Summit Sunsets: Mount Yonah (+Pink Mtn) - full moon and fall color hike

This is another in the Summit Sunset Series where we will enjoy sunsets from some of the finest scenic viewpoints...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...

Ok it’s great to see so many Yonah hikes on the AOC calendar lately and just reminding me how much I miss being up there.  So going to try on short notice for Monday and hopefully enjoy some true fall temps and also some gusty winds….just makes you feel alive to be on top of a mtn in those conditions.

My absolute favorite time to be at Mount Yonah is the first week in November because that is usually when the leaves peak in that area.  This year may be a little earlier and also all this wind is going to blow the remaining leaves off the trees, so best to get up there asap before they are all gone.  I doubt it will look as good as the pic above but may get a few nice trees...we'll see.

This is a "photo hike" too, which just means we will probably take extra long breaks to take pics, but a camera is not required.  

In addition to the regular sunset hike, we are also going to add Yonah’s little sister, Pink Mtn into the mix.  There is a side trail going out there that we will take just to see the additional fall foliage.   If you’ve been on the top of Yonah before and looked at Pink Mtn, it makes it more fun to hike over there…if you haven’t, then may not be that remarkable but still some extra mileage and the trail is nice enough, etc.  

The pace will be moderate…starting out slow and then maybe 2 ½ mph after that.  There are a couple of places where faster hikers can go ahead and other places where we will keep everyone together.  But it usually works out just fine. 

We will try to time it to be at the top for the sunset and then head down after that.  Keep in mind that if it is a really good sunset with lingering colors, we may be up there up to 30 min after actual sunset time.  We usually head down right afterwards for an avg sunset but if by some chance, it is superb, we will milk every second out of it.

But if it's going to be windy, you really need to dress warm to be comfortable, esp when standing around for sunset and other breaks.  As of the current forecast, the high up there is supposed to be about 47 and then wind gusts as high as 40mph (!), so that is some considerable wind chill.  Sure can hide behind a rock if necessary but just good to be prepared with multiple layers, etc.  Here is the link to the forecast I am using:  Yonah Pointcast

Total distance for this hike is about 6.6 miles and total ascent is about 2200’.  So a D4 but if you are in solid D3 shape, you can probably handle it if you don’t mind pushing yourself just a bit.

Remember the last 30-60 minutes are in the dark, so be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight.

Sunset is at 6:47 PM. So assuming we head down by around 7, we should be back to the carpool by about 9:15pm (although longer if you stop for dinner afterwards...no official plans for that however.)

(Note that this hike is weather dependent as I would prefer at least a little sunshine on it.   Right now forecast is for Partly Cloudy but if it changes to overcast or rain, then may cancel and try again on another day.  So just be aware of that going into it if you sign up.  But if the forecast stays like this, would be tough to hold me back from getting up there even if it’s by myself)

Also note, we will alllow two dogs on this one but they must play well with others and be well behaved. Also must meet at event if you would like to bring your dog...would love to have them along though if that works for you.

will be provided at carpool and via email for those meeting at event.

 The last half mile of the drive to the trailhead is on a well maintained gravel road

If rain is forecast, this event will be rescheduled.

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