January 11, 2021

The weather has shifted back into winter for the western North Carolina mountains. If you are looking for snow you can probably find it in any of the higher elevations. You might find decent road conditions in the lower elevations, but it is hit or miss under the current weather patterns. Be warned that freezing temps are present most nights and roads might be “chancy” until afternoon. Some roads such as the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) and the Cherohala Skyway remain open all winter unless extreme conditions necessitate closings. Other roads such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, US 441 Cherokee to Gatlinburg, and the Foothills Parkway can be closed at just the hint of snow and ice.

If you plan to visit the area in the winter months be sure the check the weather and make some smart decisions. The Tail of the Dragon T-shirt Shack will be opening in March but dates are dependent on the weather at the time.