Hiawassee in the North Georgia Mountains

The town of Hiawassee in Towns County, Georgia is the only actual lake front town in the interior of the North Georgia Mountains. The town was originally incorporated in 1870 as Hiwassee, a Cherokee name for, “the river that flowed across the valley floor.” Later the town was re-incorporated as Hiawassee; the letter “a” was added to the name in 1956. Hiawassee is the county seat of Towns County.  The original courthouse was completed in 1857 and replaced in 1905.  The current courthouse located adjacent to the town square was constructed in 1964.

The town began to take on a different character than was originally intended when the Tennessee Valley Authority constructed the Chatuge Dam in the 1940’s creating the beautiful crystal sky blue waters of Lake Chatuge. The town of Hiawassee, which originally stood near the banks of the Hiwassee River, has since shaped itself along the eastern shoreline of the lake. 

Overshadowing the town of Hiawassee along the southern mountain ridge is the towering summit of Brasstown Bald, marking the highest point in the North Georgia Mountains.  Due to the town’s lake front mountain setting, Hiawassee has become an oasis to tourists, vacation homeowners and newly relocated folks looking for that special place of recreation and leisure living within a magnificent setting.

What you’ll find in the town of Hiawassee and neighboring areas are a nice selection of lodgings, fine dining and excellent eateries, galleries, specialty shopping, entertainment as well as indoor amusements.

If you’re looking for nearby outdoor adventure there’s camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, waterfalls both big and small, horseback riding, boating, skiing, swimming plus a championship golf course open to the public. If you’re an adventurous spirit looking for something more thrilling such as white water rafting, kayaking, guided fly fishing or zip-line-canopy tours you can find them within a short distance away by contacting Great Mountain Retreats.

Another premier advantage in Towns County is its own renowned Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, a centerpiece for fun, entertainment and festivals along with Anderson Music Hall showcasing major headline talents, a museum and historic buildings and structures. The unique fairground setting cradles a section of Lake Chatuge’s shoreline.

The town of Hiawassee along the shores of beautiful Lake Chatuge is by far one of the most enjoyable, entertaining and rewarding destinations in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains.

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

---

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

designed, produced and hosted by

The Blue Ridge Highlander logo, all photography, design, graphics, artwork, writing, digital images, etc are the Copyright © of C. Wayne Dukes and Sherry Bell Dukes, 1996 to current day, except where otherwise stated. All rights reserved, reproduction, downloading, and/or duplication of any sort is strictly prohibited, all violations will be prosecuted. Legal Policy.  If you have any questions, or comments, regarding this site, e-mail the Highlander.