Located in the county seat of Towns, Hiawassee is a small town with a population of around 900 and an area of 5.7 sq meters. The name Hiawassee means meadow, derived from Cherokee or maybe Creek word.
This nature-based name signifies that it is a beautiful place surrounded by the scenic beauty of landscapes including mountains, parks, and waterfalls. In 1870, it was incorporated as a town and in 1916 it was incorporated as a city. Hiawassee was inhabited by Cherokee-speaking peoples in the 19th century.
But due to the Georgia gold rush, they were displaced and they moved from there toward the west. This place is home to the Hiwassee River, popularly known as the hidden jewel of trout fishing. Situated at a height of 600 m above sea level, Hiawassee has nice weather, favorable for tourism. It is surrounded by the largest mountains in Georgia.
This place is mainly for those who want to explore nature and a relaxing environment for having some peace time, far from all the messy chaos.
However, apart from nature and natural beauty, it has some cool places to visit. Also, this place has some good restaurants and campgrounds as well. Visiting this place is a fun activity for kids too. All these things make it a popular outdoor recreation destination.
Do you want to get some ideas of the beautiful places to explore in this small beautiful place? Then read the below list that has the best things to do in the Hiawassee.
Although it is famous for Lake Chatuge, Brasstown Valley, High Shoal Falls, and Bell Mountain, it has many other things to explore. Feel free to browse and have fun.
Things To Do In The Hiawassee GA
- Bell Mountain Park
- Brasstown Bald
- Brasstown Valley Resort
- Crane Creek Vineyards
- Georgia Mountain Fair
- Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens
- Blue Hole Falls & High Shoals Falls
- Chatuge Trail
- Mountain Country Christmas Lights
- Lake Chatuge Beach
- Young Harris Water Sports
- Young Harris GA
- Splash Island Water Park
- Towns County Veterans Memorial Park
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1. Bell Mountain Park
It is one of the most beautiful places in Hiawassee. Surrounded by natural beauty and scenic lakes, Bell Mountain Park is located at an elevation of more than 3400 feet.
Bell mountain park is handicap accessible and it has a flat parking lot that is combined with a lower deck, which makes it easy for wheelchairs or walkers.
This incredible place is quiet and simple and here you can relax. It was donated by an estate of Hal Herrin to Towns County in 2016.
Now, this Hal Herrin Scenic provides a beautiful panorama of Lake Chatuge and its surrounding areas from the different platforms.
Things to do- Enjoy sightseeing, the panoramic view of the Lake, the desecrations of natural beauty, and the quietness of the view. You can visit it after your trip to hold back to real life.
You can click pictures with a beautiful background for your new social media post and let your friends and followers see this beautiful place.
This place gives you the most impressive scene of North Georgia, so yes, it is definitely worth trying. In fact, any trip to Georgia is incomplete without visiting Bell Mountain Park.
Timings- 8:30 am to 11 pm, seven days a week
Address- 220 Shake Rag Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States
2. Brasstown Bald
Brasstown Bald is the tallest mountain in North Georgia measuring 4784 feet. Located above the Chattahoochee National Forest, Brasstown Bald has an observation deck that provides a 360° panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings.
One interesting fact about this observation deck is that, if the day is clear then here you will be able to see four states, which are Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
It is one of the most picturesque picnic spots in Georgia.
Things to do- It is a perfect spot for hiking in Georgia. There is a 1.1-mile round-trip hiking parking lot to submit. It has a very steady income making it a little challenging for amateurs.
But this place provides various places to rest so it is doable for experienced hikers. If you want an easy way to reach the top then they offer a shuttle to the top with a little fee.
If you want to learn some information about this place then you should visit the information center offered by the Brasstown Bald.
It has information regarding history, natural science, and mountains. There is one general Store as well that has locally made products and you can shop from there as a memory of your trip.
As it is beautiful and has a splendid view, you can have the most amazing pictures there.
Timings- 24 hours
Address- Blue ridge mountains
3. Crane Creek Vineyard
Spread over an area of more than 20 acres, Crane Creek Vineyards are one of the best wineries in North Georgia. Located in the hills of Young Harris GA, it was founded by Eric Seifarth in 2000.
However, their first grapevine was founded in 1995. Eric Seifarth was an army officer who fell in love with wine during his duty when he was posted in North Italy.
