Located in Towns County Georgia, Hiawassee is a quaint mountain town that's boundaries weave their way around the coves and bays of Lake Chatuge. Located on the west side of town are the Georgia Mountain Fair Grounds. Traveling further west on Hwy 76, you will come to Young Harris, home town of former Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller and home of Young Harris College. Bordered on the North by Lake Chatuge and the Nantahala National Forest and on the south by the Chattochee National Forest and the Appalachian Trail. Hiawassee and Towns County are truly blessed with thousands of acres for fishing, hiking ,biking, boating and exploring.
Things to Do:
Lake Chatuge
A 7,200 acre lake in both Georgia and North Carolina. Lake Chatuge has approx. 130 miles of shoreline offering many recreational opportunities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and much more.
Brasstown Bald (706-896-2556)
Georgia's highest elevation at 4,784 ft. offering specular 360 degree panoramic long range views. On clear days you can see 4 states..Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The Visitor's Information Center offers exhibits, video presentation, and interpretive programs. You can access 4 hiking trails from Brasstown Bald area including Jack's Knob Trail 4.5 miles, Arkaquah Trail 5.5 miles, Wagon Train Trail 6.0 miles, and the summit access trail to the top 1/2 mile. You can choose to walk to the top or ride the shuttle bus when available. The Visitor's Center is open Memorial Day through October and on weekends in the early spring and late fall depending on weather.
High Shoals Falls
View 2 falls in one 1.2 mile hike one way
One falls 25 feet and the other a 100 feet cascade.
Moderate Difficulty
From Downtown Hiawassee: Proceed approx. 4 miles and make a right onto Hwy 17/75 South towards Helen/Cleveland. Once your on Hwy 17/75 proceed approx. 6 miles and make a left onto FS 283. Follow FS 283 approx. 1.5 miles to the start of the trailhead and parking area on the left. Visitors must cross a creek just off the highway.
60th Georgia Mountain Fair: July 21,2010 - July 31,2010
An annual event in July featuring arts, crafts, amusement rides, music shows, photo exhibit, flower show, and more...
Fall Festival: October 8,2010 - October 16,2010
An annual event in October featuring music shows, educational demonstrations, craft village, flower show, State Fiddlers Convention, and more...
Calendar of Events:
3/13/2010 - Sara Evans
Location: Anderson Music Hall, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee,GA When: Saturday March 13th @ 7:00 PM Costs: Tickets go on Sale February 12th Level 1: $40 + $2 Handling Fee, Level 2: $30 + $2 Handling Fee. Description: Sara Evans has numerous No. 1 hits including “Born to Fly,” “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket” and “A Real Fine Place to Start.” Out of five released albums “No Place That Far” has been certified gold, 2001’s “Born to Fly” is double platinum and 2003’s “Restless” and 2005’s “Real Fine Place” are both platinum. While dominating country radio airwaves with one of her hit singles, Sara Evans has recently attracted a new legion of fans as she become the first-ever country artist to join the celebrity cast of “Dancing with the Stars.” She is recognized as one of the most successful artists of her generation with accolades including Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year and the Country Music Association’s Video of the Year for “Born to Fly.” In 2006, she was named Female Vocalist of the Year in the R&R Reader’s Poll and has been celebrated as one of People’s magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.” Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191
3/17/2010 - St Patrick's Day Location: Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA. 30582 Hours: 5:00 PM - til closing Contact: Brasstown Valley Resort 706-379-9900 Cost: To be determined Description: Our St. Patty's Day party will be held in our sports bar and grill "Brassies"
3/19/2010 - 3/21/2010 - Georgia Wine Weekend Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA When: Friday March 19th through Sunday March 21st Time(TBA) Contact: Call Crane Creek Vineyard for more information at 706-379-1236.
