Yonah Mountain w/ lunch & Octoberfest in Helen - Sun, Oct 30 2016

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Yonah Mountain w/ lunch & Octoberfest in Helen


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cleveland, Ga
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Oct 30 2016  8:00 am >> Sun, Oct 30 2016 6:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Sep 23 2016 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Oct 29 2016 2:00 pm
Event Duration:10 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Stacey Johnson
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 14 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

 

Come join us for a hike up Mount Yonah and then lunch and Octoberfest festivities in Helen!

We'll begin by hiking at a moderate pace up the main Mount Yonah trail (approx. 1500 ft elevation gain in around 2.5 miles). The trail treks through a grove of gnarly- branched mountain laurel, immediately beginning its summit-bound climb, crossing a small bridge over a stream at .3 mile. Arcing southbound, the trail begins the first of several switchbacks at .5 mile, passing a small campsite with a distinctively split rock face at .6 mile. The trail continues its  skyward climb, climbing two sets of stone stairs at .8 mile. Fallen boulders block the trail at 1 mile, requiring a short scramble. The gravel road reaches a small US Army training camp at 1.6 miles. From the camp, multiple trails split in multiple directions but we will take the easiest route to the summit and hike  following the gravel road, the widest of the trails. The hike pauses for a can’t-miss view at 1.85 miles, accessed by a short veer to the right on a side trail.

Continuing on the gravel road, the hike veers left again at 2 miles, nearing the summit. The trail crests the Yonah Mountain summit at 2.2 miles, a wide-open, grassy knob that’s dotted with stone campsite fire rings. The summit’s rounded peak stands at 3166 feet, a 1400-foot climb from the trailhead far below.

We may veer off the path at certain points to enjoy some of the panoramic views, take photos, etc. 

Although the total distance of this hike is around 5 - 6 miles, it does involve some steeps sections and rocky terrain, and should prove to be moderately strenuous. So we should get a good workout on the way up, along with hopefully some great views if the weather cooperates.

This is not a Beginner hike due to elevation gain and rugged terrain.

Hiking poles or a hiking stick are highly recommended for the steep and rocky sections.

There are restrooms (pit toilets) at the trailhead and also conveniently located 2/3 up the main trail.

After our hike we will drive to Helen and have lunch and enjoy some of the Octoberfest activities. 


Required Items to Bring:

2 liters of water

Good hiking boots/shoes

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles/Stick are highly recommended.

Rain jacket

Jacket / light sweater for cooler weather (layers)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:


Directions to Trailhead:

  • From downtown Cleveland, GA, go north on 11/129 about .2 miles and take a right on SR-75 (Unicoi St/Helen Hwy).
  • Proceed 2.2 miles and take a right onto Tom Bell Road.
  • Proceed .9 miles and take a right on Chambers Road.
  • You will see the sign for the trailhead less than a mile down on the right.
  • Proceed .4 miles down this gravel road to the parking area.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):120Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $48.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:


Are dogs allowed? No
This event will be cancelled/postponed if there is a high threat of rain or heavy rains occur on Friday evening. The trail to the top and the rock face will be come slippery when wet.


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

Due to the steep nature of this trail this event will be cancelled in the event of rain.