Hiking Mount Yonah with Simba the Adventure Pup! 🐾⛰️

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba and I are taking you on one of Georgia’s most rewarding hikes — the Mount Yonah Trail in White County!

This trail has it all: steep climbs, forest switchbacks, and incredible summit views of the North Georgia mountains. If you’re chasing epic scenery and love a good workout (with your pup by your side), Mount Yonah is a must-hike.

🗺️ About the Mount Yonah Trail

The Mount Yonah Trail is a 4.5-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike with 1,400+ feet of elevation gain. Located near Cleveland, Georgia, this well-marked trail climbs steadily through the forest, past rocky outcrops and open ledges, before reaching the exposed summit of Mount Yonah.

At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Chattahoochee National Forest, surrounding valleys, and layers of rolling ridgelines. It’s truly one of the best summit hikes in Georgia — and yes, it’s dog-friendly too!

🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights

✔️ Leashed dogs allowed — Simba handled the steep sections like a mountain goat (with a golden retriever smile, of course).
✔️ Shaded forest trail — perfect for warm-weather hiking, especially with pups.
✔️ Multiple rest spots — we paused at the rock overlooks for water and snacks.
✔️ Epic summit photo ops — Simba posed like a true adventure pup at the top!

Caution: There are sheer cliffs at the summit, so keep your dog leashed and close at all times. Safety first!

🧭 Trail Tips for Mount Yonah

🕗 Start early — this is a popular hike and parking fills up quickly.
🐕 Leash and harness recommended — the trail gets rocky, and you’ll want good control near exposed sections.
💧 Bring plenty of water — it’s a steady uphill climb with no water sources on trail.
🍎 Pack a summit snack — you’ll want to hang out at the top and soak in the views.
🥾 Wear good hiking shoes — it’s steep, rocky, and slick in spots.

🚐 RV Traveler Tips

While the Mount Yonah Trailhead has limited parking, it’s best to visit in a smaller vehicle if you’re RVing. There are RV-friendly campgrounds nearby in Cleveland, Helen, and throughout the North Georgia mountains, making this a great day hike from your basecamp.

🎥 Watch Our Full Summit Adventure


In our latest video, Simba and I guide you step-by-step up Mount Yonah — from trailhead to summit — with tips, views, and plenty of golden retriever energy along the way.

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Why We Loved Mount Yonah Trail

✔️ Gorgeous summit views worth the climb
✔️ Dog-approved hike — Simba gives it four high-elevation paws up!
✔️ Challenging but doable — a great intro summit for hikers with pups
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers + mountain lovers looking for a scenic day hike

Thanks for hiking along with us! Simba and I are traveling full-time across the U.S., chasing the best dog-friendly hikes, parks, and campgrounds. Got a favorite Georgia summit or mountain trail? Let us know — we’d love to check it out!

Until next time, happy trails and wagging tails! 🐾⛰️🚐
Location: White County, GA, USA

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