Winter Sports in the Smokies

Winter Sports in the Smokies

Sunday, December 29, 2013

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Even though Old Man Winter is already tightening his icy grip on the mountains, it doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Winter is an excellent time to visit the Smokies, especially for those seeking solitude. Although the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees more visitors year-round than any other park, winter is by far the slowest tourist season.

While it might be rather frosty at Newfound Gap, temperatures in the lower elevations of the park are usually quite balmy during the winter months. Roughly half the days have high temperatures of 50 degrees or more – some even reach into the 70s. On average, you can expect a snowfall of one inch or more just 1 to 5 times a year. This means that on most days you’ll still find plenty of opportunities for some great hiking on trails such as Abrams Falls, Little River, or Porters Creek - just to name a couple.

For the more ambitious who wish to venture into the higher elevations, you should expect snow and ice, especially on trails in the upper reaches of the park. You may even want to consider taking a pair of strap-on crampons (made for hiking boots) along with you. Even packed snow has a tendency to turn to ice overnight, and if you’re on a trail with steep drop-offs, such as Alum Cave, you’ll appreciate the extra traction they’ll give you.

If your preference is for sports that rely on snow you can usually count on plenty of it at the highest elevations. Although Gatlinburg averages only about seven inches of snow throughout the winter, Clingmans Dome, on the other hand, normally receives a whopping 85 inches. Up to two feet can fall during one winter storm!

One of the best places to be in the park when there’s snow on the ground is at Newfound Gap. The seven-mile road to Clingmans Dome, closed to traffic from December through March, provides excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Appalachian Trail - spanning the crest of the Smokies and crossing over Newfound Gap - also provides for some great snowshoeing opportunities when conditions are right.

Sledding is another popular activity on or near Newfound Gap, especially for children and those who are still kids at heart themselves.

Adrenaline junkies looking for the speed and thrills of downhill skiing or snowboarding can get their fix at nearby Ober Gatlinburg or the Cataloochee Ski Area. Cataloochee offers 14 different runs, while Ober Gatlinburg has eight, including one that’s almost a mile in length. Both resorts also offer snow tubing opportunities as well.

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains is truly magical. After a blanket of fresh snow the landscape turns into a scenic wonderland, especially in the spruce-fir forests of the upper elevations. For those that have only visited during the warmer months, winter is an excellent time to experience the Smokies in a whole new way.

If you're considering a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains this winter, please help support HikingintheSmokys.com this season by supporting the sponsors on our Accommodations page.







Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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Winter Survival Skills: Eating Snow versus Ice

Winter Survival Skills: Eating Snow versus Ice

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

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We posed a similar situation over the weekend, but will ask again: What if you're out several miles from the trailhead during a winter hike and find yourself in an emergency situation in which you've run out of drinking water? In this particular situation you'll have plenty of snow and ice around, but the question is, do you consume any of it to help with your increasing dehydration? Is one source better than the other? And do you know why? The folks over at Vermont-based Peak Survival provide the answers to these questions in this short video:







Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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How To Dress For Winter Hiking

How To Dress For Winter Hiking

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

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Although the winter season is already upon us, we shouldn't use it as an excuse to NOT go hiking. It all comes down to being prepared and knowing how to dress properly. Below is a pretty good video demonstrating how you should dress when venturing out on a winter hike. Although the spokesman doesn't mention it, you should always have an extra pair of socks in your pack, just in case the ones you're wearing get wet. An extra pair of gloves aren't a bad idea either, not to mention an emergency blankets and the ability to start a fire.








Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Saturday, December 7, 2013

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Many hikers tend to run from the woods as soon as the first snow flakes begin to fall. However, winter is great time to hit the trail. Not only are the crowds gone, but many parks show off their true beauty after a fresh snowfall. With just a little more attention to detail beforehand, anyone can have a safe and enjoyable hike during the winter.

