Yonah Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yonah Mountain |
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Yonah Mountain in summer.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,166 ft (965 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | White County, Georgia U.S. |
| Topo map | USGS Helen (GA) |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | granite |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | climb |
Yonah Mountain is a well-known mountain ridge in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia, United States. It sits between the towns of Cleveland and Helen. The name "Yonah" comes from the Cherokee people and means "Bear." Many people call it "Mount Yonah" or "Yonah Bald."
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Exploring Yonah Mountain
Yonah Mountain is a great place for outdoor adventures. You can find a clear path to the top from Chambers Road. This trail is about 2.3 miles long. As you hike, you will climb about 1,500 feet higher. This makes for an exciting climb with amazing views.
Trails and Views
The main trail leads you right to the summit of Yonah Mountain. Along the way, you might find smaller paths. These side trails can take you to nearby Pink Mountain. From the top, you can see beautiful forests and the surrounding area. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers.
A Special Training Spot
Yonah Mountain is not just for hikers. It is also a very important place for military training. The United States Army uses the mountain for its Mountain Phase of Ranger School. This training helps soldiers learn special skills.
Climbing Adventures
Because of its rocky areas, Yonah Mountain is also a popular spot for rock climbers. Climbers come here to practice their skills. The mountain's granite rock makes it a challenging and rewarding place to climb.
The Legend of Nacoochee and Sautee
Like many old places, Yonah Mountain has a special story. It is part of a Native American legend. This story is about a young Cherokee maiden named Nacoochee. She fell in love with a brave Chickasaw warrior named Sautee.
A Forbidden Love Story
Their love was not allowed by the elders of their tribes. Nacoochee and Sautee decided to run away together. But a group of warriors followed them. The legend says that in their sorrow, the lovers chose to leap from the mountain. This sad story is sometimes called a "Lover's Leap."
How the Legend Became Known
The legend of Nacoochee and Sautee was not new. But it became very popular thanks to George Williams. He was the son of one of the first white settlers in the area. In 1871, he wrote about the story in his book, Sketches of Travel in the Old and New World. This helped share the beautiful and tragic tale with more people.
