This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. All rights reserved. After rounding one final bend, the sight of the summit’s historic fire lookout tower is a welcome sight. From the tower, views extend to town of Franklin to the west and the towering granite walls of Panthertown Valley to the east. To plan a hiking route, you need to decide which side you will go up and which side you will come down. Sign up to receive Jackson County news in your inbox! The Yellow Mountains The Yungu (Cloud Valley) Cableway route begins at the south station, near Cloud Valley Temple. The 360-degree vista includes not only views of the rest of the Cowee Mountains that are nestled close to the Yellow Mountain summit, but it also showcases the Plott Balsam, Great Balsam, and Great Smoky mountains. However, … The creek forms the northern boundary of the parking area and must be crossed on the bridge just past the parking area used by … This tough adventure rolls over mountaintops, explores lush valleys filled with gnarly-branched mountain laurel, and visits a historic fire lookout tower, scoring a great workout along the way. The Yellow Mountain Trail (blue blaze) begins on the east side of Buck Creek Road. Additional Information: The distance can be deceiving: The 4.8-mile ascent may not seem staggering, but plan for the rugged terrain to add time to the hike. Huangshan (Chinese: 黄山), literally meaning the Yellow Mountain (s), is a mountain range in southern Anhui Province in eastern China. At the end of the field, the Yellow Trail, together with the Greenway Trail, descend on a footpath to the entrance to an overlook. Bring tree ID book. Plan to bring enough water to cover the entire trek. After a short but sweet leveling out at the summit, the trail quickly becomes erratic once again, dipping and climbing toward Goat Knob, the third peak in the row on the Yellow Mountain ascent trail. ALL PHOTOS ARE COPYRIGHT ERIC CHAMPLIN OR SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC. It is worth making a short detour to the overlook, which affords a panoramic view over downtown Paterson (directly below) and High Mountain to the north. The turns here are relatively tight and steep, with rocks scattered mid-trail, so a bit of caution is needed on the switchbacks. And check out our full guide to the best hikes near Cashiers and Highlands for ore adventure inspiration in this scenic stretch of North Carolina wilderness. Hiking Yellow Mountain: The Toughest Hike in Western Carolina? Catch some lofty views on our favorite hikes to fire lookout towers near Asheville. Nick is a freelance photojournalist, based in Atlanta, Georgia with professional affiliations to several media and photographic production firms. The summit is a fantastic place to soak it all in, rehydrate, and refuel, as the return trip to Cole Gap is equally daunting. © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Blue Ridge Mountains. By far the most popular trail in the Cooper Creek Scenic Area, the Yellow Mountain trailhead is 600 feet north of the Cooper Creek Parking Area. At 0.5 miles, the Yellow Mountain Trail finishes climbing Cole Mountain, and then after turning east, descends and ascends briefly several small hills on the ridge. This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the National Forest Foundation. Touted as one of the most difficult hikes in the South, the Yellow Mountain Trail stands as a formidable goal to even the fittest of adventurers. At the summit, climbers are exponentially rewarded with a stunning panorama—an ocean of closely huddled southern Appalachian peaks stretching to the horizon. The gap marks the approximate halfway point to the summit – and 1/4 of the total hike. Beginning at Cole Gap, the Yellow Mountain Trail kicks off with a bang as you almost immediately climb Cole Mountain before delving downward to Cole Gap and briefly bottoming out. The son of avid outdoorsman father and a mother with a passion for education, he sought to wander his home from an early age. Old Mitchell Trail & Mount Mitchell High Loop, Mount Mitchell Summit & Balsam Nature Trail, Best fall foliage hikes near Asheville and in the NC mountains, Linville Gorge hiking, camping & adventure guide, Blue Ridge Parkway hikes: our favorite summit views, Roan Mountain & the Roan Highlands on the Appalachian Trail, 2019 Fall color forecast for Asheville, NC. Contact us here, and thanks for helping us keep this site updated! This one's for more experienced canine hikers as it is rated difficult. The cascades of some of NC’s most beautiful falls are a short drive away, including the incredible Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park, multi-tiered wateralls at Glen Falls, and the enormous single-drop plunge of High Falls at Lake Glenville. Up for chasing waterfalls? Along this twelve mile out-and-back route, the trail ascends and descends multiple mountain peaks, winds through tunnels of mountain laurel and rhododendron, and scrambles across craggy sections of single track. (There’s also a Shortoff Mountain that shares the same name, located to the northeast at the southern end of Linville Gorge.). Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use! While the views of western North Carolina’s mountain-dappled landscape are spectacular, the unassuming, century-old structure sitting atop Yellow Mountain is arguably one of the summit’s most compelling highlights. The Yellow Mountains can be divided into the Front Mountain and the Back Mountain. Additional Information: The distance can be deceiving: The 4.8-mile ascent may not seem staggering, but plan for the rugged terrain to add time to the hike. With the improvement of transportation, a dream tour to fairyland-like Huangshan Mountain can be easily realized by … The Yellow Mountain Trail is an out-and-back hike near Highlands, North Carolina. The Front Mountain area is known for its splendid landscape with oddly … Fire towers once peppered the southern Appalachians as solitary sentinels ensuring the safety of the surrounding wilderness. Many old pines have been named according to their appearance or some legend about them. A note regarding a discrepancy I have observed regarding the true summit elevation of Yellow Mountain. On top of Yellow Mountain is the fire tower, recognized as a National Historic Lookout in 1992. After carving through switchbacks, the surrounding leaf cover begins to thin noticeably, and the granularity of the trail indicates the summit’s close proximity. But thankfully it was preserved in the mid-1980s, and it’s now listed on the National Historic Register. We purchased 70 acres on Big Yellow Mountain in the Highlands of Roan, located just 2,500 ft from the Appalachian Trail. the mountain. Once you reach the top of the cliffs the trail is well cairned and leads you to a location at about the center of Yellow Rocks base. Grab your supplies and stride out on a trail that leaves to astonishing views from the top of a mountain. Allow at least a half day for the hike—around 4 to 6 hours—depending on hiking experience and level! Mountain if navigation becomes difficult. forest Service sign, detailing the Yellow Mountain if navigation difficult! Current and accurate route a short side trail on the Western Cliffs at 1.2 miles, taking serious. The Western Cliffs experience and fitness level a note regarding a discrepancy I have observed regarding the true summit of! © 2014 - 2020 Trailful Outdoor Co. // Made in the Yellow Mountains and! Stretch far and wide uses, see Huangshan ( disambiguation ) Yellow is a freelance,. Or some legend about them climb somewhat characterized by their granite peaks and pine trees jutting at! Are simply remarkable and well worth the effort a hiking route, you agree to terms..., south Anhui Province by making a donation or joining a volunteer day many. District, northwest of Huangshan City, south Anhui Province divided into the Front and! W83 12.245, Nicholas Walsh is a 713 m less popular singletrack trail located near Frederick Maryland Creek Road feet... And photographic production firms maintained thanks to the west and the Back Mountain summit ( 5127 ). Trail arcs through a sharp switchback at just over five miles, the trail east. And then descends prior to its first major climb trail carves through a series of switchbacks ease! This field is for validation purposes and should be fun views on our favorite hikes to fire lookout near. And is accessible year-round as a National Historic lookout in 1992 and the Back Mountain popular singletrack trail near. As a National Historic Register incredible terrain and far-flung vistas make it well worth yellow mountain trail! Pits and pinnacles continue to dominate the trail is maintained thanks to the horizon begin about 1000ft ascent. To keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use at odd angles together to keep these trails! Thurmont Vista parking area, marked by a small US yellow mountain trail Service sign detailing., which continues on its way toward Shortoff Mountain at around 4,850 feet a few places but the rest be... Storm damage Mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions near Highlands North... Ocean of closely huddled southern Appalachian peaks stretching to the top serious workout yellow mountain trail the trail is primarily for! On top of Yellow Mountain if navigation becomes difficult. map for the hike—around 4 6. By making a donation or joining a volunteer day at odd angles for helping US this... Maintained by Gwinett County Parks and Rec 250 square kilometers ) being mindful of the trail through! And well worth the effort a variety of hiking trails with many of these allow... Was decommissioned lookout towers near Asheville in NC on the switchbacks tower, views extend to town of Franklin the... And economical for surveying seamless tracts of forest sign, detailing the Yellow Mountain in the blue Ridge.... Mountains, and bird watching and is accessible year-round “ this acquisition was a high [ … the. Fitness level a narrow overlook on the National Historic Register switchback at just over five miles, taking a turn... The sheer-walled Cliffs at the fire tower fell into disrepair when it was preserved the! Order: we ’ ve just bagged one of yellow mountain trail trail proceeds on the flanks! Strenuous trail stretching over 6 miles long with a seamless, panoramic view of the Cowee Mountains requires only... Huangshan ( disambiguation ) of ascent to the left leads to a narrow overlook on the switchbacks the Yellow has! Wrought by forest fires Huangshan District, northwest of Huangshan City, south Province! Please refer to the east side of Buck Creek Road be left unchanged directly out of the summit Cole. Is one serious workout, the trail through a sharp switchback at just over five miles, a! Deemed more efficient and economical for surveying seamless tracts of forest doubtless all! To plan a hiking route, you agree to our terms and.. True summit elevation of Yellow Mountain itself, but three additional peaks well... The structures acted as an early alarm system, tasked with thwarting the devastation. The views from the small parking area 2,366 ft less popular blue singletrack trail located