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Hike and Climb to Yonah Mountain

Cleveland, Georgia

4.9/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

4.53 miles

Elevation Gain

1417 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Cole Christiansen

Hike to this huge rockface with great visibility and if you time it right, crazy Blueridge sunsets. Mt. Yonah aslo offers a camping and hammocking paradise.

The trail starts at "Mt. Yonah Trailhead" and is 4.4 mile round-trip with elevation of 1,500' to 3,166'. The trail stays below moderate tree coverage until around the halfway point where you will come upon a clearing known as the first LZ (landing zone). The mountain is shared with hikers by Army Rangers in training. They will occasionally conduct training and utilize these LZ's. Along with being a drop down spot for helicopters it's also a great camping spot with a view.

Next you will arrive at the main campground still under the treeline, complete with bathrooms. To get to the main summit you will continue past the campground. The trail opens up onto the mountain's massive rock face, spanning the whole western side. You can stop here or continue to the second LZ. This LZ is much larger and a perfect camping spot. If you prefer to fall asleep with a view of the sunset, though, a couple trees on the western rock face will do the trick. The mountain is fairly unaffected by light pollution and is great for astrophotography and constellation watching.

If climbing, you will take the trail to "The Lowers" from the main campsite or the lower LZ. There are lots of routes on The Lowers, but if you want to climb with a view you can repel or climb the main face.

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Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Chillin
Camping
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife

Hike and Climb to Yonah Mountain Reviews

Decent length with great views as a payoff. Has decent camping spots and mountain climbing anchors.

Yonah Mountain is a great balance of difficulty, length, & reward. The hike to the top is somewhat steep, but won't take too long, & the views at the top are really great! I appreciated how many different areas & spots to hang out there were once you make it to the top.

It's a relentless incline for this one, but worth it. There are several spots to chill at the top, so shouldn't be difficult to find yourself a little privacy/quiet to really take in the view. Great for a Fall hike, admiring all those colorful treetops from summit.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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