September 27, 2024

🌀It didn’t take long for Helene to move on through and out of town. The steady rainfall of the past few days has finally subsided, as current conditions over the Smokies are mostly cloudy and breezy. Although the winds will be a nagging presence a little while longer, conditions on and around Mt. LeConte are already improving from a flooding standpoint. With the dramatic reduction in rainfall, creeks and drainages along the approach trails will quickly subside in the coming hours.

⚠️The Flood Watch has expired.
⚠️A Flash Flood Warning has been issued until 4:00 PM Friday.
⚠️The High Wind Warning has been extended until 8:00 AM Saturday. Gusts of 65mph are possible.

🛑US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) remains temporarily closed.
🛑Cherokee Orchard Rd/Roaring Fork are now temporarily closed.

🥾We are in the process of gathering intel on trail conditions, so that when roads reopen, visitors will have a better idea of what to expect. As of this afternoon, we can confirm that Alum Cave Trail is clear of any downed trees, and is safely passable. As creeks and drainages empty out tonight, the likelihood of hiking with wet feet will decrease as well by the time the NPS decide to reopen US 441.

📣With the recent closure of Cherokee Orchard Rd / Roaring Fork and the extended Flash Flood / High Wind Warnings, guests with reservations for Saturday 9/28 and Sunday 9/29 will have the option of rescheduling their stay to later this season, or to the corresponding day in 2025.

We will continue to provide updates regarding weather, trail, and road conditions as we receive them.

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Good Morning,

Well we haven’t washed away yet, despite the now days-long presence of steady rain. As of the breakfast bell, the lodge has received 8.7” of total rainfall since the first storm began. Winds picked up during the night, but have only tapped about half their potential, gusting no more than 45mph over the crest this far. Water is certainly finding its way into unusual places, with trails going to be like walking in a river for a while. Hopefully with winds not being as intense as originally predicted, that means a lesser chance of trees coming down on roads or trails.

Several weather alerts remain in effect for our area. The Flood Watch until 2:00 PM, the Flood Warning until 9:00 AM, and the High Wind Warning until 8:00 PM. Another couple inches of rain over the coming hours is still possible, as are gusts up to 80mph. The eye of Helene is surging thru NE Georgia at the moment, and its remnants are setting up to pass directly over Mt. LeConte as it pivots across Tennessee. By mid afternoon, tropical storm conditions will dissipate and skies might even begin to clear off. Don’t be fooled though, as it takes plenty of time for all this water to drain out of the park, so flooding risks will still be prevalent tonight and into tomorrow.

US 441 (Newfound Gap Rd) is currently closed, but Cherokee Orchard and Roaring Fork remain open. Anyone attempting to ascend via Rainbow Falls, Bull Head, or Trillium Gap trails at this time is doing so very much at their own risk. Please don’t be foolish in such conditions. Reminder that guests with reservations tonight and tomorrow have rescheduling options available to them, and should contact our reservations office if they haven’t done so already.

​Have a great day.