5 Hiking Trails For Your Next Adventure in Cleveland GA
If we can all agree on one thing about North Georgia, it’s that prime hiking locations are not scarce. As you drive into the Blue Ridge mountains, the abundance of trails, waterfalls, and scenic views is immediately apparent. Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway, or even an extended stay, you’ll have no problem connecting with nature and tapping your adventurous side within the gateway region. Just 1.5 hours north of Atlanta, Cleveland stands out for its gorgeous scenery and great hikes. Unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life amongst waterfalls, open trails, wildlife and breathtaking vistas. As you plan your next excursion with family, friends, or even pets, let’s take a look at five must-see waterfalls and hiking trails in Cleveland, GA.
Yonah Mountain
As the centerpiece of Cleveland, GA and White County, you can’t drive too far without missing this stunning mountain. With its sheer size and distinct rock face, Yonah Mountain is a staple in the region. AllTrails ranks Yonah as the #1 hike in Georgia, and for good reason. Rising 1,453 vertical feet from the bottom, the view at the top is worth the challenging trek.
A 4.1 mile round trip is no easy feat, as twists, turns, and sometimes daunting hill-climbs await you before you reach the summit. However, the reward at the peak is spectacular, showcasing the rolling hills of the region. You can see several local businesses from the crest, including NoFo Brew Co. For advanced hikers, enjoy a late afternoon hike up and a stellar sunset, as long as you can commit to a dark hike down. The view is one of the most vast in the state, rivaling peaks like Brasstown Bald. The trailhead, located on Chambers Rd just off of Helen Highway is easily accessible by all vehicles. While a moderately challenging hike, Yonah is still fun for all ages, and even pups. Just make sure to pack water and snacks for this half-day hike!
Yonah Preserve Trails
Not to be confused with the iconic Yonah Mountain trail, Yonah Preserve (YPT) offers a less intense but equally enriching hike through the North Georgia wilderness. Doubling as a popular mountain biking hub, this 1,000+ acre multi-use trail system located just 2.5 miles from downtown Cleveland provides relaxing walks and exciting bike rides, while also delivering a sense of isolation and remoteness.
With 20 miles of trails, four different routes, and a reservoir at the heart of the land, YPT opened in 2018 and has done nothing but flaunt the beauty of the foothill forests that you search for in your next adventurous outing. Along with hiking and biking, fishing and kayaking is also allowed and encouraged on the reservoir, with bass, brim and a few other species to catch with a proper license. Created and maintained solely by the local community, YPT is a perfect half-day activity that can easily turn into a full-day stay.
