Built in 1975 as barn for the private farm on the North Carolina side of Yellow Mountain Gap, the property was acquired by the US Forest Service in 1979. TEHCC converted the barn in 1986 to be the largest shelter on the Appalachian Trail with great view down into Roaring Creek Valley. Unfortunately, in 2016, the downhill side of the barn was observed to be almost two feet out of plumb. The cause was suspected due to frost heave of the support posts. In May 2019 a primary support beam for the upper floor failed. Stabilization of the building was explored but deemed unworkable, so a temporary closure notice was issued in September 2019 to allow for a NEPA review of options. In November 2023, the published decision notice selected dismantling the structure which has been completed.
The Yellow Mountain Gap campsite with its good water source and pit privy remains available to enjoy the great view. The improvement in backpacking gear over the decades now allows those on long-distance treks to have greater personal responsibility for their overnight accommodations. Leave No Trace principles are best practices for minimizing impact on the land.
Many plants imported to the US can outcompete native species and these plants are called invasive species. One invasive plant that is still being propagated in the US is the Autumn or Russian Olive. On April 28, TEHCC will be removing Autumn Olive as well as picking Garlic Mustard. Invasive species spread by a variety of methods. Garlic Mustard seeds attach themselves to clothes and animal fur, which are picked up in one place and dropped in another. Russian Olive was imported as a large shrub which can provide food and cover for birds. As birds travel the Atlantic flyway, they deposit seeds from Autumn Olive plants along the flyway corridor, which includes the Appalachian Trail.