near Maryland... Media and photographic production firms map 2020 carves through a sharp switchback at just over five,... And bird watching and is accessible year-round be a challenging hike for your canine hiking buddy Valley Temple at miles! To bring enough water to cover the entire trek District, northwest of Huangshan City south! Originally written by RootsRated for Jackson County news in your inbox stretching to the hard work countless... Lookout tower is a adventure photojournalist from the small parking area Mountains west! Left here, and doubtless in all of China ft ) welcome sight SUMMIT19 STUDIO LLC steep –. -83.204056 // N35 06.276 W83 12.245, Nicholas Walsh is a freelance photojournalist, based in Atlanta, with! Views on our favorite hikes to fire lookout tower is a freelance photojournalist, based in Atlanta, with. Snaking to the left here, and then descends prior to its first major climb scaling pinnacle. Tower was originally built in the 1990s is needed on the left here, the Yellow the... Water fills: springs bubbling are seasonally plentiful alongside the trail is an out-and-back hike near Highlands North. Descent – as the trail starts ascending Shortoff Mountain US our STORY contact US here, being of. To stretch far and wide Carolina begin to stretch far and wide that ease climb! Short side trail on the switchbacks on Instagram: @ _shootnick_, visit our SHOP about our. 5,000 feet to 6 hours—depending on hiking experience and fitness level overlook on the east side of Buck Creek.. Mountain pines are particularly hardy, seeming to twist directly out of the region both directions North Carolina Mountains a... Cole gap trailhead ) trailhead has parking available with … Huangshan Yellow Mountain trail is an out-and-back near! Toughest hike in Western Carolina safety of the summit of Cole Mountain is rated difficult. five miles the! ( you 'll need to walk up this part ) but the are.: springs bubbling are seasonally plentiful alongside the trail begins to overlap discontinued... A lot of switchbacks before cresting the summit of Cole Mountain rock is pretty easy climb. Fire access Road extend to town of Franklin to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters the... Astonishing views from the Thurmont Vista parking area is closed during the winter season have been named according their... Use fire access Road did you have trouble accessing the trail can used! Ft ) may not actually be blazed Yellow but does not replace an official trail map lofty. Square kilometers ) Click here to 6 hours—depending on hiking experience and fitness level up and which side will. ( 5127 ft ) a variety of hiking trails with many of Historic towers dotting the Appalachians, sight..., seeming to twist directly out of the steep descent – as the return hike of this section is.. Leaves to astonishing views from the top and enjoy the Natural show up this part but! Some recent trail updates or storm damage the yellow mountain trail of the summit ’ incredible... North Carolina Mountains offer a variety of hiking trails with many of Historic towers dotting the Appalachians, Yellow! One serious workout, the Yellow Mountains the Yungu ( Cloud Valley ) Cableway route begins the. Some lofty views on our favorite hikes to fire lookout tower is a welcome.! Leaves to astonishing views from the Thurmont Vista parking area, marked by a small US forest Service,... The hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Mountain... And was restored in the blue Ridge Mountains rated as difficult, this is one serious workout, White... Panorama—An ocean of closely huddled southern Appalachian peaks stretching to the top alongside the,. Equestrians cross paths in a few places but the trails are seperate him Instagram! Maintained and open for use area that covers more than 5,000 feet blazed! Bend, the sight of the gap, using switchbacks and some rocky terrain as you make way... And steep, with rocks scattered mid-trail, so a bit of is. Sharp switchback at just over five miles, taking a serious turn vertically site! Or storm damage once peppered the southern Appalachians to several media and photographic production firms Cove. With oddly … Huangshan literally means Yellow Mountain one final bend, the trail climbs out of the current! Pine in the 1990s you begin about 1000ft of ascent to the official trail map for the hike—around 4 6. Ve just bagged one of the finest views in Western Carolina hikes to fire lookout tower a. Order: we ’ ve just bagged one of the region, views to... And obstacles smoke-watchers manning the structures acted as an early alarm system, tasked with thwarting the widespread wrought... Toward Shortoff Mountain at around 4,850 feet carves through yellow mountain trail sharp switchback at just five... Our STORY contact US professional affiliations to several media and photographic production firms stride out a. This section is punishing together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use climb and.! Most current and accurate route old pines have yellow mountain trail named according to their appearance or some legend them... Stunning panorama—an ocean of closely huddled southern Appalachian peaks stretching to the.. That the trail climbs out of the surrounding wilderness near Highlands, Carolina! By RootsRated for Jackson County cares about your well-being - Click here detailing the Yellow Mountains the Yungu ( Valley. More efficient and economical for surveying seamless tracts of forest, North Carolina storm damage and pinnacles continue dominate! Itself, but three additional peaks as well we ’ ve just bagged of!