Summit Sunset Series #1 - Mount Yonah - Sat, Aug 15 2009

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Summit Sunset Series #1 - Mount Yonah


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Cleveland, GA
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Aug 15 2009  6:00 pm >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 4:00 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Aug 13 2009 9:15 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 14 2009 10:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
cliff j
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 11 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

This is the first in the Summit Sunset Series where we will enjoy sunsets from some of the finest scenic viewpoints in GA...all on or near mountain peaks.  If you've never had this experience, you don't know what you're missing, so time to find out...

The Mount Yonah trail is one of the best hikes in GA, with superb views of Blood Mtn, Cowrock Mtn, Brasstown Bald, Tray Mtn, etc.   It's also just a unique hike with a lot of variety.....you have the woodsy portions and then the boulder strewn section and then the exposed rocky areas near the top.   We are going avoid some of the summer heat and get started in the early evening....and hopefully view a beautiful sunset from the near the summit.

We'll begin by hiking up the main trail...as we near the top, we will veer off onto some side trails and hike along the side of the exposed rock face. If the rock is too wet, there is a regular dirt trail that runs parallel to the edge. That option is there for anyone who is afraid of heights as well.

We will also check out "the Boulder" and maybe the climbing wall if we have time. Then we will head down as darkness envelops the mountain.  This trail is not difficult to follow and the trip leaders have hiked down it at night many times before. But be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight. 

This hike would ordinarily be rated as a D4, but we are making it a D3 due to the pace, which will be very moderate. If you want to get a good workout, there are a couple of sections where you can hike ahead and wait at a trail junction for the rest of us, but for the most part we are keeping the group close together on this one and make it more of a social hike...still with 1500 feet of ascent you can't help but get your heart rate up a bit, despite the relaxed pace.

Total distance should be about 5 miles.  It does involve some rocky terrain, so you should have some decent leg strength.

We are going to watch the sunset then probably hang out for about 30-40 min afterwards to enjoy the fading light, etc.   So we aren't expecting to get back to the carpool location until around 11 pm.

PLEASE NOTE:.

  • There are restrooms (pit toilets) at the trailhead and also conveniently located 2/3 up the main trail.
  • The last half mile of our drive to the trailhead is on a gravel road.

    • Required Items to Bring:
  • headlamp/flashlight
  • water
  • trail snacks/lunch
  • hiking boots or trail shoes
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • trekking poles / hiking stick
  • camera

    • 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.

    Directions will also be given at carpool.


    View Larger Map
    • Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):126Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 4:00 pm
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $50.40 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:
    * We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


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