Difficult
Hiking
Yellow Mountain Trail

- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Distance
- 12 ml
- Duration
- 8 hr
- Ascent
- 3000 ft
- Descent
- 3000 ft
Buck Creek Gap, Buck Creek Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Best Time of Year: Mar 01 - Nov 30
A challenging 12-mile round trip trail with a fire tower at the top, offering stunning 360-degree views of the terrain below.
Directions to Location
- From the intersection of NC 107 and US 64 in Cashiers, drive 7.3 mi west on US 64
- Turn right on Buck Creek and go 2.2 miles, passing Chestnut Hill on right
- Look for steep path on the right with a small wooden sign and steps leading to the trail
- Park on the left in the gravel
- If you pass Cole Mountain Circle, you have gone too far.
Trails and Waterfalls can be dangerous; take no chances, only photos for memories. Read our Safety and Insider tips to have a safe, fun and enjoyable trip to Jackson County.
Leave No Trace — Seven Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For more details, visit www.lnt.org
©1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
360-Degree ViewsFire Tower