Big Yellow Mountain
The Roan Highlands

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History

Arthur told us about the rich history of Yellow Mountain. The Overland Mountain trail passes over the top near the Appalachian Trail. The Overland Mountain Trail was used by colonists that gathered to fight the British at the Battle of Kings Mountain. This famous battle of October 7th, 1780 defeated the British and sent the away from the Southeast for the remainder of the Revolutionary War.
We heard about a British Loyalist from the Revolutionary War Period that had a travelers inn here. He and his wife were ran out of the nearest town because of their unpopular loyalties. Travelers that stayed here were often "relieved" of their valuables while they were asleep. Eventually an Iroquois Indian hunting party from the Northeast raided and burned this inn and all of its buildings. Legend has it that the scoundrel innkeeper and his wife got away.

The Views

At 5540 feet in elevation the air is cool, even on the warmest days. From the top of Yellow Mountain Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the east, is clearly visible. To the north the profile of Grandfather Mountain, the highest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is in plain view as well. The hand hewn bench at the crest of the mountain is in a perfect position to view all of the surrounding balds. A perfect place for meditation and a picnic lunch. After the steep climb to the top, you will have earned the picnic lunch!

Gettin' There
The Nature Conservancy offers field trips to the preserve, contact them for more information:
Beth Bockoven
Mountains District Coordinator
PO Box 397
Saluda, NC 29773
828.749.1700
828.749.1698 fax
bbockoven@tnc.org
Visit their site: Yellow Mountain
North Carolina Web Site>>

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy
Upcoming hikes>>