Yonah Mountain rises south of Helen and gives the town a proper mountain hike rather than just alpine storefronts and river tubing. The trail to the summit is short enough to fit into a half day, but it climbs steadily and feels more serious than the mileage suggests.
The granite face is popular with climbers, while hikers come for the broad view over the Northeast Georgia hills. Bring water, start early in hot weather, and do not treat the summit edges casually.