Mt. Yonah Beginners Hike

Mother Nature has sent Autumn our way which marks the beginning of Hiking Season! With temperatures forecasted in the high 70's and Sunny skies, I say let's take a hike!

Mt. Yonah, Cherokee for “Bear,” is an iconic landmark in the NE Georgia Mountains. This very popular hike includes a little above moderate effort in ascending approx 1,400 vertical feet over a 2.2 mile trail to the 3,106ft summit. Total distance: 4.4 Miles.

This hike is designed for beginner to intermediate hikers. The climb and distance make it a D3, but it we will take our time on the climb to make sure no one gets over exerted or gets dropped. Please understand this intention before signing up or expecting a brisk climb up the mountain. Yonah can be climbed by almost any level hiker as long as the pace is managed. Note: You must be confident in hiking 5 miles on a hilly trail to have the fitness level to participate in this hike.

The hike will begin at the public trailhead off of Chambers Rd. in Cleveland, Ga.

The hike is comprised of 4 segments. The first segment is a pleasant 1.2miles which covers an open wooded area, and ends at the first rewarding overlook. Segment 2 is the most strenuous taking us on a fairly eroded section of the trail with the most extreme elevation change. The good news is that this section is only .35 miles, although it will feel further than this. The third segment is a short walk to the second sweet overlook at “The Boulders” which is a side trail off the US Army training camp area. The final Segment 4 takes us to the summit only .6 miles. Before reaching the grassy field on the top, we will stop at a number spots to take in the vistas. The highlight will be the stone outcropping which many hikers have posed for pics which make them appear fearless as they sit on the protruding rock formation. After walking along the western and southern rims we will summit.  Then we will make our way back to the trail head.

283 Chambers Rd., Cleveland, Ga 30528             

GPS 34.637383, -83.725117

Directions From Carpool:

Take I-85 North, then I-985 North.   I-985 seemlessly becomes Ga 365 after Gainesville.  Follow Ga 365 and take Exit 24 onto US 129N.   Left off of exit...follow US 129N signs to Cleveland. Go thru the Square on Turn Right on Ga 75 at the Ingle's/Huddle House Intersection. Follow GA 75 toward Helen and after approx 2.15 miles, Turn R on Tom Bell Rd. Follow Tom Bell to the Third Right onto Chambers Rd. There is a dirt road with a Mt Yonah Trailhead US Forestry Sign on the Right. IF you get back to Tom Bell, turn around and you'll see the sign better from this direction.

Please make sure you are fine with a leisurely hike.   We will stay together in a group and leave no one behind.   If you have never climbed Yonah because you thought you couldn't, this is the hike for you.

We will stop at Ingle's in Cleveland for lunch and a bio break.   You can grab a bite at the deli, or bring your own lunch...there's a table/chair area in the store.  

OPTIONAL:   It is Octoberfest in Helen.   IF anyone would like to stay late or overnight, then I have a cabin on Yonah.   This will be nothing formal..you don't even have to go to Helen...you can watch football.   If you  are interested, then text me at 770-778-9477...availabillity is first come, first served.  Please don't make you're staying over be a surprise at the trailhead.   Furthermore, if you stay up, then arrange your own transportation and meet at the event (or at the Cleveland Ingle's at 12:30). 

Let me be CLEAR....this Option is NOT an AOC function, just a private invite from a friend.