Although it might feel quite frigid at the trailhead, your body will begin generating plenty of heat after just 10 or 15 minutes of walking. The best thing you can do to keep the cold out is to dress in layers: a base layer that wicks moisture off your body, a fleece jacket for insulating warmth, and a shell to keep you dry and to keep the wind from penetrating your core. Most importantly, dressing in layers allows you to adjust your attire as you heat-up or cool-off. When dressing for a winter hike, always remember the adage: cotton kills! Never wear anything made of cotton while hiking in the backcountry. Once wet, cotton no longer insulates you from the cold. Moreover, it wicks heat away from your body and puts you at risk of becoming hypothermic.

Some people are prone to cold feet in the winter. One of the keys to keeping your feet warm is to make sure they stay dry. Wear a good pair of hiking socks, made of wool blends or synthetic fabrics, that wick moisture away from your skin, retain heat when wet, and dry faster if they become wet. I always keep an extra pair in my pack in case the ones I’m wearing do get wet. (Expert Advice: How to Choose Socks) You should also wear above-the-ankle hiking boots which help to keep snow away from your feet. You may want to consider wearing gaiters, especially if there are several inches of snow on the ground.

To round-out your winter apparel, don’t forget about a good pair of gloves, a ski cap and maybe even a balaclava.

If the snow is too deep in the mountains, consider hiking at lower elevations, or even wearing snowshoes. If you expect a lot of ice, especially in areas where there might be steep drop-offs, consider bringing crampons specifically made for hiking. These are sometimes referred to as traction devices, or in-step crampons, which you can either strap-on or slide onto your boots.

Trekking poles are another excellent choice for helping to maintain your balance on sections of trail with slick ice and snow.

After outfitting yourself with the proper winter gear, hikers will then need to focus on staying hydrated and properly fueled while out on the trail. Hiking in the cold, especially in snow, burns more calories. By some estimates, hikers can burn as much as 50% more calories when compared to similar distances and terrain in the summer. By not consuming enough calories while on the trail you become prone to getting cold faster. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks with you to munch on periodically throughout your hike. Watch out for foods that can freeze solid, such as some power bars. Or, instead of storing in your backpack, put some snacks inside your fleece jacket. Your body should generate enough heat to prevent them from freezing.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, it can actually be easier to experience dehydration in the winter, versus hiking in the summer. Dehydration can occur faster in cold weather because the air is much drier. Moreover, dehydration can be dangerous because it can accelerate hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure you bring plenty of liquids with you, and drink often while on the trail.

If you’re storing water bottles in your backpack during a very cold day, you may need to insulate them to prevent them from freezing. An old wool sock will work in this case. Also, you may want to turn the bottle upside down to prevent the water from freezing at the neck. If you plan to be out for several hours, consider bringing a thermos containing a hot drink, or even soup.

Other winter hazards hikers need to be aware of include hiking in steep terrain that’s prone to avalanches, or a storm that covers the trail with fresh snow, thus making navigation difficult. You should always carry a topographical map and a compass with you in case you ever need help finding your way back to the trailhead if you were to become lost.

Other gear to bring with you includes a first aid kit, firestarter, waterproof matches, a pocket knife, an emergency blanket and maybe even a bivy sack.

Finally, let someone know where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and who to call if they don’t hear back from you at a specified time.

With a little care and preparation up front, anyone can discover the joys of winter hiking.





Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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34 Inches of Snow Atop Mt. LeConte!

34 Inches of Snow Atop Mt. LeConte!

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

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Allyson Virden, caretaker for the Mt. LeConte Lodge, is reporting on her blog (with some great photos) this morning that the mountain has received a total of 34 inches of snow - with 3 more expected today. She also reports that there are drifts up to the roof on the dining hall! At Newfound Gap, the National Weather Service is reporting a total of 36 inches of snow as of this morning.

In her post Allyson states that ten more guests showed up after dark yesterday evening. The hikers reported extremely difficult conditions, including a lot of downed trees on the trail which they had to crawl under. It took some of them 10 hours to hike up the Rainbow Falls Trail.

