June 20, 2025

Ooooh summer is on!

The sun is out for the longest day of the year, and between the bright skies, hot air, holiday weekend, and beckoning of the cooler Smokies peaks, the crowds are out in force as expected. Lodge grounds were hopping with happy hikers early and often today, with trails directing a steady stream of busy bodies up and down the mountain, and parking lots overflowing with automobiles. Some motivated mountain-goers even started their adventures a mile or two up or down Newfound Gap Road just to take advantage of the beautiful day, a result of the competitive parking situation. Given that Saturday and Sunday are calling for more sunshine and hotter temps, one rightly figures that Mt. LeConte and its 100 year-old Lodge will be THE happening place again and again.

We can’t stress it enough…beginning your quests to the summit early, pacing yourself during the ascent, and partaking of adequate snacks and hydration will contribute to a more enjoyable and successful experience in the wilderness during these toasty days of summer. Succumbing to dehydration or heat exhaustion in a remote location with limited resources and accessibility is unwise, especially since it can be so easily avoided. Few things are worse when you should be having a good time in the woods…unless you are a salamander getting eaten by another salamander perhaps.

​So please be smart if hitting the trails this weekend!