Good Afternoon,

It is a picture perfect day here at the lodge. Clear sunny skies as far as the eye can see. Accompanied with the singing of the birds and gentle breeze we couldn't ask for a better day. It is uncharacteristically warm today, currently 44 degrees and climbing. Last nights low dropped to 29 degrees. With such high temps we can expect for any little bits of remaining ice to be gone. Looking ahead on the forecast we are seeing those temps drop right back down into the 20s and possibly even the teens. Chances of rain and snow on the radar for Thursday and into the night. Be sure to pack those warmer layers and always bring those traction devices this time of year. Our llama friends are here for a visit and they too are loving this weather. No place we would rather be.

Good Afternoon,

It looks as though we are going to be spending the day in the clouds. Thats life when you call home at 6593 feet. Even though the clouds are blocking out any sunshine, we are staying reasonably warm. Currently 40 degrees. Looking at the forecast for the next few days we shouldn't see below freezing temps until Thursday night. No rain on the forecast either. Last night we dropped to a slightly chilly 29 degrees. After a day run down Bull Head and up Alum I am happy to report that those icy conditions have disappeared for the time being. Llamas remain on normal schedule for this week with trips on Wednesday and Friday.

​Good morning all,

It’s been another cold 24 hours at the lodge with temps ranging between 16 and 40 degrees. For a majority of the day, we stick around 35 degrees although through the night, things get frigid. As these temps remain consistent, bring warm layers for the evening hours! While this time of year we always recommend traction devices, the only reported ice remaining is inside of camp boundaries and minimal on the trail leading to Cliff Tops. Although, we are hoping for the remaining ice and snow to be melted within the next couple of days. 

Good Morning,

We’re all waking up to abundant sunshine today, courtesy of the time change and clear skies! Saturday was a gorgeous time to be on the mountain, as our high reached 39°. Our overnight low dipped down to a chilly 16°. Current conditions are sunny and 22°.

We’re expecting a repeat performance today of beautiful autumn weather and enthusiastic hikers. The next several days are showing sunshine with steadily rising temps. The mountain is calling, so come on up!

As we do this time every season, we have to adjust our meal services in accordance with the rising and setting of the sun. With the sun rising much earlier now, breakfast is back to 8:00 AM. Dinner service will now be AFTER sunset, that way overnight guests have a chance to enjoy one of East Tennessee’s greatest shows before a filling meal. Guests this week can expect dinner to be at 6:15 PM. Next week we will revert back to the normal 6:00 as daylight hours continue to dwindle.

Day hikers will need to pay close attention to these new daylight hours so as not to get caught out late in the cold. The average hiker is going to take 3-4 hours to descend Alum Cave Trail, more for the other trails, and longer in general if there is ice underfoot. That means leaving the lodge no later than 2:00 PM, which still gives you plenty of time to purchase souvenirs and snacks when our shops open at noon daily.

​Have a great rest of the weekend!

Good Morning All,

It is shaping up to be a gorgeous Saturday here in the smokies. Clear skies offering spectacular views as far as the eye can see. There is still snow on the ground but we are hoping to see that melt away at some point today, though its gonna have to warm up more than the current 35 degrees. No more rain or snow on the forecast. Still practice caution at higher elevations as ice tends to linger in those shady areas. Our overnight lows are staying in the 20s for now so be sure to bring plenty of warm layers if you are planning an overnight stay. Due to recent storm activity we have had our llama friends made an adjustment to their schedule and will be hiking up today. Next week they aim for the normal Monday, Wednesday, Friday trips. 

UPDATE 5:30 PM - US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is back open. Watch for ice and snow on the roads and trails, as temps are expected to dip well below freezing again along the upper elevations. Visitors now have access to all trails accessing Mt. LeConte this weekend.