3/27/2010 - Annual Easter Egg Hunt Location: Meeks Park - Hwy 515 Blairsville, GA. 30512 Hours: To be announced Contact: Union County Recreation Department Phone: 706-439-6074 or www.ucrd.net Sponsor: Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce
4/4/2010 - Easter Day Family Buffett - Brasstown Valley Resort Location: Brasstown Valley Resort 6321 US Highway 76 .Young Harris, GA. 30582 Hours: Noon - 5:00 PM Contact: Brasstown Valley Resort 706-379-9900 Cost: To be determined Description: Join us at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa for our Annual Family Easter Celebration; we will be hosting an entire weekend of fun filled family activities and our special Easter Buffet.
4/16/2010 - Travis Tritt
Location: Anderson Music Hall, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee,GA When: Friday April 16th time(TBA) Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
4/22/2010 - 4/24/2010 - Collegiate Bass Tournament Location: Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee, GA. 30546 Contact: For more information call Katie Polstra at 706-896-5253. Sponsor: Towns County Tourism Association Cost: TBD
5/9/2010 - Mother's Day Buffet at Brasstown Valley Resort Location: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Young Harris, GA. Hours: Noon - 5:00 PM Contact: Brasstown Valley Resort 706-379-9900 Cost: To be determined Description: Our culinary team will be putting together a wonderful Mother's Day Buffet to honor the special lady in your life.
5/29/2010 - 5/30/2010 - 3rd Annual Memorial Day Horsin Around BBQ Showdown Location: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Young Harris, GA. Hours: To be determined Contact: Brasstown Valley Resort 706-379-9900 Cost: To be determined Description: Make your plans to join all of us here at the Brasstown Valley Stables for the 3rd annual Horsin Around BBQ Showdown! Pro BBQ Team's from around the Southeast will be competing for prizes and trophies at the Showdown, who's the best? You decide at our People's Choice competition. Live music and entertainment, chainsaw craving contest, show up and cook event, kid's Q competition. Arts & crafts, food vendors and much more.
5/29/2010 - Fire in the Mountains Chili Cookoff Location: City Square - Hwy. 76 Hiawassee, GA. 30546 When: Saturday May 29th from 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM Contact: Joan Crothers 706-896-6240 Sponsor: The Towns County Fire Corps Description: The Towns County Fire Corps will be sponsoring the second annual chili cookoff on Memorial Day. The Chili Cookoff is open to the public. This is a family event with chili samples, hot dogs, drinks and ice cream all for a nominal price. If you are interested in cooking call 706-896-6240 and we will send you an application.
5/29/2010 - Annual Spring Festival
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA When: Saturday May 29th from 11:00 AM till 6:00 PM Description:Come welcome in Spring at Crane Creek Vineyards. There will be local artists featuring their work and we will be serving lunch and having wine tastings. Fun for the entire family. Costs: Tickets will be sold at the door: 21 & over - $20, under 21 - $10. Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.
7/4/2010 - The All American Cookout & Fireworks at Brasstown Valley Resort
Location: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Young Harris, GA. When: Sunday July 4th Time(TBA) Description: Our annual cookout will include live music and for the second year, the Young Harris fireworks show! Make plans to bring the family out as we will be having activities for the kids as well as the adults.
7/4/2010 - 4th of July Independence Day Fireworks Celebration
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Hiawassee,GA When: Sunday July 4th @ 9:45 PM Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
7/4/2010 - 4th of July Boat Parade
Location: Lake Chatuge,Hiawassee,GA When: Sunday July 4th @ 5:00 PM Description: Line up for start at 5:00 PM Nantahala Bay. Parade will end at Ridges Resort And they will provide A cook-out for $5.00 Enjoy the parade from the following points Towns County Recreation Center Anderson Bridge Georgia Mountain Fair Campgrounds. Boats must be 16’ or longer, Meet GA safe boating requirements, Line up behind the Grand Marshall. No wake, Must fly a U.S. Flag, Decorations are encouraged, Must have a number issued by the Grand Marshall to be considered for judging. Contact: Towns County Chamber of Commerce 706-896-4191.
7/4/2010 - 4th of July Concert "Bulletproof" Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA When: Sunday July 4th Costs: FREE Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.
