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Yonah Mountain trail offers some incredible views of the North Ga Mountains. Located in Cleveland GA, this trail is only about an hour and a half outside of Atlanta. The 2 mile hike to the top is a steep one, so plan on taking a few breaks.
Getting to the Yonah Mountain Trailhead
Like most hikes I recommend putting ‘Yonah Mountain Trailhead’ in your GPS and not just ‘Yonah Mountain’. People have reported being taken to the wrong area when they don’t include trailhead.
Off the main road, you’ll follow a short but bumpy gravel road to a large parking area. We visited in early January and was surprised to see the parking lot 90% full. If visiting in the summer months, I’d definitely recommend arriving earlier in the day to secure a parking spot.
The trail begins right off the parking lot, there are two trails but they quickly become one so you can choose either. The climb to the top is a little over 2 miles, so I recommend pacing yourself accordingly. The ascend begins pretty quickly, only letting up a few times.
About half-way to the top you’ll reach an opening with a glimpse of the beautiful views to come, if needed this makes a perfect spot to rest before continuing on. After this the incline increases and the trail can be pretty muddy, especially if it rained recently.
At 1.5 miles you’ll come to a gravel intersection, continue right to stay on the trail. Soon a military training area comes into view, another popular area for taking a break. After this, the trail gets pretty steep and can become slippery.
At 1.85 miles, I recommend veering to the right for some breathtaking views of the landscape and mountains before continuing on to the submit.
The trail reaches the top after 2.2 miles. You’ll know you made it when you see a big clearing. There are small side trails along the top to enjoy the views. I recommend heading left when you first reach the top for unobstructed views of the North GA Mountains.
Be sure to stay away from the edge, the drop offs can be sudden!
What to Bring
Water- the climb up is relentless so be sure to bring at least 1-2 liters of water to stay hydrated.
Hiking Poles- on the way up, it helps distribute your weight, on the way down, hiking poles provide stability and reduces the impact on your knees.
Hiking Boots– they are going to make the climb up much easier, prevent you from slipping on the mud, and protect your ankles on the rocky terrain.
While Yonah Mountain trail is one of the harder hikes in North Georgia, the views make it worth it. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks so your energy stays high for the trip!
If you’re looking for a shorter hike but still with amazing views, check out Preacher’s Rock. It’s located above Dahlongea and is only 2.2 miles long.
One response to “Hiking Yonah Mountain- Challenging but Beautiful”
[…] you’re in the mood for a longer hike, checkout Yonah Mountain in Cleveland. Its around 4.5 miles round trip and offers stunning views of the North GA […]