From 2022 onwards, they started their famous Vintner tour. These are offered every Saturday from June to October via reservation. In addition to this, Crane Creek Vineyard provides tasting of their award-winning wines.
The best-selling wine includes Enotah, Hellbender, and others. Enotah is a white wine that is fully fermented by Chardon. This place is surrounded by beautiful scenery. If you love wine then I am sure that you will fall in love with this place.
Things to do- Visit this place if you want to taste great wines. They provide tasty food and beverages. You will be amazed at its beautiful location.
Good food, beautiful location, and great wines, these things altogether make it a perfect place for spending time. Try its famous red wines including Hellbender, Raven, and Mountain Harvest.
Mountain Harvest is a red blend of Chambourcin while Hellbender and Raven are 100% Norton and Cabernet Franc respectively. You can go for its tour as well if you are visiting this place between June to October.
Timings- 11 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday
Address- 1040 Crane Creek Rd, Young Harris, GA 30582, United States
4. Lake Chatuge Beach
It is one of the most famous places in Hiawassee, Georgia. It is commonly known as Towns County Beach. It is a perfect place for recreation and fun opportunities.
This beach has free parking and provides you with a perfect place for swimming. But be cautious while swimming as there is no lifeguard there and you must swim at your own risk.
They offer lots of things to explore including picnic tables, a covered pavilion, a large playground for kids, and many other things.
Things to do- Visit this place with kids and have family time. The sand of this beach is white sand which is perfect for making sandcastles. Go for a picnic with your friends. Kids can also play in the playground. Swimming is also another option.
Timings- 24 hours
Address- Hiawassee, GA, 30546, United States
5. Georgia Mountain Fair and Fall Festival
These 9 days fests are held every year. Georgia Mountain Fair and Fall Festival are held at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and they include arts and crafts exhibitions, live music concerts, carnival rides, and some cool family attractions.
In addition to this, it hosts Miss Georgia Mountain Fair Beauty Pageant, a parade, daredevil shows, livestock exhibits, and country music.
Things to do- This place has something to explore for anyone out there. From attending musical concerts to exploring local craft shops, this place provides you with a wide range of options.
Here you can enjoy different types of rides, and this place is a must-visit place if you are with kids. They have a variety of rides and other entertainment attractions for kids.
Apart from having fun and entertainment, you can also satisfy your hunger with different food stalls. Here, at some exhibits, you can explore the rich history of North Georgia.
You can explore Cowboy Circus or Brunon Blaszak Royal Bengal Tiger Show. Attend concerts of Oak Ridge Boys and Aaron Tippin. You can also try camping as it has more than 200 campsites where you can enjoy your weekends with your gang.
Entrance fees – $12 per day, $33 pass for three days. Children below 12 have free entry.
Note:- Midway Rides have additional charges.
Timings- 10 am to 7 pm
Address- North Georgia Mountain, Hiawassee, GA, 30546, United States
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6. Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens
Nestled at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens are botanical gardens spread over more than 30 acres. It was established by Fred Hamilton in 1982. Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens have the largest collections of native azaleas in the Southeastern United States.
Fred Hamilton was a Sears executive who turned to plant breeders. He single-handedly moved more than a thousand rhododendron plants to this place.
Don’t let this place’s name fool you! It is not only home to rhododendron plants but also has a large number of dogwood trees, an array of colorful wildflowers, and some rare forest perennials. This garden has two hiking trails which are 1 mile and 2 miles.
It has a walking path that leads along the shore of Lake Chatuge. In addition to this, it provides a famous fishing hole. On weekends of April and May, they host the Rhododendron Festival.
In addition to this event, they host other events including Acoustic Sunsets, Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival, and others.
Things to do- Visit this place if you are a botany enthusiast. Explore the wide range of flora. Walk along the shore of Lake Chatuge. If you are interested in hiking then go for it. You can also try fishing for entertainment. If you are visiting this place during the times of any event then attend it.
Timings- 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week
Address- Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens, 96 Pavilion Rd, Hiawassee, GA, United States.
7. High Shoals Falls and Blue Shoals Falls
It is a perfect place for hiking. It is one of the most popular waterfalls trails in Georgia and its 50-foot cascades make it more breathtaking.
I consider this one of the most picturesque places in Georgia. You will be amazed by its beauty as it is a perfect place in nature’s lap and you will breathe fresh air.
Things to do- If you want to hike during your trip then visit this place. You will have a thrilling and fun experience on your trip.
