Fall Hike Up Mount Yonah w/ Optional Shadow of the Bear Viewing

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 intermediate hikers. This means we will average 1.5-2 mph on the ascent. The trail has 3 segments and we will regroup at clearly identifiable points, but remain a single unit for the third segment. Please have physical fitness confidence to hike 7 miles on rolling terrain. (eg Atlanta Urban Hiking Trails)

The hike will begin at the public trailhead off of Chambers Rd. in Cleveland, Ga.   There is Free Parking at the Trailhead.

The hike is comprised of 3 segments. The first segment is a pleasant 1.2 miles 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 includes a short walk to the second sweet overlook at “The Boulders” (A side trail off the US Army training camp area.)

After this break we will complete this segment with the summit only .6 miles away. Before reaching the grassy field on the top, we still stop at a number of spots to take in the vistas. The highlight will be the stone outcropping where 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 to say we made it and then make our way back to the trail head.

For the Optional Shadow of the Bear viewing see Notes.

283 Chambers Rd., Cleveland, Ga 30528                           N34.38.243 W83.43.507

Take Ga 400 North through the Dawsonville Outlet Mall area. Near Dahlonega (Home Depot on 10 o'clock corner) continue straight on Ga 115 (Long Branch Rd). Go about 5 miles and Turn Right on Ga 115/Ga 52 toward Cleveland. Go about 11 miles and as you enter Cleveland and pass the Nix Elementary School, turn Left on Wilford Ash Pkwy. Go to the next Stop Light and you'll see the Ingle's at the Intersection. We will stop at the Ingle's for a bio break.

If you are driving yourself, please meet at the Ingle's at 10am.

After the break follow GA 75 North (left out of Ingle's) toward Helen and after approx 2.15 miles, turn Right on Tom Bell Rd. Follow Tom Bell to the Third Right onto Chambers Rd. After going around a mtn lake, there is a dirt road with a Mt Yonah Trailhead US Forestry Sign on the Right.

OPTIONAL HIKE EXCURSION to see the Shadow of the Bear at Sunset between Highlands and Cashiers, NC.     What's the Shadow of the Bear?   Bi-annually, in Feb and Oct, the tilt of the earth aligns the setting sun with the mountains to cast a shadow of a bear in the valley below.   So IF, and the operative word is IF, we complete our hike with ample time, AND the skies are clear, then whomever would like to may join the Trip Leaders in a ride up to Highlands (approx 1.5hrs from Yonah) to catch this phenomena.   We will likely take in a small hike or waterfall on our way to the Bear Viewing Area.   

IF you wish to extend your day, then please be prepared to drive yourself or be certain to coordinate your carpool arrangements to have unity within each vehicle.    Any additional gas money can be calculated by doubling the original expense.    If some are meeting at the original event and want to carpool from Yonah, then we'll arrange that after the hike.   And IF you plan to go, then please email or text Gayle so we will know how many to expect.