Yellow Mountain, NC

This is a 9.4 mile in and out hike with a lot of elevation change.

The club has not done Yellow Mountain in a few years.  It is time to resurrect it. 

Yellow Mountain features a near 360 degree view of NC and other mountains.  There is a reconstructed fire tower at the top that was recognized as a national historic lookout.  We can climb this short tower and look out ourselves.  The top is known also for its wild blueberries, which should be ripe at the time we are there.

We start at Cole Gap at 4,200 feet and then up to Cole Mountain at 4,600 feet.  From there it is down and back up to the three peaks of Shortoff Mountain at 5,000 feet, some of which we skirt around.  Then it's down to a gap and back up to Goat Knob at 4,640.  Then back down to Yellow Mountain Gap and up again to Yellow Mountain itself at 5,127.  From there we go back the same way to our cars.  Sort of like a roller coaster isn't it? 

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER HIKE *** You must be in good physical condition. You also need to be able to hike long distances and keep a moderate pace.***

From the park and ride take I-85 North to I-985 North.  This turns into GA 365/US 23/US 441.  Continue to Clayton GA.  We will make the obligatory pit stop at the Clayton Burger King on the right.  After the pit stop get back on the highway and go north about seven miles to Dillard GA.  Just past Dillard go right on GA 246.  GA 246 turns into NC 106 at the NC line.  Go about 13 miles to Highlands NC.  NC 106 will dead end into US 64 (Main St) in Highlands.  Take right here onto Main St/US 64.  Soon you will turn left on 4th St from Main St to stay on US 64.  After 2.7 miles turn left on Buck Creek Rd, aka NC 1538, aka Cole Mtn Rd.  Go 2.2 miles from there to Cole Gap and park on left side of road at intersection with Forest Service Rd 4535.  The trail head will then be across the road.