Good Afternoon,
     We've been enjoying mostly sunny skies of late, but we're starting to dodge some spotty clouds.  Yesterday turned out to be one of the warmer days in recent weeks as we tapped out at 66 degrees.  Our low remains consistent, coming at 45.  Tomorrow should be fairly hiker-friendly in terms of weather, but there is a slight chance of showers in the afternoon.  It definitely feels, looks, and smells like autumn up here now.  The Mountain Ash have really been shimmering as their gold catches the light. Along the trails, the smaller Witch Hobble trees have been transitioning to red.  Always a great time to spend outdoors, but be sure and pack an extra layer since it starts to get a little cooler faster these days.
​     Have a great day.

Good Morning,
     Aaaahhhh sunshine.  Good to have it back in leaps and bounds.  This week should make for some fabulous outdoorsy weather, so if you're in the vicinity, try and pencil in a stop to ole LeConte.  We'd be delighted to see you.  The rain streak was snapped yesterday, and clouds eventually broke enough in time for folks to enjoy the solar spectacles at Cliff Tops last night and Myrtle Point this morning.  Friday's high temperature managed to climb up to a rather balmy feeling 58 degrees, and our overnight low hit 42.  Today promises to be even warmer, but you'll still want that extra layer for the evenings and shady places.
     We've heard about a couple trees down on The Boulevard, but nothing that kept hikers from reaching the mountain.  Still waiting on word regarding Rainbow Falls. If you ever happen to see the trail crews and volunteers working on trails, and not just here on LeConte, be sure to say thanks.  It can be back breaking work that goes a long way into making people's treks much more pleasant when they visit the Smokies, work that often goes unnoticed.
     Enjoy your weekend wherever you may be!

Good Afternoon,
     Yowza! It's already the middle of September!  How time flies when you're having fun in fall (almost).  The sun and blue skies continue to tease us, but just can't seem to punch through and knock the clouds out.  The forecast looks promising though, and we should have ourselves a gorgeous weekend.  Irma's remnants leaked out 0.1" of rainfall yesterday, in what looks to be the last liquid precip we'll witness for a while.  Temperatures again didn't vary much, as we measured 49 degrees for a high and 42 for a low.  It's warmer today, as we sit in the low 50's.  Alan and the llamas have already come and gone, doing tremendous work in keeping us super stocked on supplies.
     The NPS trail crews have knocked out the beast of a mess on Alum Cave, so trail conditions are far friendlier to the average hiker.  We're still waiting to hear more on the mountain's other trails, so taking Alum Cave and Trillium Gap are still your best bets for smooth visits to and from the lodge.
     Even in this day and age, information from the outside world can still lag a bit getting to the top of the mountain, but we're all in tune with what's been happening in and around the country.  Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the major hurricanes that have ravaged the states surrounding the Gulf, the numerous Caribbean nations, and of course the fires that have torn through endless acres out west. One can't forget where we were this time last year during the extreme drought as fires burned throughout the southeast.  We're grateful for every drop of rain accumulated thus far.
​     Have an enjoyable start to the weekend.

Update on Alum Cave trail. The trail crew has made good progress on clearing the downed trees. They will be finishing up tomorrow.  Be sure to thank the trail crew for their work if you pass them.

Good Morning,
​     It's another quiet and gray day on the mountain.  We're still enduring the lingering effects of Hurricane Irma as it breaks apart over the region.  The winds have calmed down significantly, but we're still cloaked in cloud cover with a light mist.  We tallied 0.18" of rain yesterday, the third straight day collecting liquid precipitation. Temperatures didn't waver much, as our high came in at 46 degrees and our low was close by at 42.  The mid 40's are where we reside currently.

     We're hopeful that the NPS trail crews will make some headway on Alum Cave Trail today and have it in great shape for visitors this weekend.  We're still waiting to learn more on the mountain's other trails in The Boulevard, Brushy Mountain, and Rainbow Falls.  Trillium Gap, having been utilized by the llamas yesterday, we can say is clear with great certainty.  Bull Head, of course, remains closed due to fire and storm damage.
     Once Irma finally dissipates, we should see a break in the weather and even a slight rise in day time temperatures.  Autumn continues to march toward us faster and faster it seems like, as conditions cool and vegetation withers.  We are now at less than 10 weeks remaining in the 2017 lodge season, and just a few weeks away from beginning reservations for 2018.  Be sure and mark your calendars for Monday, October 2nd, as that is when our team will start accepting calls and sifting through the lottery to book folks for next year.  We look forward to hearing back from those of you who have been coming for ages and those who are still pondering that first visit to Tennessee's famous mountain.
     Have a great day.

Good Afternoon,
     A quick trail update for those visiting the mountain in the coming days. Alum Cave Trail has sustained significant damage in the way of downed trees, courtesy of Hurricane Irma. Many of these trees are large, mature red spruces which make passage slow and difficult. These heavily obscured stretches are at miles 2.7-3.0, 3.5, 3.8, and 4.0. Debris can be seen throughout the 5 mile climb.
     Guests are advised to utilize Trillium Gap Trail, which is currently clear of debris, for the time being. We will notify you once Alum Cave has been cleared and presents no trail blocking hazards.
     Rain is expected to move back in this evening and linger around tomorrow. Winds are still blustery up top and is making for cooler temps. Please be safe and dress appropriately if you intend to summit.

Guests hiking Alum Cave trail please be advised that there are quite a few trees down that will require you climb over, under and through some trees.  The trail crew should start working to clear some of these tomorrow. Although there may still be trail closure signs on Alum, the trail is open. They may not have been removed from the closure earlier in the week.

We don't have any word of the condition of Boulevard trail. Apparently the wind was more extreme on that side of the mountain so there may be some downed trees.

Trillium Gap trail starting at Grotto Falls is fine. The llamas packed today, and will be packing Friday and Sunday.  Rainbow Falls trail is closed today and Thursday for previously scheduled trail work, but will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We don't have any condition reports about this trail. 

Bullhead trail is still closed indefinitely due to fire and storm damage.

The manager will update from the Lodge as we get word on trail conditions.

UPDATE 6:00 PM: US 441 Newfound Gap road has been reopened. Guests hiking to the lodge starting on Wednesday can once again use Alum Cave or The Boulevard. Souvenir shop and kitchen hours will resume at NOON Wednesday.


The Lodge will reopen for business on Wednesday, September 13. There are still some downed trees on Hwy 441, Newfound Gap Road so it remains closed. Before hiking on Wednesday, all guests should check with the reservation office 865-429-5704; 8- 5 EDT, Monday – Friday, the National Park Service: call 865-436-1200 once you hear a voice, enter extension 631 for road information or https://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps . If Hwy 441, Newfound Gap Road does not reopen on a timely basis all guests will need to use Trillium Gap Trail starting at Grotto Falls Parking area using the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This trail head has a very small parking area, so please plan accordingly.

The high yesterday was 55, low 42 with .45 inches of rain.

Lodge closure notice
Due to the predicted impact of hurricane Irma within the national park, and especially at the higher elevations, the National Park Service will be initiating closures of LeConte Lodge operations beginning on Sunday, September 10. 
The Lodge will be CLOSED Sunday night and Monday night. For guests staying Tuesday night and beyond please continue to check our reservations office, the blog; http://www.highonleconte.com/daily-posts, or the National Park Service website https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm for information on when the Lodge and park facilities will reopen.