Yellow Mountain
Location: Western North Carolina
Trip Starts: SR 1538 (Buck Creek Rd)
Trip Ends: SR 1538 (Buck Creek Rd)
Total Distance: 9.4 miles
Hike Type: In & Out, Backtrack Hike
Hike Difficulty: Difficult
Trails Used: Yellow Mountain Trail
Trail Traffic: Moderate to Heavy
Trip Type: Day or Overnight Hike
More Information:
Nantahala National Forest
Wayah Ranger District
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-6441
Highlights:
Yellow Mountain at 5,127 feet has excellent views in all directions and is the site of a decommissioned fire tower. The tower was reconstructed in 1990 and was recognized as a national historic lookout in 1992. The hike to the firetower is a difficult one with climbs up Goat Knob, Yellow and Cole Mountain to access the lookout. However, the spectacular views from both Yellow and Cole Mountain (via a short side trail) make this a worthwhile day or overnight destination.
More Details:
- click to see trail photos from this hike to a historic firetower: December 8, 2001
- click to view a detailed trip report from this walk over Goat Knob, Yellow Mountain and Cole Mountain: December 8, 2001 (password required)
- click to view maps of this backpacking trip to Yellow Mountain: area map, detailed map (password required), profile map
- click for the Southeastern Destinations discussion forum
- click to access the guidebook North Carolina Hiking Trails which has details on this destination
- click for other North Carolina hiking and backpacking books
- click for other hikes in the Nantahala National Forest
- click here to add your hike, trip report, or feedback for this destination