October 3, 2026

​As promised, the clouds moved in overnight and set up shop on Mt. LeConte.  Rain showers have been inconsistent and light, but what has fallen at times has done enough to soak surfaces and cause some hikers to question their gear choices.  Any glimpses of sunshine are sure to be a rarity today, if at all.  Sunday shows a continuation of storms and downpours in the mountains.  Despite the sloppy conditions, temps at our elevation remain warm, rolling between 50s and 60s for the weekend.  Once we enter the new week, another glorious stretch of sunshine returns.

That’s good news, because the NPS and their demolition contractor are scheduled to resume airlift operations on Tuesday, October 6.  Like previous iterations this summer, Lodge grounds will be closed in their entirety during flight operations.  As weather permits, these closures will begin at 9:00 AM daily and likely extend into the early afternoon hours.  Lodge services will only resume once the helicopter has vacated the area, and transporting of loads has halted for the day.  Same as before, there will be no gift shop access during the morning, visitors can use the nearby privy at the backcountry shelter, and water can be sourced from the natural spring just down Trillium Gap Trail.  On days flying is scheduled, overnight guests will be served breakfast at 7:30 AM followed by a mandatory checkout of 9:00 AM.  Overnight guests arriving to the Lodge while flight operations are actively happening can expect to receive instruction pertaining to their stay from on-site safety perimeter flaggers and Lodge staff.  Thank you in advance to everyone for their understanding and cooperation while the NPS works to wrap up the Recreation Building demolition removal process.