View from the top of Bell Mountain near Hiawassee
Hiawassee is a picturesque small town in the North Georgia Mountains.
The town is situated on the banks of Lake Chatuge, a TVA lake with over 100 miles of shoreline, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Hiawassee is an Appalachian Trail community and a gateway to the Southern Highroads Trail, which passes through the town and alongside Lake Chatuge.
The town also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Georgia Mountain Fair, which draws thousands of visitors every summer.
Hiawassee is located in Towns County in the North Georgia Mountains. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Chatuge, a reservoir that straddles the border between Georgia and Western North Carolina. Hiawassee is approximately 110 miles from Atlanta and just a few miles south of the North Carolina border.
The population of Hiawassee is estimated to be just under 1000 permanent residents.
Hiawassee lies at just under 1970ft in elevation (600 meters).
The name Hiawassee derives from a Cherokee word meaning 'meadow'.
The nearest major airport is Atlanta International Airport, about two hours' drive to the south. The regional airports at Chattanooga and Asheville are smaller but slightly closer. Driving to Hiawassee from the Atlanta direction is easiest via I-85 N and US-23 N.
If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the map below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.
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The Retreat offers a total of 11 cabins sleeping from two to nine people. The cabins are located in a quiet position on the Hiawassee River just south of downtown Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge. It is a favourite location for weddings.
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Laurel Mountain Cabins offers four cabins with lovely mountain views. The property is located in an elevated position above Scataway Creek about eight miles to the east of Hiawassee along a paved road.
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The drive (or walk) up to Bell Mountain above Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge (see image at the top of the article) is a popular destination for anyone visiting the area. The trail to the summit is relatively short but steep, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The observation deck at the top provides an excellent vantage point for taking in the scenery.
Hiawassee is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest, which covers over 750,000 acres of land in North Georgia.
There are numerous hiking trails throughout the region, including a section of the Appalachian Trail, which passes to the south and east of downtown Hiawassee.
The trail to High Shoal Falls is in between Hiawassee and Helen about 12 miles to the south of Hiawassee. It is relatively easy to follow as it winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest
Hikers first reach the smaller Blue Hole Falls before getting to High Shoals Falls, which drops 50 feet in a series of cascades to a deep pool.
The observatory at Brasstown Bald in North Georgia near Hiawassee
Brasstown Bald is located to the south of Hiawassee and Young Harris. The highest mountain in Georgia dominates its surroundings, reaching an impressive 4,784 feet. The valleys of four states below sprawl a half-mile beneath its peak.
When Autumn descends in late September and October, the air clears to reveal a distant view that few expect. On a good day, Atlanta’s skyline becomes visible.
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is an event area on a peninsula just to the north of downtown Hiawassee. It houses the Hamilton Gardens, which displays more than 400 varieties of rhododendron and azalea. There are trail loops around the woods and the shoreline of Lake Chatuge.
The Fairgrounds also host the Georgia Mountain Fair, an annual event which attracts thousands of visitors. It is usually held towards the end of August and features concerts, fairground rides and arts and crafts booths.