July 8, 2024

Good Morning,

Partly cloudy skies have us dancing in and out of sunlight to start this second week of July. Views might be difficult to come by depending on which side of the mountain you’re on or at which elevation your trek has you. Conditions are expected to be this way well into the afternoon, with the possibility of rain and storms firing up around supper time. If they do make an appearance, we won’t be surprised if they clear out just in time to reward everyone with a superb sunset. Temps will likely spend all their time in the 60s today. The week ahead is shaping up to be similar to today, and par for summer in the Smokies. Hot, humid, hazy, chance of precip in the afternoon.

We continue to hear rumblings of black bear sightings around Mt. LeConte’s various approach trails. Apparently one such situation required the NPS wildlife management team to address some bear activity recently near the Trillium Gap trailhead. Remember that if you observe suspicious or aggressive behavior by wildlife that puts visitors in danger, please report it to the NPS promptly. This goes double for witnessing inappropriate human behavior that endangers wildlife or harms natural resources! Feeding or harassing animals within the national park is prohibited, as are acts like picking plants and moving river rocks, and for good reason. A little education and respect for nature goes a long way in preserving this beautiful place we all seek to enjoy.

Have a great day.