Allyson also warns:

If you have a reservation for this evening, we are asking you to please not hike up. Please call our reservations office and they will take care of you. (865) 429-5704

Currently there are many closings throughout the national park system as a result of Hurricane Sandy. NPS Digest is reporting that as of Tuesday night, "69 parks are closed or partially closed and are working to account for all employees. There are no reports of significant injuries or fatalities."

Here are a few closings for parks in the Smokies region:

• Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Cataloochee Entrance Road, Foothill Parkway East, Twin Creeks Road above the science center, and Old NC-284 between Big Creek and Cataloochee in the Great Smoky Mountains are closed due to snow and ice.

• Snow, rain, and extreme wind have forced the closure of most sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Until the weather improves and cleanup is completed, travel on the Parkway is not advised.

• Shenandoah National Park remains closed. Yesterday afternoon, rangers reported approximately 12 inches of snow at milepost 35 on Skyline Drive.

• In North Carolina, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain and Mount Jefferson are closed due to snow; hazardous road conditions exist near most mountain parks.

As the day progresses I will try to update this post with other closings and alerts for parks and national forests in the Smokies region.

For the latest updates on closings in the Great Smoky Mountains, please click here.

For updates on current weather and forecasts for the region, please visit the weather page on HikingintheSmokys.com.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Discover the Joys of Winter Hiking

Monday, December 5, 2011

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Many hikers tend to run from the woods as soon as the first snow flakes begin to fall. However, winter is great time to hit the trail. Not only are the crowds gone, but many parks show off their true beauty after a fresh snowfall. With just a little more attention to detail beforehand, anyone can have a safe and enjoyable hike during the winter.

Although it might feel quite frigid at the trailhead, your body will begin generating plenty of heat after just 10 or 15 minutes of walking. The best thing you can do to keep the cold out is to dress in layers: a base layer that wicks moisture off your body, a fleece jacket for insulating warmth, and a shell to keep you dry and to keep the wind from penetrating your core. Most importantly, dressing in layers allows you to adjust your attire as you heat-up or cool-off. When dressing for a winter hike, always remember the adage: cotton kills! Never wear anything made of cotton while hiking in the backcountry. Once wet, cotton no longer insulates you from the cold. Moreover, it wicks heat away from your body and puts you at risk of becoming hypothermic.

Some people are prone to cold feet in the winter. One of the keys to keeping your feet warm is to make sure they stay dry. Wear a good pair of hiking socks, made of wool blends or synthetic fabrics, that wick moisture away from your skin, retain heat when wet, and dry faster if they become wet. I always keep an extra pair in my pack in case the ones I’m wearing do get wet. (Expert Advice: How to Choose Socks) You should also wear above-the-ankle hiking boots which help to keep snow away from your feet. You may want to consider wearing gaiters, especially if there are several inches of snow on the ground.

To round-out your winter apparel, don’t forget about a good pair of gloves, a ski cap and maybe even a balaclava.

If the snow is too deep in the mountains, consider hiking at lower elevations, or even wearing snowshoes. If you expect a lot of ice, especially in areas where there might be steep drop-offs, consider bringing crampons specifically made for hiking. These are sometimes referred to as traction devices, or in-step crampons, which you can either strap-on or slide onto your boots.

Trekking poles are another excellent choice for helping to maintain your balance on sections of trail with slick ice and snow.

After outfitting yourself with the proper winter gear, hikers will then need to focus on staying hydrated and properly fueled while out on the trail. Hiking in the cold, especially in snow, burns more calories. By some estimates, hikers can burn as much as 50% more calories when compared to similar distances and terrain in the summer. By not consuming enough calories while on the trail you become prone to getting cold faster. Make sure you bring plenty of high-energy snacks with you to munch on periodically throughout your hike. Watch out for foods that can freeze solid, such as some power bars. Or, instead of storing in your backpack, put some snacks inside your fleece jacket. Your body should generate enough heat to prevent them from freezing.

