September 27, 2026

​The mountain is alive with awe and burgeoning with beauty.  This first weekend of autumn has provided us with some of the best weather of the entire year thus far, and everybody with an affinity for the outdoors seems to have taken notice.  Since Friday, the Lodge, nearby overlooks, and approach trails have all been bustling with travelers excited about the unabated sunshine, cooler temperatures, and limitless views.  And while it feels like forever since we’ve gotten to bask in such clear skies from sunup to sundown, the magic simply doesn’t end there.  Among the countless overnight guests and day visitors, the Lodge has played host to anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, notable returns, and first time stays just within these last couple days.  There have been stunning sunsets and captivating moonrises to witness, yellow leaves and deep blue horizons to admire, graceful deer and even an elusive bobcat sighting!  Throw in filling meals, pridefully-earned gift shop purchases, and relaxing afternoons among the stately trees to boot.  In fact, the substantial crowds from Texas who traveled in for yesterday’s football game made it a point to spend what time they had outside of watching the collegiate contest by visiting the world-famous summit and surrounding vistas.  The joyful aura glowing from person to person has been both contagious and palpable atop the mountain and on trail.  The experiences unique to LeConte Lodge are as loud and true as ever, unrivaled even after more than 100 years!

The forecast continues to shine favorably upon East TN these next few days, calling for more sunshine and quite comparable temps.  The waning daylight hours, cooler evenings, and reduced humidity are likely to get the annual leaf change underway very soon.  That means the crowds renowned for flocking to the Smokies will ramp up as well.  Expect trailheads to fill up with cars sooner than they have been and stay packed much of the day.  Packing extra layers inside decision now as well, especially if starting up the trail before sunup.  Reminder that beginning today and lasting for the next few weeks, guest supper will be served at 5:45 PM to allow adequate time for ascending to Cliff Tops for sunset.