April 17, 2025

Sun ascending, coffee perking, biscuits baking, robins running and juncos jumping. We have the makings of a sensational spring day ahead of us!

Despite the thermometer hovering around the freezing mark this morning, the clear skies and inspiring sunrise are greeting guests with a sense of optimism this morning. Warmer temps are on the way beginning this afternoon, and pleasant skies should be the norm now on through the holiday weekend. One expects that the mighty Mt. LeConte will be high on everyone’s travel plans priority list over the coming days. As winds shift from the south, the summit could see temps in the mid 50s today, mid 60s tomorrow, and who knows maybe even scrape 70° on Saturday. Such a forecast will surely draw out the weekend warriors and vast crowds of vacationers. Winds will be calm today over the crest, making for prime sun bathing at places like Myrtle Point or Cliff Tops, but breezier conditions are on the way by tonight.

It’s Day 2 of Earth Week, so let’s pick right up with recognizing more of the natural wonders around us here atop Mt. LeConte! Have you heard of unique locations like ours referred to as “islands in the sky?” If not, that in large part references the incredible biodiversity that exists at this elevation and remote mountain peak, specifically the unique vegetation types still prevalent here. The various trees and wildflowers that occur here and not many other places this far south of Canada make what we have extra special. And although some far-reaching human-caused or non-native insects have impacted the area in recent decades, there is careful work actively being done to preserve and rehabilitate the natural resources that make this highly-sought summit so attractive. Our team and the hard-working NPS trail crews work in unison to manicure trails and the lodge grounds in a way that still look natural. Other steps being taken include shaping of paths and transplanting of native plant species to control water erosion, promote pollination and proper foraging for local wildlife, and to beautify this small mountaintop village. It’s with that attention to detail that some species in and around these rustic cabins are as old if not older than the buildings themselves!

​So the next time you visit this Smokies gem, take a moment to admire and appreciate the ancient scenery around you and the work done by those honorable stewards of the last 100 years.