freezing, although the bump in wind speeds will certainly add a bite to the chill.

It was a nice break to be able to enjoy the sunshine yesterday overlooking the sea of clouds. Temps remained chilly with our high being 28° followed by a low of 12°. We’re nearing 20° at the moment and our current snow depth stands at about 9". Sunny and beautiful is the name of the game today. If you look to take advantage of the open roads and hit some snowy trails, please remember to come prepared.

​Have a great day.

Good Morning,

​It is a magical morning atop Mt. LeConte. Skies are clear, calm, and quiet in this grand winter solitude. A dusting of snow was added to yesterday’s larger amount, bringing our total accumulation closer to 11” of fluffy and fun powder. Been quite chilly with a high of 28° and a low of 13°. We’re still in the low teens as the sun makes its climb into the sky. Forecast for the weekend looks like it’ll be stunningly sunny and clear, great for enjoying the outdoors. Another spin around the mountain in cross country skis is in order.

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is still closed on account of the conditions. Cherokee Orchard Rd reopened yesterday afternoon. If you intend on reaching the summit this weekend, come dressed appropriately for the cold and snowy conditions. That means warm, dry layers, traction devices, and plenty of snacks and hydration to trudge through the deep snow. Remember, the lodge is closed so there is no indoor escape. You are responsible for your own level of comfort. Such winter majesty in these mountains can pose equal parts beauty and treachery for anyone caught out unprepared.

​Have a great start to the weekend!

Good Morning,

It’s a beautiful snowy winter morning on the mountain. We received 7” of snow during the night which brings our total accumulation up to 10”. More on-and-off snowfall is possible throughout the remainder of today. Our high temp was 34° with an overnight low of 20°. It is currently 25°.

Due to the icy and snowy conditions happening across the region, several park roads are temporarily closed. That includes US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) and Cherokee Orchard Rd as it relates to us. It’d be a surprise if either of these roads reopened before the weekend.

We are in the midst of a Winter Storm Warning that will last until 7:00 PM Friday. It’s calm up here for the moment, but beginning Saturday, winds are expected to increase and wind chills will drive temperatures down into the single digits. So conditions not for the faint of heart this weekend.

Be safe out there. Happy trails!

Good morning folks,

Its a fine morning on the mountain. Our high yesterday reached 28 degrees which felt much warmer in the sun. The overnight low dipped down to a chilly 14 degrees. It is currently 22 degrees with partly cloudy skies. Our snow depth stands at 4” around camp but, much less as you head down the mountain. Traction will be needed folks. All in all it’s going to be a great day on the mountain. Looking ahead, the mountains will be under a Winter Weather Warning with potential snow fall amounts of 4-6” in the higher elevations. Clearing skies will return just in time for the weekend so, come up and see the snow. Have a great day!

Walking to the split of Rainbow and Alum I was greeted with freshly untouched snow. I took off. The brilliant white snow reflected with such beauty it was hard to make tracks. Meandering down the path, I noticed paw prints from our local bobcat. I followed. Such mysterious creatures, and a great player of hide and seek, which he or she is winning. The day progressed. I finished some camp chores and had an amazing supper by oil lamp. With the night hovering over I retired to my cabin. My night was set.
See you at the top!

​PNUT

Good morning folks,

Its a brisk morning on the mountain. Arctic air has taken over and the white fluffy snow has layered camp again. It was a cold day yesterday with the high only reaching 25 degrees with an overnight low of 11 degrees. It is currently 15 degrees with light winds and clear skies above. We received 0.58”of precipitation. Our current snow depth is 4” with possible deeper amounts on the exposed areas of trails leading to and around the summit. Plan for cold temperatures today and traction will be needed as well. Snow is in the forecast later this week with clearing skies just in time for the weekend. Have a great day!
​
Cold air blasts my cheeks as I open my sealed cabin. Winter has returned on LeConte. The snow has an extremely bright shimmer that dances across the star filled sky. Suited with my new puffy jacket, I was headed for the morning show. Upon reaching my destination, I was greeted with tangerine and pink skies that went on for miles. Low level clouds danced through the hollers of the mountains. My morning was set. See you at the top!

​PNUT

Good morning folks,

The snow has returned! Snow is falling heavy on the mountain this morning. My internal alarm clock went off. Opening the door I was greeted to a new day and a different landscape with white. The familiar crunch was back. The high yesterday only reached 32 degrees with an overnight low of 20 degrees. It’s currently 25 and socked in with heavy snow. We received 0.02” of precipitation with trace amounts of snow this morning. Traction will be needed to reach the summit, as well as warm layers and your best puffy jacket. Hwy. 441 remains closed for snow/ice. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the mountains until 7pm tonight with snow accumulations of 4-6” above 5000 feet. Well we sit 6593’ so hopefully we see more than that. Stay tuned.. Have a great day!

