Mount Yonah is a picturesque mountain located in White County, Georgia. The mountain is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and stands at an elevation of approximately 3,166 feet (965 meters) above sea level.
After asking a local for their recommendations for hikes and places in the area we should visit, Mount Yonah was high on his list. Now that we have hiked the 4.4-mile round trip to the summit and back, we totally agree with him.
The Yonah Mountain Trail is the most popular hike on the mountain. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. The summit provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains, including the nearby towns of Cleveland and Helen.
Nature’s Playground
Mount Yonah is more than just a hiking destination. It also offers opportunities for rock climbing, rappelling, and camping. Experienced climbers can test their skills on the rugged cliffs that grace the mountain’s face, while campers can spend time enjoying the tranquility of the Georgia forest.
For us, it was about climbing to the top and spending time marveling at the valley below us. Arriving about noontime, the rocky ledges were the perfect place to relax and eat a lunch. We also found it to be a perfect place for a nap!
Mount Yonah Trailhead Parking
Starting at Cleveland, Georgia, follow Helen Highway (GA-75 Alt) out of town for about 3-miles. Then, turn right onto Tom Bell Road. In about .25 mile, turn left onto Chambers Road to the trailhead sign. Turn left onto gravel road to the parking lot.
The parking area at the trailhead can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s a good idea to start early or late in the afternoon. When we were there, we noticed hikers arriving a couple hours before dusk so they could hike up to get a prime spot on the rock and watch the sunset.
After our hike, we decided to stay in the parking lot and spend the night there. Some hikers tent camp on the mountain so having cars parked overnight in this lot is not uncommon. For us, the parking lot was quiet and a good place to sleep.
Summary
We enoyed our time at Mount Yonah and recommend adding it to your list of places to visit if you are in the area. The trailhead is accessible for any type of vehicle. The trail to the top has some steep sections but is generally a moderate hike. While there, we encountered hikers of all skill levels and families with young children making their way up the incline.
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