Although it may sound counter-intuitive, it can actually be easier to experience dehydration in the winter, versus hiking in the summer. Dehydration can occur faster in cold weather because the air is much drier. Moreover, dehydration can be dangerous because it can accelerate hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure you bring plenty of liquids with you, and drink often while on the trail.

If you’re storing water bottles in your backpack during a very cold day, you may need to insulate them to prevent them from freezing. An old wool sock will work in this case. Also, you may want to turn the bottle upside down to prevent the water from freezing at the neck. If you plan to be out for several hours, consider bringing a thermos containing a hot drink, or even soup.

Other winter hazards hikers need to be aware of include hiking in steep terrain that’s prone to avalanches, or a storm that covers the trail with fresh snow, thus making navigation difficult. You should always carry a topographical map and a compass with you in case you ever need help finding your way back to the trailhead if you were to become lost.

Other gear to bring with you includes a first aid kit, firestarter, waterproof matches, a pocket knife, an emergency blanket and maybe even a bivy sack.

Finally, let someone know where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and who to call if they don’t hear back from you at a specified time.

With a little care and preparation up front, anyone can discover the joys of winter hiking.






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Glacier’s Historic Winter

Glacier’s Historic Winter

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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The winter of 2010/2011 was an historic one for Glacier National Park. A park press release at the end of April reported that USGS snow surveys measured 106 inches of snow on the ground at the 5,900 foot level near Siyeh Bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. A whopping 166 inches were recorded at the 7,000 foot level!

All that snow resulted in the latest opening date ever for the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The road, which tops out at Logan Pass at an elevation of 6646 feet, didn’t open until July 13th this year. The prior record for the latest opening date was set in 1953 when the road didn’t open until June 24th.

Here are two NPS photos showing the massive plowing project on the Going-to-the-Sun Road this past spring. Would you want this job?


All that snow resulted in a couple of historic avalanches.

One avalanche that received quite a bit of notoriety delivered a serious blow to the historic Sperry Chalet. The backcountry hotel, accessed only by a 6-mile hike, sustained a fair amount of damage, and resulted in a truncated tourist season this summer.

The avalanche slid off Lincoln Peak sometime during midwinter and plowed into the south end of the stone dormitory building. Snow and debris damaged the roof, broke a door, took off some shutters, and blew open windows. Four rooms on the interior were completely filled with snow. The damage delayed the opening, and forced an early summer closure as crews worked to complete repairs before another winter set in.

Here's what the chalet looked like in April in this NPS photo:

Here's what it looked like during our visit in mid-August:

Just a hundred feet up slope from the chalet the remains of the avalanche were still on display. Notice how most of the trees are still bent or were snapped off:

Another significant avalanche occurred on the other side of Gunsight Pass, not far from Sperry. The avalanche, just below Gunsight Lake, resulted in hundreds of trees being snapped off only a couple feet above the ground. We hiked this trail in September and had to bushwhack through a section of trail, more than a tenth of a mile long, that was choked with dead trees and crushed willows. Underneath the debris, still at this late date, were several feet of packed snow and ice.

While climbing through the debris I noticed this ice bridge:

I’m not sure how long it will take the park to clear the obstruction, but it’s likely to be there for awhile. As a result of heavy lingering snow, the trail over Gunsight Pass was not even expected to open in 2011.






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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National Park Photos of the Day

National Park Photos of the Day

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

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For a couple of national parks in the Rocky Mountains, winter isn't quite over yet. Check out the NPS photo below from earlier this week showing 22 foot drifts near Bus Terminus on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Trail Ridge Road runs through the heart of the park, and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. The road climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. Near the road's highest point, at Lake Irene near Milner Pass, there are still 114 inches of snow on the ground!

There has been so much new snow in Colorado this month that Aspen and Arapahoe Basin will be reopening to skiers during the Memorial Day weekend.

