Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail
Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
7 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
110 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
25
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Sharon M
Athens, GA26 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
I’m a Georgia native and always wanted to do this trail. It is well-worth the challenge and the view from the top! I am an experienced hiker, but had not been on a trip in two years due to a problem with my foot... meaning I am not currently in top condition :) It was still doable, so if you aren’t a regular hiker, plan to take your time and bring snacks. I highly recommend hiking boots because the trail is rocky. You will get better traction and prevent ankle rolls. According to Atlanta Trails, it’s a 1400 ft. climb over 2.2 miles. The trail is mostly shaded and there are really cool boulders all along the trail and through the woods. There were tons of beautiful wildflowers everywhere. Definitely apply bug spray. I did but still got a few bites (chiggers).
The turn to the trail is not marked, so use GPS to find the road. It’s about 15 minutes south of Helen going toward Cleveland. There’s a right turn onto a small side road, then another right on a gravel road. If you have a low-clearance vehicle, you will need to navigate the gravel road carefully because it is uneven.
Final note... the view at the top isn’t the only thing to appreciate. Take your time and notice the little things along the way.
The turn to the trail is not marked, so use GPS to find the road. It’s about 15 minutes south of Helen going toward Cleveland. There’s a right turn onto a small side road, then another right on a gravel road. If you have a low-clearance vehicle, you will need to navigate the gravel road carefully because it is uneven.
Final note... the view at the top isn’t the only thing to appreciate. Take your time and notice the little things along the way.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AFlife
20 contributions
Apr 2021
So this is a strenuous hike but very manageable if you take your time on the uphill part. The trail itself is beautiful and well marked. We arrived early and were able to park in the parking lot. The parking lot is on the smallish side however there is parking along the road leading to the trail. The road going to the trailhead is unpaved and has some large ruts,etc. The views are very pretty from the top and well worth a visit. I would recommend shoes with good grip due to the few sections that require climbing over rock,etc. We took our small dog ( 15lbs) with us and he only needed carried over a few places. On the way down we did pass a lot of people coming up the trail and there were a few sections that required you to wait until others passed. I would definitely arrive early.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela Hockman
7 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
I am a very hefty woman, well over 300lbs. I wanted to go hiking with my husband for our anniversary. People from our gym had just done Yonah and suggested it for us. They told me it would be hard but also know my abilities and told me I could do it. When the hike first started I did not know what I was getting myself into. I expected the trail to be similar the whole way up. Wrong! After the half way point, it gets very steep. Half way point to the army camp was the hardest part for me. We took several 1-2 minute breathers and I went very very slow. It took us 2.5 hours to get to the summit! But I did get to the summit! I was too afraid to go to the rock facing and stayed in the trees but I cant wait to try again and actually go to the edge. The journey back down was very painful on my knees. At the steep points my husband stood in front of me to hold on to him so I wouldn't fall. By the bridge at the bottom my toes were hurting very very badly from my shoes. But when I reached the parking lot I was crying tears of pure joy as my husband clapped for me. This is a very hard hike if you are overweight. But if you have the right mindset and willpower you CAN absolutely do it!
Written March 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louis H
Atlanta, GA610 contributions
Jul 2022
We used to drive up to the top of Yonah back in college in the 90's when the Army was not doing training exercises. The road to the top was very narrow somewhat dangerous. Wisely the state of Georgia closed off this road and made a hiking trailhead. The hike up says 2.2 miles but we ended up hiking about 2.6 up. I guess because we hiked around the summit and cliffside quite a bit. It's 1600 feet of elevation gain in 2.2 miles which is pretty tough. Still I think Blood Mountain is 2000+ in 1.5 miles so not quite as much elevation change. The trail doesn't switch back to much and has quite a bit of erosion making a few difficult footing sections. Still I would not call in an extremely hard hike if you take it slow. There is a really nice lookout just over halfway. The last .75 miles is probably the toughest but you are rewarded with outstanding views of Blood Mt, Brasstown Bald and most of North Central GA. There are some really dangerous ledges so be careful. The trail is heavily traveled so you don't have to worry about being isolated on weekends. There are basic bathroom facilities at the trailhead. Definitely going to get back up here again soon and hike it again.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim S
Miami, Florida, United States30 contributions
Aug 2020
You drive half way up the Mountain, park the car and your experience begins. The trails start to incline about the 3 mile mark (be ready as this is not a beginner trail ). The trail is almost 5 miles to the Waterfall at the end. Its so worth it. We were the Last ones there. Many Streams & Bridges. Give yourself a Half a Day for this as It takes hours to get up (Took us 3.5 up and 2 down )
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmy S
Orlando, FL4 contributions
Jul 2021
Okay, let me start by saying that Mt. Yonah and I had quite the interesting experience together. As a person who does not hike regularly, this hike was pretty strenuous. The 2,000 ft increase in just two miles definitely took the wind out of me, but the hike was incredible. The views were some of the best I had ever seen and I would do this hike again. With lookouts along the trail up the mountain, my friend and I were able to take sufficient breaks to make our climb easier. While this hike was a feat for us, we did see hikers climb this mountain with ease and were lapped by individuals who brought little water and snacks. It seems to be a hot spot for local, seasoned hikers.
