Mountain Farm Museum — Attraction in Yellowhill Community

When we arrived at the open field before farm, we encountered 5 Elk, 4 Cows and 1 Baby...I then heard the Bull Elk buggle from behind the hard woods , we went to Farm and it was then we could hear the Bull Elk buggle again and it was close...we used the restrooms and followed the sound of the Bull...he was across the river that runs along the farm in preRutt...because full Rutt for the elk runs from Sept thru October each yr...we got there abt 2:30pm...it was cloudy...the elk don't like the full sun, they will stay in Hardwood trees to be in the shade...they frequently go into the river in the heat of the day as well... You can see the elk best early a.m. and late p.m. daily, there are 2 large bull elk at the farm...one older and one younger that is the more majestic one...older bull had 9 in his hiram and the younger Bull had 25 in his herd...so we will make a whole weekend to come up to see the full Rutt in play!!! So exciting to see ...in Sept and October you can not be out in the fields from your vehicle as the Bull Elk will look at that as a challenge and may charge you...so for your safety stay in your vehicle and be ready for ANYTHING!!! Welcome Farm Homestead has a gift shop, vending machines and restrooms available to walk, & some outside benches to sit on...you can also walk the farm, just be on the lookout, the elk walk in and around the farm...Maggie Valley have some elk as well...and Cataloochee Valley is the largest herds of elk in NC...you have to go all the way into the valley to witness and see them...May your Visit here be just as exciting as...

Since it was a beautiful, fresh, but sunny January day, this was a quick and pleasant outdoor activity. ( I have been there before--- the summer--- and it can be very busy.) On this visit, one if the Rangers showed us how they were using traditional techniques to split wood, take the bark off, let them air dry, and prepare them for fencing around the main house. He took the time to pleasantly and patiently answer our questions. There are many interesting out buildings with signage and explanations. Because it is outside, it is such a perfect place to take children. They can wander around, touch things, and learn about our history. The adults can follow suit or readily find benches tucked among the trees and next to the paths and river. The setting is open, inviting, and peaceful. There are clean restrooms next to the welcome center and parking lot. There is also a small museum and nice gift shop inside the welcome center. They have a good variety of gifts/ souvenirs. I especially like their selection of books about local history, hiking, herbal medicines, flora/ fauna, cookbooks, local arts and crafts, and on. If you or your children participate in the amazing National Parks Junior Ranger Program, they have a good selection of materials. The Rangers were all very cheerful, helpful, and welcoming. This is an excellent stop for people of all ages. It is free but , if you would like, you can certainly donate...

A "must see" to get a grasp of our ancestors' hardships and lives, yet . . . oddly familiar, me being raised in Georgia and seeing such things still in use in the 70's and late 80's. (My wife grew up on a farm; her father smoked & slaughtered & raised livestock; grew their food - the harnesses & old plows had not changed, even in 1986, the year I met her.)

The farm was, and still is, authentically done. Pay close attention to ironwork and fasteners, such as nails and hinges! Repurposing was, and still is (at least with me!) a very real thing, and good for money savings, and these old country farmer's weren't any slouches when it came down to squeezing the last use out of anything that could be used.

We had visited in the fall; found this place so beautiful we had to come back for a spring flower visit. Delightful, and very, very informative. A walk back a hundred years or so for many; not so much for the folks who still live this type of lifestyle. (Read the "Foxfire" series for some real deep down insights into the lives, hardships, unique solutions, and some truly tall & sometimes stretched tales!)

Great for families with young children, plenty of teaching opportunities, friendly staff, informative data, brochures, et cetra - takes about 2 hours on the run, 4 if you dig it, or more if you care to spend it...