Record snows in Wyoming are also causing problems in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The Beartooth Highway, the scenic highway that links the communities of Cooke City and Red Lodge, Montana, will not be open for the holiday weekend. The road is still buried under more than 25 feet of snow in some spots, and has pushed back the plowing schedule as crews continue working on the road - as you can see in this NPS Photo:


If planning a trip to any of these parks, you may want to check this NPS Digest report for more details.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Snow / Ice warnings for hikers in the Smokies

Snow / Ice warnings for hikers in the Smokies

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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Officials at the Great Smoky Mountains just posted this piece of information for hikers on their website:

Snow/ice Warning - recent winter storms have left deep snow and ice accumulations on backcountry trails, especially at high elevation. Travel in the backcountry is difficult at this time. Hikers are reporting that Alum Cave Trail is impassible due to heavy snow and that snow is waist deep on portions of the Appalachian Trail. Ice crampons are recommended due to ice on trails.

Also, it looks like every road in the park is still closed at this point. For updated road information please call 865-436-1200.

For the most up-to-date weather information, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Winter Sports in the Smokies

Winter Sports in the Smokies

Thursday, December 9, 2010

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Even though Old Man Winter is already tightening his icy grip on the mountains, it doesn’t mean you still can’t find plenty to do in the Great Smokies.

Winter is an excellent time to visit the Smokies, especially for those seeking solitude. Although the Great Smoky Mountains National Park sees more visitors year-round than any other park, winter is by far the slowest tourist season.

While it might be rather frosty at Newfound Gap, temperatures in the lower elevations of the park are usually quite balmy during the winter months. Roughly half the days have high temperatures of 50 degrees or more – some even reach into the 70s. On average, you can expect a snow of one inch or more just 1 to 5 times a year. This means that on most days you’ll still find plenty of opportunities for some great hiking on trails such as Abrams Falls, Little River, or Porters Creek - just to name a couple.

For the more ambitious who wish to venture into the higher elevations, you should expect snow and ice, especially on trails in the upper reaches of the park. You may even want to consider taking a pair of strap-on crampons (made for hiking boots) along with you. Even packed snow has a tendency to turn to ice overnight, and if you’re on a trail with steep drop-offs, such as Alum Cave, you’ll appreciate the extra traction they’ll give you.

If your preference is for sports that rely on snow you can usually count on plenty of it at the highest elevations. Although Gatlinburg averages only about seven inches of snow throughout the winter, Clingmans Dome, on the other hand, normally receives a whopping 85 inches. Up to two feet can fall during one winter storm!

One of the best places to be in the park when there’s snow on the ground is at Newfound Gap. The seven-mile road to Clingmans Dome, closed to traffic from December through March, provides excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Appalachian Trail - spanning the crest of the Smokies and crossing over Newfound Gap - also provides for some great snowshoeing opportunities when conditions are right.

Sledding is another popular activity on or near Newfound Gap, especially for children and those that are still kids at heart themselves.

Adrenaline junkies looking for the speed and thrills of downhill skiing or snowboarding can get their fix at nearby Ober Gatlinburg or the Cataloochee Ski Area. Cataloochee offers 14 different runs, while Ober Gatlinburg has eight, including one that’s almost a mile in length. Both resorts also offer snow tubing opportunities as well.

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains is truly magical. After a blanket of fresh snow the landscape turns into a scenic wonderland, especially in the spruce-fir forests of the upper elevations. For those that have only visited during the warmer months, winter is an excellent time to experience the Smokies in a whole new way.






Jeff
Smoky Mountains Day Hiker Store

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Several Road Closures in Smokies

Several Road Closures in Smokies

Monday, December 6, 2010

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'Tis the season.... As a result of new snow and icy conditions, several roads in the Smokies have been temporarily closed this morning:

• Newfound Gap Road (US-441) is closed due to ice and snow
• Little River Road
• Laurel Creek Road (this is the access road to Cades Cove)
• Wear Cove Road
• Foothils Parkway East
• Cataloochee Entrance Road
• Cherokee Orchard Road
• Old NC-284 between Big Creek and Cataloochee
• Cosby Campground entrance road
• Gatlinburg Bypass

As of this morning, Alexander Hughes, the winter caretaker at the LeConte Lodge, is reporting that there's more than a foot of snow on the ground atop the mountain now. He has a few pictures posted on the site as well.

