Assault on Yonah Mountain

Assault on Yonah Mountain : Cleveland, GA

Assault on Yonah Mountain is an uphill-only event in Cleveland, Georgia that covers about 2.5 miles from the parking area to the summit. The climb gains approximately 1,650 vertical feet in under 2.5 miles. Participants are timed only for the ascent; after finishing they may stay at the summit and return to their cars at their own pace.

There is a ruck division with minimum carried weights of 15 pounds for women and 20 pounds for men. The event enforces a time limit of 2 hours 15 minutes; there is also a cutoff at the first overlook called the old helipad at 1 hour 15 minutes. Finishers receive a medal; registration by September 15 guarantees a medal. Shirts are available for separate purchase prior to August 30 and must be picked up in person.

The course begins at a gravel driveway and reaches the trailhead after about 0.3 miles and 175 feet of gain. The climb then follows single track and can be described in three sections: bottom, middle, and top. The middle contains the steepest and most technical terrain with rocky sections and a 0.1 mile stretch at about 35 percent grade near the old helipad. The top section is a roughly 0.75 mile climb at a more constant 12 to 20 percent grade that finishes in a summit field. Trail shoes with good grip are recommended and the route includes rock gardens and some nontechnical gravel road. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.