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Good Afternoon,

There is nothing to prepare you for calling life at 6593 feet home. The weather alone is a crazy roller coaster ride. Yesterday we received 2.0 inches of rain but temperatures stayed in the lower 50s for most of the day. Wind speeds fluctuated all day with high gusts around 40 mph. Once dinner rolled around we saw the temperatures drop very fast with an overall low of 14 degrees! Snow was inevitable. We received 0.5 inches of snow. With as much rain as we got mixed with 14 degree weather we woke this morning to an icy/snow covered camp. Its going to be a clear sunny day but temperatures are not going to rise above the upper 30s. Expect trail conditions to be icy, traction devices are a MUST. No more rain on the forecast for the weekend but we are expecting these below freezing temperatures to remain. For those planning a trip up be sure to bring those traction devices, watch for ice at higher elevations and check road conditions through the National Park Services to plan your hike.
No matter the weather, the crew always has a good time. Halloween festivities were had last night, including a pumpkin carving contest. The winner goes to crew members Kemp and Erin for their "I hiked it Halloween" pumpkin pictured below. Afterwards scary movies were played late into the night along with a few games. Certainly a halloween for the books.

UPDATE 3:15 PM - Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork are back open. Use caution on roadways and trails, as water levels are still high.

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UPDATE 11:00 AM - Cherokee Orchard has been temporarily closed due to high winds and downed trees. NPS crews will look to assess and reopen roads as soon as the wind advisory expires this afternoon. Guests with reservations for November 1st should contact our reservations office at 865-429-5704 for guidance.

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UPDATE 10:00 AM - US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) has been temporarily closed due to high winds and downed trees. Visitors still have access to trails emanating from Cherokee Orchard.

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Significant Weather Advisories are in effect for the East TN region today. Use caution on all Park roads and trails.

*Wind Advisory til 2:00 PM, calling for sustained winds of 15-25 mph and gusts of 45 mph.
*Flood Watch til 8:00 PM, calling for 1-3” of rainfall through this evening. Potential for ponding and swelling creeks.
*Freeze Warning overnight into Friday morning. Expect slick trail conditions along the upper elevations in the morning.

Upon reaching their high around NOON, temperatures are expected to plummet some 45° in the valley. Expect frigid below-freezing temps on the mountain, especially if winds persist. All roads and trails accessing Mt. LeConte are currently open as of 6:30 AM, but strong winds, heavy rain, and freezing temps could invoke temporary closures as the day progresses.

Remember to follow twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps or call 865-436–1200 *2*2 for up to date Park road information.

Good Morning All,

Looks like we are in store for some wild weather patterns ahead. Today we are in the clouds and not looking to change. Light showers are scattered throughout the morning with not much hope of letting up but instead to get heavier. Looking to receive well over an inch. Thankfully temps are staying warm, currently 52 degrees with overnight lows in the lower 40s. This rainfall looks to continue into the better part of tomorrow with some high winds on the radar. If you are planning a trip up be sure to pack that rain gear. Looking closer to the weekend we are seeing temperatures drop pretty significantly, expecting below freezing temperatures (possibly even in the teens) but will keep you updated as the weekend gets closer. Be sure to pack some warm/dry gear and traction devices just incase of icy conditions after all this rain.
It may be gloomy outside but crews spirits are high because tomorrow is Halloween! Pumpkins have been carved by the crew and will be on display at the lodge all day tomorrow as visitors vote for their favorite. Costumes are being assembled for the festivities tomorrow. Rain or shine we will certainly have a good time (pics to come soon). 

Good morning all,

It’s a happy Monday here at LeConte Lodge. With temps currently in the upper 40s and expecting the mid 50s as our high, everyone is running around outside enjoying the beautiful weather. Over the next 24 hours, you can expect to see our temps ranging between 40-55 degrees. Perfect for sitting on the porch in a rocking chair to take in the views of the valley below. ​

Roaring Fork remains closed for the moment meaning the llama trip for today has been postponed until tomorrow. We hope to see you at the top soon!