Outdoor activities
Outdoor recreation is a huge part of life at YHC. Want to explore the Enchanted Valley but don’t know where to start? Check out our student-approved list of nearby hikes, rivers, lakes and climbing gyms.
Here, students have immediate access to rock climbing, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing and other exciting outdoor opportunities. The Appalachian Trail is only 15 minutes from campus, and a short drive leads to stunning mountain peaks, exhilarating whitewater rivers, and crystal-clear lakes.
No matter what your recreational interests may be, YHC has ways to get moving, stay fit, and have fun with friends.
Hikes
Lake Trahlyta Trail at Vogel State Park
An easy 1-mile loop around the lake
Helton Creek Falls
An easy 0.2-mile trail to the falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest
High Shoals Falls
A moderate and popular 2.3 mile trail to the falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest
Blood Mountain Trail
A difficult 6.1 mile loop up the highest peak on the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail
Places to paddle
Lake Chatuge
Beautiful Lake Chatuge is only a short trip from campus. Boat, jet ski, paddleboard, and kayak rentals are all available through Young Harris Water Sports. There is also a beach and swimming area located next to the Union County Pickleball Courts on the way to Hiawassee from campus.
Nantahala River
The Nantahala River is a great first whitewater experience, giving you the option to choose from paddling in a raft—with or without a guide—or paddling an individual inflatable kayak. Choose from multiple outfitters on the Nantahala River.
Ocoee River
The Ocoee River is a challenging river that requires going with a commercial outfitter in a guided raft. Select from multiple outfitters that offer commercial trips from March through October of each year.
This list was complied by Moriah Pruitt, ’21, and Hope Lloyd, ’21, for their Outdoor Leadership Legacy Project.
