May 30, 2025

Mornin’ on the penultimate day of May!

Since the holiday, the summit has been stuck in a cloudy and rainy rut. Sunshine and views out over the valley below have simply been infrequent. That pattern is going to continue today and into the weekend, so plan accordingly if a venture to the mountain top is on your agenda these next few days. Although temps are staying mild (40s to 50s), the damp and dreary conditions are going to add a touch of cool to the air, so packing a mix of layers for staying dry and warm isn’t a bad idea while we slowly transition thru the end of spring. It’s looking by Sunday we’ll slowly welcome back sunnier skies and eventually warmer temps in time to have officially kicked off June.

As we wind down the month of May, the greenery from base to summit has really thickened. As vegetation grows taller around the lodge, local wildlife like the deer see themselves surrounded by an endless buffet. Some of the popular blooms that brighten up the landscape are also coming to fine form. The myrtle are peaking across the crest of the mountain, and the famous displays of Catawba Rhododendron are in full bloom at elevations similar to Inspiration Point. The purple wave will work its way up Alum Cave Trail over the next couple weeks before the white variety of Rosebay Rhododendron gradually follows behind this summer.

Stay dry and safe travels.