To keep up with the latest forecasts, please click here.

To keep up with the latest on road closures, please click here, or call the park hotline at 865-436-1200.


Jeff
Smoky Mountains Day Hiker Store

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Smokies Snow update

Smokies Snow update

Saturday, November 6, 2010

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The upper elevations of the Smokies received their first big snow of the season over the last day-and-a-half.

Allyson Virden, resident manager at the LeConte Lodge, is reporting that Mt. LeConte has 8.5 inches of snow on the ground. At 8:30 this morning she reported a crisp 16 degree temp as well!

Clingmans Dome Road and Newfound Gap Road between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC is still closed due to the ice and snow.

If you're planning to travel on US-441 through the park this weekend, it's a good idea to call 865-436-1200 for road and weather updates before making an attempt. You can also call 511 in either North Carolina or Tennessee to access the Department of Transportation Information Line for updates on US-441.

A little more snow is expected in the mountains of Western North Carolina and the Smokies throughout the morning. To keep up up-to-date with weather forecasts you can also click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Snow and Ice closes Newfound Gap Road

Snow and Ice closes Newfound Gap Road

Friday, November 5, 2010

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In addition to yesterday's announcement about Clingmans Dome Road being closed, the Smokies website is reporting this morning that US Hwy 441 (Newfound Gap Road) between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC is also closed due to ice and snow.

The website also has this posted warning:

A winter storm advisory is in effect for the mountains (above 3,000 feet elevation) through 5 AM EDT Saturday. If you are planning to travel on US-441 through the park this weekend, please call (865) 436-1200 for road and weather updates. You can also call 511 in either North Carolina or Tennessee to access the Department of Transportation Information Line for updates on US-441.

The National Weather Service said more snow (2-4 inches) above 3000 feet is possible.

As of early this morning, Allyson Virden, one of the resident managers at the LeConte Lodge, is reporting that Mt. LeConte has already received 1.5 inches of new snow.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Tis' the Season

Tis' the Season

Thursday, November 4, 2010

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The Great Smoky Mountains website is reporting that the Clingmans Dome Road is closed due to ice and snow.

They also give this weather warning:

A winter storm is forecast for the mountains (above 3,000 feet elevation) Thursday through Friday night. If you are planning to travel on US-441 through the park this weekend, please call (865) 436-1200 for road and weather updates. You can also call 511 in either North Carolina or Tennessee to access the Department of Transportation Information Line for updates on US-441.

The National Weather Service has posted this forecast:

RAIN SHOWERS WILL CHANGE TO SNOW SHOWERS THIS EVENING ACROSS THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE SMOKIES AND SURROUNDING AREAS. COVERAGE OF SNOW SHOWERS WILL INCREASE TOWARD DAYBREAK...AND BY LATE FRIDAY MORNING...SOME HEAVIER BURSTS OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE. SNOW SHOWERS WILL BEGIN TO DECREASE IN COVERAGE FRIDAY EVENING... BEFORE TAPERING OFF TO FLURRIES SATURDAY MORNING. TOTAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO 7 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAINLY IN AREAS ABOVE 3500 FEET.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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First snow of the year in the Smokies

First snow of the year in the Smokies

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

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Allyson Virden, resident manager at the LeConte Lodge atop Mt. LeConte is reporting the first snow of the year in the Smokies. On her "High on LeConte" blog, Ms. Virden is reporting that the mountain received 3 inches of snow on Monday morning, and another half-inch overnight.

