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Yellowhammer Gap Trail is highly recommended for
novices or experienced hikers who are in good condition. It would be a
challenge for smaller children. With a group at a casual pace, allow 2-3
hours from the parking area at Cheoah Dam if you take the north (lower) to
south (higher) route. If you select the south (higher) to north
(lower) route you should allow 1-2 hours to reach Yellowhammer Gap Trail.
Yellowhammer Gap Trail usually has sign markers at its
junctions with other trails. The trail is well used, particularly in the
summer months. At the junction of Nichols Cove trail and Yellowhammer
there is the Dotson grave site. A head stone reads: The Dotson'
lived in the area of Yellowhammer Gap and took care of people's livestock
that ran on free range land. He was a minister and preached at the
church on Meadow Branch. It is believed that the family was originally
from Tennessee.
Directions:
Yellowhammer Gap Trail is located about 15 miles north of Robbinsville
on U.S. 129 North. As you travel north on U.S. 129 you will be driving
above Santeetlah Lake. Then the road turns down hill and parallels the
Cheoah River. Within a half mile of crossing the Cheoah River at the
Tapoco area, you will arrive at the south side of the Cheoah Dam. Turn
left off of the highway onto a dirt service road before crossing the dam.
This is the trailhead and their is adequate parking just after turning off
the highway.
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