Oil lamps burn off the dark morning on LeConte. The high alpine mountain is coated with white again. Red Spruce trees have talked and are happy to welcome the snow back to the mountain. It is very quite and a still morning up top. The roaring kettle reminded me it was time to pour the first cup of drip coffee and admire my life here. I am blessed to be in such beauty. See you at the top!

PNUT

Good morning folks,

Its a another fine morning on everyone’s favorite mountain. The colder air moved in yesterday making our temperatures feel much cooler than my previous day. The high reached 33 degrees with an overnight low of 18 degrees. It is currently 22 degrees with crystal clear skies and calm winds. Trails should be in good shape but with the drop in temps may have some slick spots so tread carefully! Today looks to be warmer with abundant sunshine so pack those sunglasses. Possible snow is in the forecast for later this week so stay tuned. Have a great day!

My legs were feeling my run/hike out on the Boulevard from the previous day. I was due for a relaxing day on the mountain. Looked like most of the valley was experiencing cloudy weather while we were above the clouds in our own world of sunshine. The heavy cloud cover layered everything around Cliff Tops. Clingmans would peak out every so often. Such a sight to see the inversions. The winter gives some of the most crystal clear views I have ever witnessed on the mountain which I have lived through all season on LeConte. With the day moving on I had such an amazing lunch with fresh cheese my momma sent with me from Christmas. Thanks Ma! With the evening upon me I retired to my cozy cabin for the night. See you at the top!

PNUT

Good morning folks,

Its a cool calm morning with light winds around the mountain. It was a very warm day up top with our high temperature reaching 51 degrees. The overnight low came in at 27 degrees. It is currently 28 degrees with partly cloudy skies. Trails are in great shape just a bit wet from recent snow melt. Today Looks to be a bit chiller day on the mountain so pack some extra layers.


I had such a great run/hike over to the Jumpoff yesterday. Once splitting off from Myrtle and heading down the Boulevard the trail was still coated in some ice/snow. This trail really opens up for such smooth running and I was in heaven. The high elevation ridges of this trail remind me of hiking on the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. Walker camp prong was a great rest for a refreshing sip of mountain water. My legs moved quickly and in no time I arrived at my destination. I was greeted with views that went on for miles. After a quick bite to eat and drink I was headed back to LeConte. The warm air was such a great feeling rolling through the high country. It was a great day to be outdoors. I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy some sunshine. Have a good day folks. See you at the top!

​PNUT

Good morning folks,

The winds have calmed and it’s a fine morning on the mountain. The cloud inversion has cloaked the valley floor below. I’m above the clouds again. The high yesterday reached a toasty 45 degrees. The overnight low was a mild 38 degrees. It is currently 40 degrees and partly cloudy skies. We received 1.24” of precipitation which melted mostly all the snow on the mountain. Traction shouldn’t be an issue but water runoff will be the main concern. Prepare for wet trails the next few days. A change of socks might be nice for the hike back down. Today looks to be a great day compared to yesterday’s hurricane force winds that ripped through camp. Hope everyone has a great day!

Cliff tops was rocking last night! Winds raced from the south and hammered into the mountain. Only exposing myself for short periods to lean into the wind. It was as if you could almost take flight and soar with the Ravens. After many failed attempts to fly I retired to the kitchen for some supper. The night was set on LeConte. The clouds cleared for a very short second and revealed the photo below. Enjoy!
See you at the top!

PNUT

Good morning folks,

It’s a roller coaster of a morning for weather. Winds are howling on this first day of the year. The high yesterday reached a very mild 45 degrees. The overnight low was only 37 degrees. It is currently 44 degrees with extremely high winds racing through camp. We received 0.04” of precipitation with only trace amounts of snow remaining around the lodge. Trails around the lodge are very slick so tread carefully and pack those spikes if you venture up the mountain today. US Hwy. 441 is closed for high winds and will reopen when it’s safe. Rain is expected through the area with clearing skies just in time for the weekend. Have a great day and be safe.

Moving slow through the forest I’m reminded of the solitude one can have on the mountain. It was a beautiful day to be outside. Warm temps with no winds made for a great day of exploring some new areas around the mountain. Returning back the kitchen it was time to fire up the grill! Sautéed onions with Chicken and Bratwurst. It was a perfect day to be out on the mountain. The night crept in and the valley below revealed fireworks bursting with magnificent colors. With 2020 behind us I hope everyone has a great year. See you at the top!

​PNUT