7/21/2010 - 7/31/2010 - 60th Annual Georgia Mountain Fair Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546 When: Wednesday July 21st through Sunday July 31st time(TBA) Description: Enjoy first class musical performances, fun carnival rides, unique attractions and a glimpse into North Georgia’s rich history and culture, the Fair provides something for every member of the family. The Georgia Mountain Fair, is known as Georgia’s most “Unique Fair”. Those who visit the Fair will enjoy a flower show, Country Music, an Exhibit Hall, arts & crafts, and carnival rides. The pioneer village, a replica of just how the Ole Mountain towns used to be, it has demonstrations that will take you back in time such as soap and hominy making, moonshine, quilting, blacksmith shop and more. Costs: $10 admission and $2 parking fee Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191
8/21/2010 - Annual Tomato Festival at Crane Creek Vineyard
Location: Crane Creek Vineyard, Young Harris, GA When: Saturday August 21st Time(TBA) Costs: Tickets sold at the door:adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free Description: Celebrate the fruit of the other vine with your friends and family at Crane Creek Vineyards! Local restaurants and food vendors will be out giving away samples of their cuisine. Chef David and his Culinary Team will be preparing lunch for everyone with all things tomato. This is a great day of food and wine! Ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities.
10/3/2010 - 10th Annual Fundraiser "Puttin' on the Dog" Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA When: Sunday October 3rd Description: Come join us at Crane Creek Vineyards for wine tastings, music, silent and live auctions to benefit a great cause,the Humane Society's Mountain Shelter. Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.
10/8/2010 - 10/16/2010 - Georgia Mountain Fall Festival Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hwy 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
When: Friday October 8th through Sunday October 16th time(TBA) Description: With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. This event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers' Convention. Music daily in The Anderson Music Hall, Flower Show, Arts and Crafts, Exhibit Hall. Demonstrations will take you back to the Old Ways’ as local folks show how Moonshine was made,along with Quilting, Soap and Hominy making, Blacksmith Shop and more. The Pioneer Village, is a replica of an era gone by. Costs: $10 admission and $2 parking fee Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 706-896-4191
10/23/2010 - Annual Harvest Festival
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA When: Saturday October 23rd from 11:00 AM till 6:00 PM Description: Come celebrate our Annual Harvest Festival at Crane Creek Vineyards.There is something here for everyone. Events include hayrides, grape stomping, tours of the winery, and even a kids tent. Your ticket price includes wine tasting, souvenir wine glass, lunch and admission to all of the activities. Costs: Tickets will be sold at the door: adults $20, ages 13-20 $10, children under 12 free. Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.
12/21/2010 - Annual Winter Solstice Celebration
Location: Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA When: Tuesday December 21st from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM Description:Come celebrate the longest night of the year at Crane Creek. Contact: For more information call 706-379-1236.
Where to Stay:
Luxury Lakefront & Lakeview Condominiums on Lake Chatuge
Featuring 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, stack stone fireplace, pool, tennis court, restaurants, workout facility, and boat rentals all within walking distance.
Click here for more information: www.smokymountainvacationstation.com
Riverfront Cabins tastefully decorated in a rustic mountain decor located directly on the Hiawassee River with great trout fishing. Cabins feature 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, sleeps 6-8,a fully equipped kitchen for cooking and serving, stack stone fireplace, hardwood floors, private hot tub on the covered deck, and access to the community pool and workout facility. Very Affordable.
Click here for more information: www.smokymountainvacationstation.com
Long Range Mountain View Cabins tastefully decorated in a rustic mountain decor. Cabins feature 3 and 4 bedroom units, over 3000 sq. ft, pool table, a fully equipped kitchen for cooking and serving, stack stone fireplace, hardwood floors, covered deck, and access to the Hiawassee River, pool, and workout facility with a short walk.
Click here for more information: www.smokymountainvacationstation.com
Real Estate Information:
Century 21 Scenic Realty 3680 Highway 76
Young Harris, GA. 30582
Michelle Hedden, Realtor Licensed in GA & NC mhedden@windstream.net
P: 706-835-9090
Favorite Area Restaurants:
Enrico's Italian Restaurant
687 Main Street, Suite 5
Young Harris, GA. 30582
706-379-1950
Review: GREAT Italian Food, Unique seafood dishes, Fair price, Good folks own the place.