4/13/2010 The Yonah Mountain Trail – GA

HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Phil Brownrigg, Greta Driggers, Jim Driggers, Pam Euliss, Jack Jacobi, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Vic Robson, David Whitaker and Geri Whitaker.

TRAIL INFORMATION – The Yonah Mountain Trail is a scenic walk up one of the more prominent mountains in Northeast Georgia. This mountain has some tremendous rock faces that offer magnificent views as well as rapelling opportunites for enthusiasts. The Army Rangers also use this mountain for training on a regular basis. The main trail leads up to the summit and a large grassy field. Continuing over the summit, the trail leads down to the rock cliffs that offer the great views. Side trails lead out to various rock outcroppings. The trail and side trails combined are an estimated 5.5 miles.

We rate the difficulty of the hike moderately strenuous due to elevation change. .

Directions: To reach the trailhead, take Hwy 75 north from Cleveland, GA towards Helen. Turn right on Tom Bell Rd at the West Family Restaurant. Then take an immediate left on Chambers Rd. looking for the second gravel road on your left. You will see the parking lot with kiosk and restrooms.

Another great day for a hike! Sunny and mild with temperatures ranging from the upper 50’s to upper 70’s F. Hiking distance – 5.5 miles.

FLOWERS IN BLOOM: Purple Toad Shade Trillium, Yellow Toad Shade Trillium, Pussy Toes, Purple Violet, Sweet Shrub, Eastern Bluestar, Columbine, Foam Flower, Cinquefoil, Wild Strawberry, Blueberry, Rue Anemone, Toothwort, Buttercups, Star Chickweed, Saxifrage, Golden Ragwort, Perfoliate Bellwort, Bluet and Dogwood.

BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Carolina Wren, Black Capped Chickadee, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow Warbler, Nuthatch, Crow, Blue Jay, Red Shouldered Hawk, Yellow Throated Vireo, Tufted Titmouse, Oven Bird, Black Throated Green Warbler, Red Eyed Vireo, Chipping Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Mocking Bird, Scarlet Tananger, Broad Winged Hawk.