Suwanee Take-a-Hikers

Let's take a hike to Yonah and watch the Sunset!

Yonah is one of N. GA's most popular hikes and rightfully so. The scenic wooded trail leads to a summit with steep drop offs and offers simply stunning views.

Please take note that this is not a hike for beginners. It’s a strenuous out and back hike with a nearly continuous 1450’ elevation gain upward climb to the summit that includes a few scrambles over boulders.

So, is it worth it? In a word … “yep”.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If it is raining or there is a strong chance of rain before or during this time this hike will be cancelled given the dangerous conditions that rain will cause. So, please check back before heading out to the meetup spot.

While we won’t race to the top and then back down, we will hike at a reasonable pace of about 2.25 to 2.5 mph. So, please be prepared. My suggestion would be to read some of the reviews in the links provided below beforehand to determine if this hike is for you.

Doggies up for the challenge are permitted on this trail and welcome/encouraged to attend.

The hike will start at 6:00pm, and I figure it will take us about 3 hours in total to watch the sun setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The sunset will be about 7:30pm. It will be dark as we descend so please bring a headlamp or flashlight.

Directions can be found in the pin map embedded in this event listing. Linking your smartphone to that using Google Maps will guide you to the precise meeting place at the trailhead. We will meet near the restrooms … well, more like outhouses in the parking area😊

I do like to start events on time so please do not be late for the consideration of all attendees.

Below are some helpful links. As always, if you have any questions in advance please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.

AllTrails (general info about the trail itself):

Distance: Approximately 10.75
Difficulty: Strenuous
Group Pace: 2.5 – 3 MPH
Time Commitment: 7+ Hours
Fee: $6.00 (adult); $3.50 (Children 6-15)

Howdy all!

Sooooo …in a state park in upstate SC, is a trail called “Table Rock Big Loop via Ridge Trail” that looks like it might be nice to try.

Pls note that this hike will be “exploratory”, meaning that the organizer has not previously completed this hike. So, what this means is that I am not able to provide much in the way of specifics of the hike, but will instead be experiencing it for the first time along with the group. Who knows, perhaps someone who has hiked this one before will join. 😊

What I do know about it is what I have read from the links below (and you are strongly encouraged to do the same), is that it is about 10.75 miles in length, has 3316 ft elevation gain, is listed as hard/strenuous, is basically a loop trail with a spur to the “Table Rock” overview, has a couple of modest water features along the way and a panoramic view from atop a granite dome. The trail also summits Pinnacle Mountain (SC’s highest peak). Yay! Also, the trail looks a bit technical in regard to rocks and roots, and may perhaps have a few downed trees.

We will park and meet near the Nature Center/Trail Head within the park. You can find directions by linking via google maps to the red pin posted on this event listing, or if you prefer access through the Table Rock State Park link I have pasted below.

The hike will start at 9:00 am, and given the difficult rating and elevation involved I figure it will take us about 7-7.5 hours to complete with a few rest breaks. That is, assuming we don’t get lost. JK. Be sure to bring a packable lunch, salty snacks, and plenty of water. Also, we will need to register as a group at the trailhead before departing, and I do l start events on time. So pls do not be late.

Extremely energetic doggies are permitted on this trail and very welcome and encouraged to attend. Woof! 🐕‍🦺

There is an entry fee per person, and I believe restrooms are available near the Nature Center where we will be gathering.

Below are some helpful links. As always, if you have any questions in advance, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them.

Trail Links (general info about the trails):