September 29, 2021

Good Morning,

We had yet another day filled with glorious sunshine over the mountains. We’re really getting spoiled as we wrap up the month of September, but it truly has been an appreciated change from what was a rainy and cloudy summer. The temps have been increasing steadily each day, but are still far from oppressive. The mornings are cool and crisp while the afternoon sun sees plenty of warmth and even the return of some humidity. Today we’re looking at the mid 40s to start and should easily jump into the mid 60s this afternoon. Light winds, if any, will pass over the peaks. As we scout the extended forecast, it appears as though our first rain chances in quite a while could happen sometime Saturday.

The Cades Cove loop road reopened to all traffic yesterday, so that could help relieve visitor congestion elsewhere in the park. The repaving work along US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is taking place right along the Alum Cave trailhead now, with single lane closures creating long delays and limited roadside parking causing prospective hikers to park further away or consider alternate trails to the summit. This could be the case for one or two more days until the day time repaving work takes a hiatus.

We are of course monitoring the situation surrounding a potential federal government shutdown beginning October 1 very closely. At this time, no details or instruction have been provided from the NPS, so we are unable to speculate as to what that could mean for the lodge should any kind of GSMNP closure occur. We will continue to provide information as we receive it, and of course move hastily to contact those guests whose reservations could be affected by a potential shutdown.

​Have a great day.