Attractions Near Hiawassee, Georgia

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.

Attractions

	Miller Trek Trails at Brasstown Valley Resort – Young Harris, Georgia Meander through the mountain bogs and up on the ridges behind the main lodge at Brasstown Valley Resort in Young Harris, Georgia. more information
	Lake Chatuge - Hiawassee, GA and Hayesville, N.C Beautiful Lake Chatuge is nestled between two states and the two towns of Hiawassee, GA and Hayesville, N.C. This pristine lake, exquisitely nestled between the Tusquitee Mountains named "the Great Blue Hills of God," by the Cherokee, has 132 miles of shoreline and is ideal for fishing, swimming, boating and camping. Visitors enjoy casual walks along the dam with its spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains. more information
	Hightower Creek Vineyards – Hiawassee, Georgia A family winery and vineyard they know the importance of food, friends and a sense of home. more information
	High Shoals Creek Falls – Hiawassee, Georgia High Shoals Scenic Area and Falls Trail is a 2.6 mile out and back trail located near Hiawassee, Georgia. The contrast between the power and gentleness of the water's flow may be what attracts so many to visit these wonders of nature. more information
	Hamilton Rhododendron Garden – Hiawassee, Georgia Quietly tucked away in the North Georgia Mountains, sits a rare and special treasure. A botanical paradise bursting with dogwood, tulip magnolias, native azaleas, wild flowers, trillium, and rhododendron. more information
	Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds & Anderson Music Hall The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds has served as the premier event venue for the North Georgia region. It serves as host to countless events including art festivals, world-class bluegrass, country, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll performances, visiting conventions and dance shows. more information
	Destiny Alpacas – Young Harris, Georgia Destiny Alpacas is dedicated to raising the finest quality alpacas. Located in Young Harris, Georgia, the panoramic view of the enchanted valleys and mountains is a great place to discover alpacas. more information
	Brasstown Bald Brasstown Bald delights with a 360 degree vista of four states atop Georgia's highest elevation of 4,784 feet. The observation tower at the summit has incredible panoramic daytime and nighttime views. A Museum offers a film about the rich history of the Bald and the surrounding area. more information
	Alpaca Tierra Farm – Young Harris, Georgia The sweet relaxing gentle nature of these animals will steal your hearts. An array of bloodlines that include Amadeus, Pogosa, Don Juan, Goldsmith, and Caligula. more information