Things to do Near Hiawassee, Georgia

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds &  Anderson Music Hall

Recently designated as an Appalachian Trail Community, the world famous footpath passes to the east of town. The Southern Highroads Trail passes through town and alongside Lake Chatuge, a TVA Reservoir popular for swimming, boating, jet skiing, paddling, sport fishing, and other water sports.  The Hiawassee River is known as "the hidden jewel of trout fishing”. 

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosts the Georgia Mountain Fair each summer for as long as anyone can remember as well as a fall and spring festival. The Anderson Music Hall at the fairgrounds hosts a concert series each year with top name stars and is home to some of the best fiddle players in the country. Located on the hill overlooking the fairgrounds and along the shores of Lake Chatuge, the Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden bursts into bloom early April to late May and can almost take your breath away at the sight of over 3,000 azaleas and rhododendrons. 

Local artists, inspired by their beautiful surroundings, create works of art which are on display at the Artworks Artisan Center as well as for sale. Waterfalls dot the landscape and provide great hiking jaunts, include Mill Creek, High Shoals or Thomastown falls.  After getting your fill of the area’s beauty, relax at Hightower Creek Vineyards and Winery while sampling their wines.

At the end of the day, there are many places to choose for your overnight stay, from cabins and cottages and local hotels to a bed and breakfast inn or lakeside retreat.

Young Harris
Originally named Young Harris College in honor of Judge Young Loftin Gerdine Harris of Athens, the town’s name was soon shortened to Young Harris, although Young Harris College, now a four year college is still nestled in the heart of town.  Former Georgia Governor  and U.S. Senator Zell Miller lives in the beautiful mountain hamlet.

Located on the campus is Rollins Planetarium, which offers Friday night star shows.  An observatory for the planetarium sits on a hill overlooking Brasstown Valley Resort, sitting in the shadow of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. The resort boasts an equestrian center, a spa, a pub, a restaurant, hiking trails, golfing and conference facilities. Crane Creek Vineyards offers a delightful wine tasting experience along with breathtaking views of the adjacent mountains and valleys.

For those that love interesting and unusual animals, a visit to Destiny Alpacas where they raise, breed, and shear alpacas, is a must.  Visitors can interact with the alpacas as well as purchase alpaca products.