We had a club record turnout on Sunday for the Big Yellow Mountain dayhike. 13 hikers (and 2 dogs) found the way to the trailhead at Roaring Creek. We hiked up the Overmountain Victory Trail to the AT. The easy climb was quickly replaced by a steep ascent toward Little Hump Mountain. After the steep climb, we left the AT on an old 2 track. As we climbed, the wind picked up. The weather service was calling for snow that night, and the front was coming in.
We stopped for lunch in a wooded area before the bald. Afterwards, we reached the meadows of Big Yellow. To the south, we could see Roan Mountain and the Black Mountain Range. To the west, Table Rock and Hawksbill jutted skyward above Linville Gorge. To the northwest was a stunning view of Grandfather Mountain. Around to the North was Mt Rogers, in Virginia. To the northwest was eastern Tennessee, including Laurel Fork gorge and the Doe River gorge. Why was this area never considered for a national park?
We hiked out across the bald, enjoying the views. We didn't stay long, however. The wind was brutal out on the exposed mountain top. It was loud enough to make conversation impossible. On several occasions, it literally knocked us off our feet.
All too soon, we headed back toward the comfort of the valley. On the way out, we stopped by the old barn, which serves as an AT shelter. It is probably my favorite AT shelter, and offers outstanding views down the Roaring Fork valley.
Big Yellow Mountain is owned by the Nature Conservancy. The land is open to hiking. The Nature Conservancy buys land that is environmentally sensitive for preservation. Their funding comes from private and corporate donations. For more information, go to http://www.nature.org
Thanks to Christy, Tom, Lindsay, Myron, Dorcas, Wayne, Linda, Bob, Laura, Paula, Bonnie, Joel, and of course the dogs, Izaak and Saucony, for joining me for a great hike.
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