North Georgia Day Trip - Yonah Mountain & Cleveland

Last weekend we decided to take a day trip up to north Georgia, to enjoy the sunny winter weather. While the north Georgia mountains of course can't compare to the views out west, it's still a fantastic amenity to have the beautiful tree-covered Appalachians accessible to us as a day trip or weekend trip from Atlanta. We try to get up there at least a few times a year for hiking and cabin trips.

On Saturday morning we left around 8AM for the 90 minute drive to Yonah Mountain in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, just north of Cleveland Georgia. The Yonah Mountain trail is about a 4 mile round trip trail that gains 1,453 feet of elevation as you climb up to the top.

David has climbed the mountain before, with his soccer teammates during a cabin weekend about 8 summers ago. We'd heard it's still a very popular trail in the winter, and that proved to be correct - the parking lot was already almost full by the time we arrived around 9:40AM. It took about an hour to get to the top. It's a lot of elevation gain, but the trail is well maintained and overall it's not too difficult. Although it was a bit crowded since it was a lovely Saturday, the views from the top were amazing, with brilliant blue skies. Definitely a top hike in Georgia!

David relaxing at the top of Yonah Mountain.

There's a steep cliff face that people use as a lookout and for rock climbing.

This is the actual "summit" of the mountain. It's a little uphill from the cliff (and not as exciting).

Amazing views on a sunny winter day.

A climber on the granite face of Yonah Mountain.

After the hike, the rest of our day was filled with little bits of Americana as we visited a few attractions in the area. First up was Babyland General Hospital, the headquarters for Cabbage Patch Kids. Yes, it's as weird as it sounds. It's essentially a huge gift shop, but with bizarre displays including a giant tree where Cabbage Patch Kids are "birthed." All of the employees wear nursing scrubs. It's definitely worth a visit if you're into odd roadside attractions. 

We made a quick stop at Tantrum Brewing Company, just down the street, and got a mixed 6 pack of beer to bring home. From there we went to downtown Cleveland, which is only a few miles away from Yonah Mountain. It has a decent downtown, with some historic buildings and a few shops and restaurants. We put our name in for a table at Clyde's, and while we were waiting we crossed the street to check out the old 1860 courthouse, which is now the White County Historical Museum. It's a small little museum, but it's always great to see local historic societies preserving the history of small town America. Lunch at Clyde's was good southern food. Our favorite was the jalapeno grit fritters. 

We can already tell this is going to be an experience.

There are giant cabbage baby heads all over the grounds.

The birthing tree.

The cabbage patch Christmas room.

Inside Tantrum brewing.

The old White County courthouse.

An exhibit with a historic loom.

Check out those grit fritters, and giant mason jar drinks!

Clyde's is a cute little restaurant in an old building in downtown Cleveland.

Fried chicken, collards, and mac n cheese.

That wrapped up our excursion to north Georgia. Although on the way back to Atlanta of course we stopped at Jusgo Market, which was packed because the Lunar New Year was approaching. We'll be back to the mountains again soon.