If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hiawassee, GA, this quiet North Georgia mountain town offers a perfect mix of lake days, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and more. It is located along Lake Chatuge and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hiawassee, GA is a great place for a peaceful mountain getaway without the crowds you’ll find in nearby towns like Blue Ridge or Helen. You can spend the day on the water, hike to waterfalls, drive to mountain overlooks, or attend one of the many festivals hosted at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
Whether you’re planning a summer lake trip, fall foliage weekend, or cozy cabin stay, here are the best things to do in Hiawassee, Georgia.
Map of the Best Things to Do in Hiawassee, GA
Before planning your trip, it helps to see where everything is located.
Most of the top attractions are within 10–30 minutes of downtown Hiawassee, making it easy to explore several places in one day.
Short for time? Here are the Top 5 Things to Do in Hiawassee GA
1. Visit Lake Chatuge
2. Hike up to Brasstown Bald
3. Drive up Bell Mountain
4. Visit a festival at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
5. Hike High Shoals Falls
15 Best Things to Do in Hiawassee, GA
1. Spend a Day on Lake Chatuge
Lake Chatuge is the center of outdoor recreation in Hiawassee. The lake stretches across the Georgia–North Carolina border and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the water.
Popular Lake Chatuge activities include:
• Pontoon boat rentals
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Fishing
• Swimming
• Watching sunset along the shoreline
Fishing is especially popular here, with species like bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.
Best time to visit: summer evenings for lake sunsets.
2. Visit Brasstown Bald
If you ask a local what are the best things to do in Hiawassee, GA, this is going to be high on their list. One of the most famous attractions near Hiawassee is Brasstown Bald.
At 4,784 feet, it’s the highest point in Georgia and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Once you reach the parking area you can:
• Walk the half-mile paved trail to the observation tower
• Ride the shuttle bus
If you decide to take the trail, even though it is a short hike, it is pretty steep (about 426 ft elevation gain in 0.5 mi)! At the top, the observation deck provides the most incredible views across several states on a clear day.
Important note: The entry fee is $8 per adult here, not per vehicle like most places. Children 15 and under are free!
3. Drive Up Bell Mountain
Bell Mountain is one of the most photographed overlooks in North Georgia.
The road leads almost all the way to the top, where you’ll find incredible views of Lake Chatuge and the surrounding mountains.
It’s an easy stop that only takes about 10–15 minutes but offers some of the best scenery in the area.
The drive up the mountain is pretty steep and narrow, so take that into consideration when deciding on making the journey up.
4. Explore Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens is one of the best things to do in Hiawassee, GA if you’re looking for something calm and easy to walk through. It sits right along Lake Chatuge and feels like a quiet break from everything else.
The gardens are known for their rhododendrons, which bloom in late spring. They bring a lot of color to the area, and as you walk along the paths, you’ll catch glimpses of the lake throughout.
5. Attend an Event at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is one of the main event spaces in Hiawassee and perfect to check before planning your trip.
Throughout the year, they host events like the Georgia Mountain Fair, fall festival and craft shows, concerts, and seasonal markets. If your visit lines up with one of these, it can add something fun to your itinerary.
Most events are ticketed, and weekends tend to be the busiest. It’s worth checking the schedule in advance and arriving earlier in the day for easier parking.
6. Visit Hightower Creek Vineyards
North Georgia has slowly become a really solid wine region in the Southeast. Hightower Creek Vineyards is definitely an easy stop to add to your trip.
It’s located just outside of Hiawassee and has a smaller feel compared to other larger wineries in the area. It’s always fun doing a wine tasting, or grabbing a glass, and enjoying the scenery. You get to overlook the mountains, and it’s a nice change of pace from hiking or being out on the lake.
Fall is an especially good time to visit when the leaves start to change, but it’s a relaxing stop any time of year.
7. Visit Crane Creek Vineyards
Crane Creek Vineyards is another great winery to visit near Hiawassee, located about a 20-minute drive away.
It has more of a scenic, open feel with wide vineyard views and a larger property to walk around. They have wine tastings, or you can grab a glass of your favorite wine, and sit outside overlooking the vines.
It’s especially nice in the fall when the surrounding mountains start to change color, but it’s a good stop year-round if you’re looking for something relaxing.
8. Relax at Towns County Recreation Beach
If you’re looking for a simple lake day without renting a boat, Towns County Recreation Beach is an easy spot.
It’s located right in Hiawassee and sits along Lake Chatuge. There’s a designated swimming area, a sandy shoreline, and space to relax by the water.