She also stated that this is the biggest first snow since 1979.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Hazards remain at Grandfather Mountain

Hazards remain at Grandfather Mountain

Saturday, April 3, 2010

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Although the 12-mile trail network has reopened at Grandfather Mountain State Park, rangers warn that extremely hazardous conditions remain in the park’s backcountry area, according to a press release from the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Downed trees and debris remain on some sections of trail, and at higher elevations, ice and snow remain with drifts up to four feet deep. More than 81 inches of snow has been recorded on the mountain this winter. Trails could be dangerous when hiking through debris and on ice, and trail markers on rock faces may not be visible, making navigation difficult.

Due to conditions on Grandfather Mountain, hikers should allow extra time to complete the selected hike.

In spring, the weather can change quickly, and hikers should be prepared for winter conditions. Hikers should carry a pack with essential gear including water, extra socks, hat, gloves, rain protection, extra food, a flashlight and basic first aid supplies. Hiking boots are necessary, and proper clothing includes layers of insulating and moisture-wicking synthetic fiber.

For more information on hiking at Grandfather Mountain State Park, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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New website for LeConte Lodge winter caretaker

New website for LeConte Lodge winter caretaker

Monday, March 8, 2010

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Last week I received an email from Doug McFalls announcing the launch of his new website. Doug is the winter caretaker at the LeConte Lodge. This coming Friday Doug will be retiring his current website, www.lifeonleconte.com, a site known for some incredibly beautiful photography from the summit of Mt. LeConte.

His new website, www.ReflectionsoftheSmokies.com, is already up and running, and promises to continue with even more inspirational photos from the Smokies.

Doug also mentioned that the management for the LeConte Lodge has decided to do their own blog on their own website. Should be interesting to see how they proceed with this.

Speaking of Mt. LeConte, during the months of December, January, and February, the mountain received more than double the average amount of snowfall.

Mt. LeConte received 112" of snow overall during those three months; in an average year, it receives 51 inches.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Mt. LeConte now has 50 inches of snow!

Mt. LeConte now has 50 inches of snow!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

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Doug McFalls, winter caretaker at the LeConte Lodge, is reporting this morning that there are now 50 inches of snow on the ground at the top of Mt. LeConte!

With warmer weather on the way, it looks like this could be the high point this winter for most snow on the ground.

If you haven't been to his site recently, he has some outstanding pictures of some of the winter scenes on the mountain. Please click here to visit his site.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Video: Winter hike to Alum Cave Bluffs

Video: Winter hike to Alum Cave Bluffs

Sunday, February 21, 2010

2 comments

The Great Smoky Mountains Association has just published their latest video. This time the GSMA takes viewers to one of the most popular destinations in the park during a winter hike up to Alum Cave Bluffs.




For more information on hiking to Alum Cave Bluffs, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Most roads closed in Great Smoky Mountains

Most roads closed in Great Smoky Mountains

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

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Due to more snow and ice overnight, most of the roads in the Smokies are closed again. Here's the full list:

• Newfound Gap Road (US-441)
• Little River Road
• Laurel Creek Road
• Cades Cove Loop Road
• Foothills Parkway West
• Foothills Parkway East
• Cataloochee Entrance Road
• Old NC-284 between Big Creek and Cataloochee
• Cherokee Orchard Road at Twin Creeks Science Center
• Greenbrier Entrance Road at the ranger station
• Cosby Entrance Road
• Upper Tremont Road
• Lakeview Drive
• Wear Cove Road
• Gatlinburg Bypass
• The southbound portion of the Spur (US-441) between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is closed due to a rock slide. Traffic is being rerouted into the northbound lane.

Please click here for the most up-to-date road information, or you can call 865-436-1200.

For the latest weather updates and forecasts for the Smokies, please click here.

> Meanwhile, Doug McFalls, the caretaker at the Mt. LeConte Lodge, is reporting that 2 inches of new snow fell over night atop the mountain. There are now 35 inches of snow on the ground.

Doug also reports that with all the deep snow at the higher elevations, hiking, as you might expect, is difficult today.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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