Wildflowers! - Yellow Mountain, NC

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Wildflowers! - Yellow Mountain, NC

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Near Highlands, NC

Date(s) & Time:

Wed, May 13 2026 9:30 am >> Wed, May 13 2026 4:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Wed, Jan 14 2026 7:40 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Mon, May 11 2026 8:00 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Distance:

12.6 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Ann
Linda L

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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

3 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

The first half and all the way to the bottom of Goat Knob remains unchanged. The ascent to Yellow Mountain no longer goes up the ridge and along the gravel road, but winds its way to the front and then does switchbacks to the top.

Total mileage is now 12.6 and the elevation gain was 2743.

Pace will average around 2.5mph.

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 ascend to Cole Mountain at 4,600 feet. From there we make a short descent only to ascend again to the three successive peaks of Shortoff Mountain with the highest at 5,000 feet. Then it is down to Yellow Mountain Gap at 4120 feet, followed by a long climb to Yellow Mountain at 5,127 feet.

Lunch at the tower.

Looking for some ladyslippers!

PLEASE NOTE: To qualify for this event you must have a D5 in the last 3 months with AOC If you don't have this qualifying event, you will be moved to the waitlist. This is for the safety of the group.

The trip leaders are staying at Sapphire/Cashiers Hampton Inn and Suites.

Required Items to Bring:

water/gatorade

rain gear

good hiking shoes

lunch/snack

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Use our Event Checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

camera
hiking poles
insect repellent
hat
change of clothes (if needed)
bag for dirty boots (if needed)

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

For those joining the event you will receive a pindrop in the event reminder as to the location of the trailhead. You can also google Yellow Mountain Trailhead.

Cell coverage is spotty, be sure to have directions to the trailhead.

You may not be able to reach the trip leaders. This event will start on time.

Notes:

-We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in AOC events.
-Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Registration for this event opens at 1/14/2026 7:40:00 PM