You’ll usually find parking nearby, along with picnic areas. It’s a great option if you want something low effort but still want to enjoy the lake.
It’s especially nice in the summer when the water is warm. Weekends can get busy, so earlier in the day is your best bet.
9. Hike to High Shoals Falls
High Shoals Falls is one of my most favorite waterfalls near Hiawassee. Plus, it’s a great option if you want a hike with two waterfalls as the payoff.
The trail is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest and leads to:
• Blue Hole Falls (a shorter stop about 0.25 miles in) *also a swimming hole!*
• High Shoals Falls (the main waterfall at the end)
The full hike is about 2 miles round trip and includes stairs, some elevation gain, and a steady incline on the way up. It’s not overly difficult, but you’ll definitely feel it.
Spring and early summer are usually the best times to visit when the waterfalls are flowing the strongest, and going earlier in the day helps avoid crowds and limited parking at the trailhead.
You do have to drive over a shallow creek crossing to get to the trailhead, so low clearance cars may not be the best idea.
10. Hike a Section of the Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail runs just outside of Hiawassee, which makes it easy to experience a small section of one of the most well-known hiking trails in the country.
One of the most accessible entry points nearby is Unicoi Gap, where you can hop on the trail for a shorter out-and-back hike, so you don’t need to plan a full backpacking trip. The trail here has a steady incline and typical North Georgia terrain with roots and rocks, but it’s manageable for a day hike.
This is a good option if you want something a little more challenging than a waterfall hike, and it gives you a chance to experience a piece of the Appalachian Trail without committing to a multi-day trek.
11. Visit Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
If you want to mix something a little more relaxing into your trip, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is a nice option just outside of Hiawassee (about a 10-minute drive).
The property sits on a large piece of land surrounded by the mountains and offers a few different ways to spend your time, including horseback riding, a spa, and golf. Even if you’re not staying there, you can still book a spa treatment or explore parts of the property, which makes it a good break from hiking and more active plans.
My husband and I got married here at the Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa. We chose this venue because of the beautiful mountain scenery and it did not disappoint!
12. Take a Scenic Drive Around Lake Chatuge
Some of the best views in Hiawassee come from simply driving around Lake Chatuge.
The roads around the lake open up to mountain views throughout the drive, and you’ll find plenty of spots to pull over and take it in. It’s an easy way to explore the area without committing to a hike.
If you can, plan to be near the water around sunset. Watching the light reflect across the lake with the mountains in the background is one of the more peaceful ways to end the day.
Fall is especially beautiful here when the leaves start to change.
13. Visit Young Harris College Campus
Just minutes away from Hiawassee, the Young Harris College campus is a quiet place to walk and enjoy mountain scenery.
The campus gardens and surrounding views make it a nice stop during a scenic drive.
14. Visit Cupid Falls
Cupid Falls is a smaller waterfall near Hiawassee that’s easy to visit if you’re looking for something quick and low effort.
It’s located just off the road along a short forest path, so you don’t have to hike far to reach it. The waterfall itself isn’t as large as some of the others in North Georgia. However, it works well as a quick add-on if you’re already exploring the area or driving between stops.
15. Go Camping Near Lake Chatuge
If you want to fully lean into the outdoors, camping near Lake Chatuge is one of the best ways to experience Hiawassee.
There are several campgrounds in the area, including spots right along the lake. Depending on where you stay, you can wake up to lake views, spend the day hiking or on the water, and end the night around a fire.
Some campgrounds offer RV hookups, while others are more basic tent sites, so you can choose based on how comfortable you want your setup to be.
When to Visit Hiawassee
Is Hiawassee Worth Visiting?
Yes. Hiawassee offers the same mountain scenery found in other North Georgia towns but with a quieter atmosphere.
Between Lake Chatuge, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and wineries, it’s an easy place to spend a relaxing weekend in the mountains.
FAQ: Best Things to Do in Hiawassee, GA
What are the best things to do in Hiawassee, GA?
Some of the best things to do in Hiawassee include visiting Brasstown Bald, driving up Bell Mountain, spending time on Lake Chatuge, attending events at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, and hiking nearby waterfalls.
How far is Hiawassee from Atlanta?
Hiawassee is about 2 hours north of Atlanta, making it a popular weekend trip.
Is Hiawassee good for fall foliage?
Yes. The mountains surrounding Lake Chatuge offer beautiful fall color each October.
| Attraction | Drive Time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Chatuge | 5 min | Easy |
| Bell Mountain | 10 min | Easy |
| Brasstown Bald | 25 min | Easy–Moderate |
| High Shoals Falls | 45 min | Moderate |