However, we did have one problem on this hike that occurred on the way down. We missed the small trailhead after the army camp and ended up walking a mile and half down the mountain in the wrong direction. This was awful for us because we could barely make it up in the first place and after trying (and failing) to make our way back to the trailhead, we ended up hitchhiking back to the trailhead with a local vacation rental worker. So, my only advice to travelers hiking this mountain would be to pay special attention to the trail markers on your sojourn back from the mountain’s peak.
Scary hitchhiking aside, the view from the top of the mountain was worth the hours we spent hiking under the hot sun. The views of the valley below were amazing and we loved being able to view miles and miles of land.
In summation, do this hike but be diligent, pay attention to directions, and bring plenty of snacks and water to keep you fueled throughout your hike.
However, we did have one problem on this hike that occurred on the way down. We missed the small trailhead after the army camp and ended up walking a mile and half down the mountain in the wrong direction. This was awful for us because we could barely make it up in the first place and after trying (and failing) to make our way back to the trailhead, we ended up hitchhiking back to the trailhead with a local vacation rental worker. So, my only advice to travelers hiking this mountain would be to pay special attention to the trail markers on your sojourn back from the mountain’s peak.
Scary hitchhiking aside, the view from the top of the mountain was worth the hours we spent hiking under the hot sun. The views of the valley below were amazing and we loved being able to view miles and miles of land.
In summation, do this hike but be diligent, pay attention to directions, and bring plenty of snacks and water to keep you fueled throughout your hike.
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Autumn B
Oconee, GA3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
It was a very strenuous hike, very steep. But my whole fam still loved it! Walk, yes! But to run is a huge no, the mountain was super steep and I wouldn’t want to roll an ankle. Still a fun trip though!!!!
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca L
Atlanta, GA1,414 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
This is about a 4.5 mile hike to the top of Yonah Mountain. The path is clear but has roots and some rocks. At the halfway point up the mountain, there is a grassy clearing for your first good view. After that, the path gets much steeper. At the top, there are many outcrops you can sit and enjoy views. It was a little hard finding the trailhead, but the parking lot is on a short gravel road off Chambers road. No fee to park and pit toilets. I would say this hike is moderate to strenuous, but very doable. Take lots of water.
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tampatripper6
Northdale, FL44 contributions
Jul 2020
Tough hike, but we didn’t bring water and were fine. Only just over 2 miles to the top but very steep! 1,400 ft in elevation gain. My kids (8 & 11) loved the challenge! Might bring water next time, but it was also nice not to carry anything. Cool Native American history (and army ranger training) to this mountain of you google it.
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgiadaybreak82
USA27 contributions
Nov 2011
I actually went 2 times in the same week. The first time I went with a group of adults and had a blast. Several adults actually struggled with the 2.5 mile hike up the mountain. Some sections of the trail are very steep and narrow. You do have to climb a few boulders that block the trail, so be sure you have shoes with traction. It took us 1.5 hours to hike it as a group at a consistent pace and a few brief rest stops. Take at least 30 oz of water per person. It should last the entire hike up and down. Possibly more water needed for summer hikes.
I enjoyed it so much I returned the very next day with family in tow including two toddlers. We all hiked it and took a few more frequent breaks. Take a quality lite lunch or snack to eat at the top, as the view is worth it and spectactcular!! Be watchful of small children, as the cliff is right there with no guard rails and drop off is sheer and the wind can make you unstable, so don't be a risk-taker with your photos near the ledge!
This moutain is also a training site for the Army rangers, and there is a number to call to check their training schedule. On our second trip, an Army helicopter training flight actually flew in low to the mountain top while we wer on top, which was pretty cool. The kids loved it. It was loud and a bit eerie, but overall pretty cool. The chopper kept circling the mt. top and coming in close with maneuvering patterns....very entertaining.
The hike down is shorter time wise, but be wary of how steep the trail can be going down hill. Dress in layers so you can peel down while hiking (and your body heats up) but can put your jacket back on once at the top where it is breezy and cool (as you bask in the magnificent view and open air).
A great day trip! Head to Helen for lunch and make this a wonderful mini-vaction...comletely affordable as the trail hike is free. Keep in mind very primitive bathroom facility....no light and don't count on toilet paper. There is also a facility near the top, but very dark inside.
Yonah Mountain is also called Yonah Bald and is located in the Chattoochee National Forest. There is no website dedicated to just this hiking trail, but check online for pictures of the mountain and the area.
I enjoyed it so much I returned the very next day with family in tow including two toddlers. We all hiked it and took a few more frequent breaks. Take a quality lite lunch or snack to eat at the top, as the view is worth it and spectactcular!! Be watchful of small children, as the cliff is right there with no guard rails and drop off is sheer and the wind can make you unstable, so don't be a risk-taker with your photos near the ledge!
