It's the third day of the ATC Vista event. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy hasn't had an event since 2017 when I attended the final ATC Biennial event at Colby College in Maine. At that time the ATC decided to go with an event every 3rd year instead of 2. Thus the name change to "Vista". Covid got in the way and last year's New Jersey event was cancelled due to low registrations. So, here we are in Johnson City this year, 6 years since the Maine event. In 2025, the ATC will celebrate 100 years. Where? No one knows. This event is being run and hosted by Tennessee Eastman and Carolina Mountain Clubs. Eastman maintains 130 miles of AT. CMC probably has a similar distance. They rely on local members to lead the hikes. Bob and Sharon are once again leaders for this hike. Bob has obtained permission to visit Yellow Mountain from the owner, The Nature Conservancy. We carpooled from Johnson City to Roaring Creek road. The road is paved for several miles, then a rocky narrow dirt track to a small parking area.
It is just a short walk beyond the gate, perhaps 1/2 mile to reach the Overmountain Victory trail shelter or "the barn" as many people refer to it. This is the spot the AT intersects the Overmountain Victory Trail, which is actually a trail here, not just a track. There were many people in the adjacent field so we just took a glance before continuing north on the AT. As we walked out of the gap, views to the east opened up including a view of the barn.
This time of year in the open areas of the Roan mastiff, wildflowers are at their peak. Coneflower, Tickseed, Queen Ann's Lace and Angelica dominate the meadows scenic beauty. Blueberries, Blackberries and various grasses dominate the meadows otherwise.
We continue on the AT until Big Hump and Little Hump appear. It is close to the base of Little Hump that we step off the AT onto a very faint track in the grass. Sharon leads the way through the sometimes, head high grass.
Check out the bee
It is probably a mile of this faint track which does eventually become a two track. We follow the two track through an area partially sheltered by Rhododendrons and Alders. Eventually, we reach a closed but unlocked gate. Signage requests that the gate remain closed. There are cow patties in the balds but we don't see any cattle today.
Once through the gate, we are in an open grassy bald with wonderful views of tree covered mountains. Yellow Mountain from a distance looks like an elongated crescent with half covered by scrub forest and half by 2 distinct open balds. We hike out to some rocks, above, where the upper bald transitions to the lower one.
From our vantage point, we can see views to the north and east. Below us on the side of the mountain is a large home. As we drove up Roaring Creek Rd, where the pavement ends, is a gated drive with a Sotheby's for sale sign. Later I looked up the listing. One of the most magnificent homes I've ever seen sports a $5,600,000 price tag. It is located in the forest just below the edge of the bald.
We linger for a bit at our lunch break but we know there is a chance of thunderstorms lurking out in the clouds. We retrace our steps back to the At and then make the 15 minute climb up Little Hump as an added bonus to our hike. Then, head back south on the AT to Overmountain Victory Gap. Here the group decides to take the Overmountain Victory Trail back to the parking while I opt to walk on the gravel road which allows me to visit the barn.
The gate to the balds
I spend a few minutes walking around the barn and looking closely at it. It is to be torn down and is officially closed now. On my hike the next day, I meet the fellow who will be in charge of the demolition, Carl Fritz.
The barn was used for years by AT hikers as a oversized trail shelter. Piped water from a spring is located a few hundred yards away. The loft was used as a sleeping area, as was the platform seen above. After a few minutes, I head down the gravel road and arrive at the parking area at exactly the same moment the group does. Thunder and rain started about 5 minutes before reaching the cars, so we were all somewhat wet. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Yellow Mountain.
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