November 8, 2005
| Today’s hike was on the Yellow Mountain Trail near Highlands, NC. We hiked from Buck Creek Rd. to the old Yellow Mountain fire tower. The terrain is rated difficult due to the fact that you go over three mountains both out and back.
HIKERS – Ray Cowan, Dick Metzgar, Jack Jacobi, Bob Thompson, Phil Brownrigg, ,Wayne Miller, David Whitaker, John Ray, and Geri Whitaker. TRAIL INFO. – The Yellow Mountain Trail is very nice with great views from the summit of Yellow Mountain (5,127 ft.). Starting at Cole Gap, you climb over Cole Mountain, Shortoff Mountain as well as Yellow Mountain. Therefore, most of the hike involves going up a mountain or down a mountain.. Today’s hiking distance : 10 miles. Directions: The Yellow Mountain Trail is located near Highlands, NC. Drive east on US 64 from Highlands 2.7 miles and turn left onto Buck Creek Road. Continue 2.3 miles up to Cole Gap. There is a sign and steps at the trail head on the right side of Buck Creek Road. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy skies with temperatures ranging from 58 to 67 degrees F. WILDFLOWERS IN BLOOM: Several Aster varieties and Phlox..
BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Crow, Grouse, Titmouse, Turkey Vulture, Carolina Chickadee & Towhee. |
 The trail-head near Buck Creek Road. |
 Our group heading for Yellow Mountain. |
 Looking down across the valley we see nice fall color.. |
 Yellows and reds! |
 Brilliant red! |
 Lunchtime on Yellow Mountain! |
 The old Yellow Mountain Fire Tower!. |
 Dedication plaque.. |
 Awesome views from the tower! |
 Another View! |
 Nice Blue Wood Aster. |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r ) Ray Cowan, Dick Metzgar, Jack Jacobi, Bob Thompson, Phil Brownrigg,  Wayne Miller, Geri Whitaker, John Ray, and David Whitaker. |