This moutain is also a training site for the Army rangers, and there is a number to call to check their training schedule. On our second trip, an Army helicopter training flight actually flew in low to the mountain top while we wer on top, which was pretty cool. The kids loved it. It was loud and a bit eerie, but overall pretty cool. The chopper kept circling the mt. top and coming in close with maneuvering patterns....very entertaining.
The hike down is shorter time wise, but be wary of how steep the trail can be going down hill. Dress in layers so you can peel down while hiking (and your body heats up) but can put your jacket back on once at the top where it is breezy and cool (as you bask in the magnificent view and open air).
A great day trip! Head to Helen for lunch and make this a wonderful mini-vaction...comletely affordable as the trail hike is free. Keep in mind very primitive bathroom facility....no light and don't count on toilet paper. There is also a facility near the top, but very dark inside.
Yonah Mountain is also called Yonah Bald and is located in the Chattoochee National Forest. There is no website dedicated to just this hiking trail, but check online for pictures of the mountain and the area.
Written November 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
Estero, FL
Has anyone done this hike with a 3 year old? It looks beautiful but I don't know how far we would make it.
Sharon M
Athens, GA26 contributions
Definitely would not recommend it. When my daughter was that age, I wouldn’t take her on a trail longer than a mile or two and mostly level. Even then I’d end up carrying her by the end. This trail is steep and uneven. Difficult for the child and difficult for you if you have to carry him or her.
sassygigi
Ponce Inlet, FL63 contributions
How do you get over there from the main road? Last time I was up that way I can see you on a mountain but I couldn't figure out how to get there
mplegal
Orlando, FL327 contributions
There is a paved loop that runs off the main road that will get you there. I forgot the name but GPS took us right there.
So I can park my car in the gravel parking lot overnight and go camping?
Sharon M
Athens, GA26 contributions
I would think so since this is National Forest land. I would double-check with the nearest office, which is probably the one that is on 441 N past Talullah Gorge. Google National Forest Service regional offices.
Kate S
Wilmington, NC11 contributions
Are there any ticks on the trail in the summer time that can get on me or my dog?
Of course not, there are people stationed periodically along the 4.4 mile trail, their only job is to find the ticks and remove them for the safety of all guests.
goodwink9
Atlanta, GA
Is there a specified hours of operation for the trail/parking lot?
KaylaSmith
Cleveland, GA41 contributions
No there's not you can go anytime of the day or night
austintullis
Athens, GA
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Autumn B
Oconee, GA3 contributions
Of course dogs can go! I brought my dogs and they ran the trails like they were nothing.
How many people have died on mt yohna
SPG-DL-Traveler
Atlanta, GA78 contributions
Several people have slipped and fallen off of the rocky peak and ledges. So as long as you are careful where you step, you'll be just fine. There's a few important things you need to keep in mind. 1- Wear good study hiking boots or trail shoes, NO FLIP FLOPS!! 2- Make sure that you leave yourself plenty of time to get up and down the mountain, it WILL take you at least 4 hours from base camp to the peak. 3- Take plenty of water with you, there are no places to get water on the trail. 4- Take your time when climbing over the boulder fields and up the steeper sections. 5- Watch where you place your feet, as there are exposed roots and loose rocks everywhere on the trail. 6- Let someone know that you are going to be hiking the trail and what time you plan to be back home. Cell service is spotty and if you get caught on the mountain once the sun goes down, you had best have a flashlight, either that or plan on spending the night on Yonah.
Carson Tufts
Provo, UT
Is it legal to camp out at the top of the mountain? I know that there is a clearing at the top, but with the Army there are we allowed to stay the night?
daytripper0852
Melbourne, FL161 contributions
I believe you can camp at the top and at the first landing as long as the Army rangers are not practicing the mountaineering.
Caa ahead to make sure.
Mhowens
Dothan, AL74 contributions
Are there any creeks or streams?
Brent F
Cleveland, GA55 contributions
Mt Yonah is a solitary peak, so no creeks (unless it is raining). Bring fluids with you! Oh, you might want to confirm this before doing it, but much of what comprises the mount Yonah trail was created from private lands so you might just be able to bring your favorite bottle of beer or wine with you. I've taken one and she's up there for my lovely lady before and the view while we had our picnic was quite spectacular. Please be sure to bring all the trash out that you carry in. We always try to leave with more trash than we bring - an effort to make your next visit more pleasant.
Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail (Helen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail
- We recommend booking Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail:
- (4.27 mi) Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant
- (9.53 mi) The Sautee Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (9.76 mi) Lucille's Mountain Top Inn & Spa
- (8.52 mi) The Stovall House Inn & Events
- (5.53 mi) Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant
- Restaurants near Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail:
- (4.26 mi) Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant
- (9.51 mi) Bernie's Nacoochee Valley Guest House
- (9.40 mi) Old Sautee Market
- (7.01 mi) Mama Dar's Pizza
- (5.51 mi) Lake Rabun Hotel & Restaurant
- Attractions near Yonah Mountain Hiking Trail:
- (2.46 mi) Minnehaha Falls
- (5.42 mi) Sunburst Adventures
- (9.46 mi) VIP Southern Tours
- (7.07 mi) Tallulah Gorge State Park
- (3.86 mi) Mark of the Potter