Yellow Mountain, NC

This is a strenuous 10 mile out-and-back hike with a lot of elevation change.

Yellow Mountain features a near 360 degree view of NC and other mountains.  There is a reconstructed fire tower at the top that is recognized as a national historic lookout. 
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 (5,000 ft), Goat Knob (4,640 ft) and finally Yellow Mountain (5,127 ft). 

Faster hikers can go ahead.  However, we will gather as a group at Goat Knob to keep the team together.

Here is a thumbnail version of the trail map we will follow on Saturday:
 
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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.  I-985 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 to Highlands, NC.  Go about 13 miles to Highlands NC.  NC 106 will dead end into US 64 (Main St) in Highlands.  Take a right onto Main St/US 64.  Soon you will turn left on 4th 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 is across the road.