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Smokies rangers warning hikers ahead of snowstorm

Rangers worry significant snowfall has the potential to trap some hikers in the backcountry.

With up to 10 inches of snow possible overnight in the higher elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains, rangers spent Tuesday warning hikers of the impending storm.

“It can be a tremendous amount of snow, especially if you’re deep in the backcountry,” said Jamie Sanders, a spokesperson for the National Park.

Credit: WBIR
Jamie Sanders, a spokesperson for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Rangers called the 44 backcountry permit holders for Tuesday night and encouraged them to alter or delay their trips.

MORE: Full forecast and radar

“The ones that have lower elevation type stuff, we’re not so worried about,” Sanders said. “But the ones with those really upper elevation reservations – if we get 10 inches, that could make it to where they are literally trapped in the backcountry.”

“It’s exhausting to walk through that,” she added. “So what might take you 30 minutes to walk a mile could take you several hours.”

Mount LeConte Lodge

The park service was not immediately able to say how many hikers were currently camping in the park, only the number of permits issued.

LeConte Lodge, at the top of Mt. LeConte, was full on reservations for Tuesday. Guests there do not need a backcountry permit, a representative said, and if the trails are rendered impassable, hikers can stay longer.

Credit: WBIR
Snow in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

During Superstorm Sandy, which dumped snow high in the park, some people spent three unexpected days at the lodge.

LeConte Lodge opened for the summer season this week. Snow starting falling there around 6 p.m. Tuesday, with an inch accumulating within the first hour, staff said on the LeConte Lodge Facebook page.

The lodge is often reached by hiking Alum Cave trail and The Boulevard – about five miles. With Newfound Gap road closed for the storm, the Lodge posted to Facebook recommending guests take Rainbow Falls Trail instead.

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