Yonah Mountain Trail

Yonah Mountain rises prominently above the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, offering one of north Georgia’s most rewarding summit experiences. The Cherokee name ‘Yonah’ means bear, and this mountain certainly provides a bear of a climb—steep switchbacks ascend nearly 1,500 feet through mature oak-hickory forest to rocky outcrops at the summit. The effort is rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, the Nacoochee Valley below, and on clear days, the distant peaks of the Appalachian Trail. The summit’s exposed granite faces draw rock climbers, so don’t be surprised to see colorful ropes adorning the cliffs. Pack plenty of water for this challenging but unforgettable hike.