You can also go camping as it is a perfect camping site. If you want to swim then go for it. You will have a perfect day out here as it is a perfect place for outdoor recreation.
You can even enjoy it with kids for sure as kids are usually more curious and excited about trips and outings.
Timings- 24 hours
Address- 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States
8. Chatuge Trail
Located in the Lake Chatuge Recreation Area, Chatuge Trail is a perfect place for boating and kayaking. You will be amazed by its splendid view of the shoreline and Appalachian mountains.
Chatuge Trail is well maintained and flat but still, there are a few root-filled sections that become slippery after the rains.
This trail is 1 mile long and you can even hike with your dog. This trail takes you to the forest and in between this you will experience a beautiful view.
Things to do- It is a perfect place for adventure enthusiasts as you can enjoy kayaking and boating on the boating ramp.
You can enjoy hiking, swimming, sightseeing, and whatnot. You will love the dense forest canopy and it has various places where you may slip into the water to cool off. Amazing isn’t it?
Address- Lake Chatuge Recreation Area, Chatuge Trail, Georgia 30546, USA
9. Mountain Country Christmas in Lights
You may wonder why Hiawassee is ranked among the best Christmas towns in Georgia. It is home to the Mountain Country Christmas in Lights.
It is a perfect holiday event to explore during the Christmas season. It has wonderful Christmas Vibes including Christmas music provided by local Churches. It has Appalachian arts and crafts, course pictures of Santa Claus, and also country-style food.
A CowTown event also happens which offers the participants a chance to milk a cow or to help in making butter, and ice creams in an old-style way.
Things to do- Visit this place during the Christmas season and enjoy the Christmas Vibes. Enjoy the events and have fun.
Timings- 24 November to 23 December
Address- Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
10. Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Situated near Young Harris GA, Brass town Valley Resort and Spa is one of the most romantic places here. It is one of the most perfect places to stay in Georgia.
It provides more than 100 rooms and 8 rental cabins with lots of facilities including a full kitchen, fireplace, grill, and some options for pets. If you don’t want to stay then this place has other amenities for you.
They offer full-service spa and horse riding tours as well. In addition to this, they have an 18-hour golf course. And for meals, they have one of the best Hiawassee restaurants in this area. Its breathtaking view will amaze you and your mind will be blown after seeing its beauty.
Things to do- Visit this resort to stay during your trip. If you don’t want to stay then you can explore this resort for your day out with your friends or family. Enjoy horse riding there. You can also satisfy your hunger at the restaurant.
If you visit Brasstown Valley Resort then you should go to a popular shop, named in honor of Georgia State representative Ralph Twiggs.
He was a native of Hiawassee and an avid mountain man. You will get glimpses of the history of Hiawassee. This place is beautiful and you can go there to have sightseeing and relax.
Timings- 24 hours
Address- 6321 US-76, Young Harris, GA 30582, United States
Best Places To Stay In Hiawassee GA
Below is the list of the best places to stay in Hiawassee GA:-
- Boundary Waters Resort & Marina
- Lake Chatuge Lodge
- The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge
- Mountain View Campground
- Enota Mountain Retreat
- Henson Cove Place
- Long Ridge Campground
- Laurel Mountain Cabins
- Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hiawassee An IHG Hotel
- Hidden Valley
Things To Know Before Visiting Hiawassee GA
- Hiawassee GA is one of the most lovely towns in Georgia. It is famous for the highest peak in Georgia known as Brasstown Bald.
- It is a small place and its population is only around 900.
- May, June, and September are the most pleasant months to visit Hiawassee while December and January are the least comfortable.
- You may experience heavy traffic on single-lane roads.
- It is home to various wildlife species including alligators in Lake Chatuge. So be prepared for it.
Frequently Asked Question
Q1- What are the top attractions to visit in Hiawassee?
Some top attractions to visit in Hiawassee include Brasstown Bald, Bell mountain, Chatuge Lake, and High Shoals Falls Trail. You can also consider Rhododendron Gardens and Hiawassee Town Square to this list.
Q2- What are the most popular things to do in Hiawassee with kids?
Visiting Hamilton Garden, exploring places like Always Christmas, and going to Bell Mountain are some of the most popular things to do in Hiawassee with your kids.
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Hey, I am The Head of wlra and also a Travel Blogger. Blogging has been my passion since childhood.
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