Mount Yonah Trail is a Popular Hike

Mount Yonah is one of North Georgia’s most rewarding summit hikes — a steep, rocky climb that opens up to sweeping views across the Blue Ridge Mountains. We hiked the Mount Yonah Trail in May, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Cool mornings, low humidity, and clear skies made the granite overlooks feel even bigger and brighter.

The trail wastes no time gaining elevation, but every switchback brings new scenery: shady stretches of hardwood forest, rugged cliffs used for Army Ranger training, and wide, open slabs of exposed rock near the top. Whether you call it Mount Yonah or Mt Yonah, this short but powerful hike delivers a classic Georgia mountain experience that feels much bigger than its mileage.

If you’re looking for a half-day adventure near Helen or Cleveland with big payoffs, the Mount Yonah Trail is absolutely worth adding to your list.

Hiking the Mount Yonah Trail

The Mount Yonah Trail wastes no time gaining elevation. From the moment you leave the gravel parking lot, the trail begins climbing steadily through hardwood forest, switch backing up the lower slopes of the mountain. The footing is firm, but the grade is consistent enough to get your legs warmed up fast.

Lower Forest Section — Steady Climb & Good Warm-up

For the first mile, the Mount Yonah Trail climbs gradually on a packed-dirt path bordered by rhododendron and mountain laurel. You’ll pass a few wide areas used for Army Ranger training access — these are normal features on Mt Yonah and part of what makes the area unique.

The forest stays thick until the trail curves right and begins to rise more sharply, narrowing and becoming rockier as you gain elevation.

Mid-Mountain — Rockier Terrain & Wide-Open Slabs

Around the mid-point of the hike, the trail transitions from packed soil to a mix of roots, granite steps, and exposed rock slabs. This is where the hike starts feeling more like a true mountain climb.

Views begin opening up through the trees, and you’ll get your first hints of the cliffs that make Mt Yonah so popular with hikers and climbers.

On dry days, the granite is grippy and easy to climb. On wet days, it’s slick — take it slow if you’re hiking after rain.

Old Campsites & Ranger School Area

Just before the final climb, the trail enters an area with old tent pads and rock fire rings. This is often mistaken for a “near-summit campsite,” but it is part of the Ranger School training zone and not an official place to camp.

You can stop here for water and a breath but continue up the trail for the real payoff.

Final Push to the Summit — Big Views & Granite Ledges

The last half-mile is the steepest part of the hike, but also the most exciting. The trees thin out, the trail narrows, and you’ll climb up a few short rock scrambles before popping out onto the wide granite summit.

Take your time exploring the summit area — there are multiple ledges and overlooks in all directions.

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.

Summit Views — Where to Go

Here are the best places to explore safely:

• South Overlook: Wide, sloping granite with sweeping views
• East Ledge: Popular photo spot with dramatic drop-offs
• North Cliff Line: Rugged and less crowded
• Windy West Edge: Best place for sunset light

If you’re hiking with kids or dogs, stay well back from the edge. The drop-offs are real.

The Descent — Easy, But Harder on Knees

Absolutely. For a half-day hike with a summit-style payoff, Mount Yonah delivers every time. The combination of forest, granite, and big sky views makes this one of the most memorable climbs in North Georgia, especially if you time it with the cool mornings of late spring.

Mount Yonah Trailhead & Parking Guide

Reaching the trailhead for the Mount Yonah Trail is simple, but parking can fill quickly on weekends and during peak seasons. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

The access road is a short gravel forest road — well-maintained and easy for most vehicles, including vans.

🅿️ Parking Info

The parking area is a large gravel lot with room for dozens of vehicles, but it fills up fast on sunny Saturdays. If you’re hiking Mt Yonah in spring or fall, arriving early is your best move.

Parking details:

If the main lot is full, you may have to wait for hikers to come down — roadside parking is not allowed along FS Road 323.

📌 Trailhead Tips

• Arrive before 9am on weekends
• Bring plenty of water — none is available at the parking lot
• Expect heavier crowds during army training cycles
• Midweek hikes are quietest
• The area can get muddy after heavy rain

Where to Camp in the Area

If you’re traveling in a van or RV, Cleveland and the surrounding area offer several excellent Harvest Hosts locations. We’re big fans of using Harvest Hosts on road trips because it turns an ordinary overnight stop into something memorable. Think quiet farm stays, vineyards, and small local businesses that welcome travelers with open space and plenty of charm. The Cleveland area has multiple Host options within a short drive of Mount Yonah, making it easy to enjoy the hike, grab dinner in town, and settle into a peaceful spot for the night. It’s one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to camp legally, support local owners, and wake up ready for your next adventure in north Georgia.

Get Your Harvest Hosts Membership (Use Code: VANLIFE20) →

Best Time to Hike Mount Yonah

• Free parking (no permits needed)
• Well-marked kiosk with trail info and maps
• No restrooms or water at the trailhead
• Space for vans and mid-sized RVs, but not recommended for long rigs
• Cell service can be spotty depending on carrier

Mount Yonah is a year-round hike, but some seasons offer a much better experience than others. Weather, visibility, and trail conditions can change dramatically depending on the month.

Here’s what to expect; including why March through May is such a great time for your hike.

🌸 Spring (March–May) — The Best All-Around Season

Spring is easily one of the best times to hike the Mount Yonah Trail. Temperatures are mild, the forest is bright and green, and humidity is still low.

We hiked Mount Yonah in May, and it was pretty much perfect:

• cool morning temps
• dry trail conditions
• long, clear views from the summit
• just enough breeze on the granite slabs

If you can time it for a weekday in April or May, you’ll hit the sweet spot.

🍁 Fall (September–November) — Cool Weather & Great Views

Fall is another top season for Mt Yonah. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves make the trail especially scenic.

Expect:

• crisp air
• colorful foliage
• more crowds (especially October weekends

If you can go midweek, fall feels incredible on this mountain.

❓ Mount Yonah FAQ

How tall is Mount Yonah?

Mount Yonah rises to 3,166 feet (965 meters) above sea level. This makes it one of the most prominent standalone peaks in northeast Georgia.

How high is the Mount Yonah overlook?

The main summit overlook sits just below the true summit and offers sweeping views across the Blue Ridge foothills. Both areas are around 3,100–3,166 feet.

Where is Mount Yonah located?

Mount Yonah sits between the towns of Cleveland and Helen, Georgia, inside the Chattahoochee National Forest. The trailhead is accessed via FS Road 323 off Route 75.

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