DESTINATION Yellow Mountain Trail 1 Photoset
2018-09-07 | |
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| Hiking | 12.69 Miles |
3,079 AEG |
| | Hiking | 12.69 Miles | 4 Hrs 58 Mns | | 2.69 mph |
| 3,079 ft AEG | 15 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | I was heading to Franklin in western North Carolina for a family event & I wanted to spend several hours adventuring. I looked over a map & did a few google searches & found the Yellow Mountain Trail. It looked like a solid hike & it ends at an old fire lookout tower at 5,100ft. I decided to go with it!
I flew to Atlanta & rented a car & had to fight my way out of the city in heavy rush hour traffic. I was heading northeast for the town of Franklin, NC & the drive would take just under three hours. I arrived at my cousin’s house & started unwinding with red wine. I spent time catching up & threw down several glasses. I started to have doubts on my hike the next day. I eventually turned in & slept hard! With the three hour time change, I woke up around 9am & took my time. I drank a couple cups of coffee & chatted it up with my cousins. Finally around 10am I loaded up into my rental & made the 30+ minute drive to the trailhead. There is a small parking area with room for 5-8 cars. Once there, I geared up & started hiking.
The first mile is fairly easy with a steady climb through thick forest. The humidity was really high & I was sweating heavily. I continued on as the trail kept climbing & I detoured a few times to lookout points. This is my first time hiking in the Smoky Mountains & the views were impressive. I really soaked it in. I continued hiking & the trail started a long descent. I knew the towers sits at 5,100 ft so every step down is a step I have to climb. Actually twice since this is an out n back.
After a mile or two the trail started climbing & kept climbing all the way to the old fire lookout tower. Once there I settled in and ate lunch & admired the views. You could see for miles & I was very happy with choosing this hike. I hung out for a while & talked to two different groups on the summit. I saw very few people on this hike which was a real treat.
I eventually packed up & started my return. I was feeling a bit sluggish & figured it was from the humidity & all the wine I drank the night before. I dropped down & then started the long ascent. I had no views for most of this hike & the last hour really dragged. I wanted to be done. With much effort I finally reached the car & loaded up & drove back to Franklin to continue with the family stuff.
This was a solid hike & I would definitely recommend it. It was a bit longer than I anticipated & I was surprised at my AEG totals. It was all good though. This hike left me thirsting for more & a future return trip could be possibly. We shall see. |
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