Your Complete Guide to Hiking Yonah Mountain: the Trail and What to Expect
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 summit is quite steep, so be sure to pace yourself and take breaks along the way to fully enjoy the stunning scenery!
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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: What to Expect
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, especially if it has rained recently,
At around 1.85 miles into the hike, I recommend taking a quick detour to the right for some stunning views of the surrounding landscape and mountains. It’s the perfect spot to pause and soak in the scenery before continuing your trek to the summit.
The trail reaches the summit after 2.2 miles, and you’ll know you’ve made it when you come upon a large clearing. At the top, there are several small side trails that lead to different viewpoints. I recommend heading left when you first arrive for the best, unobstructed views of the North Georgia Mountains. Just be cautious and stay away from the edges—some 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.
Hiking Yonah Mountain
While the Yonah Mountain trail is one of the more challenging hikes in North Georgia, the incredible views at the top make it well worth the effort. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the hike! If you’re in the mood for something shorter but still want stunning views, check out Preacher’s Rock. Located just above Dahlonega, this trail is only 2.2 miles round trip and offers equally breathtaking scenery without the longer trek.
