Assault on Yonah Mountain

Assault on Yonah Mountain

Assault on Yonah Mountain is a one-way uphill event in Cleveland, GA, covering roughly 2.5 miles from the base to the summit of Yonah Mountain. The route gains about 1,650 vertical feet and is timed only from the bottom to the top; there is no timed descent.

The course begins at a parking area, proceeds to a paved road and the start of a gravel driveway. The first 0.3 miles climb about 175 feet to the trailhead, then continues on single track. The climb is described in three sections: the bottom section is the most gradual with some rocky bits and short flat areas; the middle section contains the steepest and most technical terrain with very rocky stretches below the old heli pad and a 0.1 mile section at about 35 percent grade; the top section is a sustained 12 to 20 percent grade for roughly 0.75 miles, finishing on a field at the summit.

A ruck division requires a minimum carried weight of 15 pounds for women and 20 pounds for men; carrying more is allowed. The event has a 2 hour 15 minute overall time limit and a cutoff at the first overlook / old heli pad of 1 hour 15 minutes. Trail shoes with good grip are recommended; parts of the route include gravel, dirt road, and rock gardens. Organizers perform trail maintenance and finishers receive a medal; guaranteed medals require registration by September 15. Shirts must be picked up in person and are available for purchase before August 30. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.