Lake Chatuge in the North Georgia Mountains

Framed by towering mountains surrounding its distant shores and mirroring the blue skies above with its clear mountain waters, Lake Chatuge has all the aesthetics of a natural made wonder. Yet in contrast to its original unique setting, it’s the man-made lake that has transformed this once remote river valley in the central North Georgia Mountains into a water paradise for fun, recreation and beauty.

Lake Chatuge, constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the 1940’s for the purpose of flood control and utility power is one of the larger open bodies of water in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains region, with 128-miles of shoreline and an additional 4-miles of island shoreline. Lake Chatuge is divided at its center by the state lines of Towns County, Georgia and Clay County, North Carolina. Lake Chatuge consists of 3,500-acres in Towns County Georgia and 3,700-acres in Clay County North Carolina.

Where Lake Chatuge rests today was once a magnificent hidden valley dotted with homes, churches and family farms often located along or near the banks of the Hiwassee River. During the lake’s early construction it was necessary for homes, schools, churches and grave sites to be moved out of harms way or left to the destruction of the gathering river water and its many creeks and streams flowing down from the high mountains surrounding the lake. The upheaval of families was difficult for some of Towns County’s early residence and an opportunity for others looking for a fresh new start beyond the horizon.

Though the lake does operate under the management of TVA as a utility lake and flood control, the majority of the shoreline is privately owned and laced with picturesque summer homes and full time residences. Outside its natural beauty the lake’s most popular attraction is water recreation offering fishing, boating, sailing, skiing and jet skiing, along with swimming and sunning at its sandy beaches.

Camping in designated areas along the lake’s wooded shoreline is available along with excellent local or shoreline lodging. Several designated picnic areas and numerous boat launches plus two marinas are also available.

When it comes to hiking there are several quiet wilderness trails along the lake’s shoreline, as well as one trail that’s very popular with mountain bikers located Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area just north of the town of Hiawassee. Lake Chatuge Trail & Recreation Area offers the advantage of a low impact wooded shoreline trail. Then there’s the impressive low impact trail thru Hamilton Gardens located at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, displaying an impressive 3,000 Rhododendron plants, the largest collection in the State of Georgia. The gardens are open free of charge most of the year with a small 3 dollar fee during the Rhododendron Blooming Season. There is a donation box available for maintaining the gardens by the local Lions Club for year round guests.

The resort town of Hiawassee located along the eastern shoreline of Lake Chatuge takes pride in accommodating all the comfort and needs for vacationing guest and local residents. The renowned Georgia Mountain Fair is also ideally located next to the town of Hiawassee offering events, festivals, and live-entertainment at its Anderson Music Hall. There is also a museum depicting mountain life, arts and crafts along with historical structures located in a wooded area within the fairgrounds as well as campsites and a boat launch ramp.

Today, Lake Chatuge is a destination unto itself, drawing visitors annually to its shorelines and open waters. By far Lake Chatuge is a wonder in its making and a magnificent sight to behold and enjoy by folks of all ages.

Georgia Mountain Fairground Festivals and Super Star Concerts

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee Georgia

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are right on beautiful Lake Chatuge in Towns County Georgia. The Fairgrounds sit along the banks and are surrounded by the mountains, including the tallest mountains in Georgia.

The Festivals and Concerts start in early spring with the Rhododendron Festival, followed by the Georgia Mountain Fair, Fall Festival, Super Star Concerts, Georgia's Official State Fiddler's Convention and there are campgrounds right on beautiful shores of Lake Chatuge.

1311 Music Hall Road • Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 • 706.896.4191 • GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com

North Georgia Mountain Campground

Campgrounds at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Scattered throughout the beautiful Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds are 207 camping and RV sites that offer modern conveniences such as water, electricity, telephone and internet.  There are 92 sites in the first area and 115 paved sites, open year-round, in the second area. Most sites offer beautiful views of Lake Chatuge, and campers can take advantage of the Fairgrounds' many amenities including a playground, boat ramp, paved playing courts, full time Park Ranger/Security Guard, shaded picnic tables and the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens.

706-896-4191   •  96 Pavilion Road • Hiawassee GA 30546  •  Campgrounds at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Gardens in Hiawassee Georgia

Hamilton Gardens at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

The Gardens are located on a gentle hillside on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee Georgia. Plants, both native and hybrid, sit quietly along 20 acres of majestic walking trails, spilling over as if to greet you with warmth and color.

The Rhododendron Festival at Hamilton Gardens takes place from mid-April to mid-May, everything will be in bloom, showing colors even an artist dreams about! Hundreds of varieties, and as many as 1,500 rhododendrons and azaleas create a magnificent backdrop for many other equally beautiful plants. Come take a stroll and feel the beauty and peace surrounding you.

Open Every Day 8:00 am - Dusk
96 Pavilion Road  •  Hiawassee, GA 30546  •  706-896-4191  •  Hamilton Gardens

Real Estate North Georgia Mountains

Tim Noland, Realtor® - Buyer's Agent • North Georgia & Western North Carolina

When looking to buy mountain property, you need someone that not only understands the mountains, you need someone that specifically represents you, the buyer. When you choose to work with a Buyer's Agent you are assured that you have an agent that is truly looking for your best interests, someone that will not only find what you are looking for, but someone that will negotiate the best price possible.

10886 Old Hwy 64  West •  Brasstown, NC 28902  •  828.557.1009  •  GreatMtnRealEstate.com

White Water Rafting Mountains

Rafting on the Ocoee River

The Ocoee River is often described as the roller coaster of the southeast. Come experience what has been called the greatest white water center in the world.

Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

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Rafting on the Nantahala River

Experience this unforgettable whitewater adventure through the gorge. The Nantahala is exciting, and a great time, but not as wild as the Ocoee.  This is a river that you can bring children on as young as seven years old.

Experience the excitement of Patton's Run, the fun and splash of Tumble Dry, the rush and roar of riding Class III Nantahala Falls. For a bigger thrill, try taking one of our Duckies down the river!

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

Zipline Canopy Tours

Zip Line Canopy Tours...Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Asheville • Pigeon River

Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US.

All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMtnAdventures.com

 

Guided Fishing Trips

Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips

Great mountain adventures is offering the "Best Fishing" available in the Mountains. We create a fishing trip, designed specifically towards your needs with a professional fishing guide to guide you to make the most of your fishing adventure on the Finest Lakes, Rivers and Streams in the Southern Appalachians!

So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget.

Call today to start your adventure...828-835-3275  •  GreatMountainFishing.com

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