Yellow Mountain Fire Tower Overnight - Experienced Only

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This one is something special.

Hidden deep within the Nantahala National Forest, Yellow Mountain Fire Tower is one of those places that feels like it belongs in another world. We'll earn every step as we climb to a historic fire tower perched high above the mountains, where we'll spend the night watching the sun dip below endless ridgelines before waking up to an unforgettable mountain sunrise.

This trip is limited to just 6 hikers. Because of the terrain, logistics, and limited camping space, we are keeping this group intentionally small.

This trip is intended for experienced hikers and backpackers who are comfortable with long climbs, carrying a fully loaded pack, and spending the night in a remote location.

For everyone's safety and enjoyment, MERB and Food Lion reserve the right to remove participants who have not yet demonstrated they're ready for this level of backpacking. If we feel this adventure isn't the best fit for your current experience, we'll happily help you prepare for a future trip instead. We want every hiker to succeed—not just survive.

Participants should have the endurance to complete roughly 13 miles on steep or mountainous trails, or 16 miles on mostly level terrain, within a day.

Because camping space at the fire tower is incredibly limited, we also encourage hikers to:

⛺ Share tents when possible.
🌙 Bring a hammock setup if that's your preferred sleep system.
⭐ Cowboy camp under the stars if weather conditions cooperate.

The summit can comfortably accommodate approximately:
3–4 backpacking tents
2 hammock setups

Food Lion and I will be car camping at the trailhead Friday night. We recommend sleeping close to the trail head or at the trail head; parking IS limited so if you see someone RSVP'd that you are comfortable with maybe you can arrange to car camp together.

Trail: Nantahala Yellow Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 12.1 miles
Type: Out and back
Pacing: 2.5-3.0 MPH
Elevation gain: 2946 elevation gain
Estimated Time: This is an overnight trip; we may get to our destination early so bring a journal, book, and some light busy items to keep you entertained or card games to play
Meet up time: 8:00am
Hike start time: 8:15am
**Meet at Trailhead use link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/nantahala-yellow-mountain-trail**

“By RSVP’ing to this event, you are agreeing to the following:

TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY
I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against P.S. Hikers, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity.
I also understand that organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety.
I understand that photos and videos may be taken during this event. By RSVP’ing and participating, I grant P.S. Hikers permission to use any photographs, video recordings, or other media that include my likeness, voice, or image for promotional, marketing, social media, website, and other business-related purposes without compensation or further approval.
Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above, including acknowledgment of the Photography & Media Release.