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| Yellow Mountain |
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With over 12,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest that will never be developed, the Yellow Mountain area, including the Norton Road area and Trillium and Pinchot clubs, has grand views and beautiful mountain scenery. The forests in the Norton and Yellow Mountain areas are remarkably diverse in the array of trees and understory species. Yellow Poplar, Rhododendron, Trillium, Black Cherry, Birch, Sassafras, and Ginseng are among just some of the native plant species in the area. Annual rainfall is high in this range of the Appalachians, approaching rainforest levels in some areas. Thus the lush vegetation and large number of species. Diverse wildlife habitats in the National Forest provide suitable environments for game animals to song birds. Yellow Mountain Trail is a favorite for hikers. This challenging, highly scenic mountain trail runs 4.8 miles one way to summit starting at Cole Gap on Buck Creek Road, arriving at the Yellow Mountain fire tower lookout. The western North Carolina mountains offer a variety of hiking trails with many of these trails allow bikes and horses. Several of the trails lead to waterfalls; all the hiking trails will allow you to see some of the outdoor beauty of the North Carolina Mountains.
The mild southern climate means that most areas are accessible year-round, although since elevations go up to 5,100 feet, there is a high degree of variability to the weather. Summertime daytime temperatures average in the 80's in the lower elevations to the 70's and 80's in the higher elevations. Summer nighttime temperatures range from 55 to 65 degrees. Weather conditions during the winter vary as well, especially in the high mountains where temperatures at night can be 0 to 20 degrees, but 40 to 60 degrees during the day. Snow is light, and more so at higher elevations creating storybook views. It makes it difficult to decide which season is the most picturesque here.
In Cashiers and Highlands there are wonderful resorts, inns, restaurants noted for their excellent cuisine, and quaint shops of all kinds. Art studios and galleries, local crafts, sophisticated outdoor outfitters, and makers of specialty furniture are just some of what fills the one-story sawmill style of commercial buildings in the towns. There are many golf courses of distinction in the area as well as a multitude of natural rescoures.
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Located centrally between Cashiers and Highlands in beautiful western North Carolina, Yellow Mountain boasts the highest elevation on the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau at 5,127 ft.
At the summit, the Yellow Mountain fire tower rests near the boundary of the National Forest. The 360 degree stunning panoramic views from there include all of the Cashiers Valley, Whiteside Mountain, Lake Glenville, and Sapphire Valley. Mountain laurel, blueberries and other heaths grow on the open bald of the summit making it a truly special place.