Hiawassee, GA
26°
Clear sky
Clear sky

Lake Chatuge

Hiawassee, GA - Currently: 26°F, Clear sky

Towns County not only borders North Carolina but also shares a 7,000 acre lake (Lake Chatuge) with its northern neighbor.   Activity on the lake (pontoon rentals, waterskiing, fishing, jet skiing) starts in early May when the afternoon temperature rises to a comfortable 75 degrees.  Evening hours in the summer months are a perfect time for an afternoon golf game (four golf courses within 20 miles); a pontoon ride on the lake; a sip of wine from one of two local vineyards, or, just sitting in a rocking chair on the porch. Unique to Towns County is the Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge which feature over 400 varieties of the plants for which the garden is named.  Stroll along a trail that also features dogwoods, tulip magnolias, native azaleas, wild flowers and trillium.  For hikers or those who need a breath of fresh air, Towns County has numerous trails to enjoy in the Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest which makes up 2/3 of the county.  Many of the trails are easy to moderate in skill level and several lead to beautiful natural waterfalls and picnic spots.

As the weathers warms, the Towns County public beach is ideal for families with young children.  Easy to reach off the main road through town, the beach area offers a roped area for swimming, pavilion for picnicking and new playground.  And, any day with a clear blue sky is the perfect time to visit the tallest peak in Georgia, Brasstown Bald.  Young and old delight in the view from the observation deck where five states can be seen.  During regular operating hours a small museum is open to the public in the Bald’s Visitor Center.  For a view unlike any other, visit the new observation deck atop Bell Mountain just east of downtown Hiawassee.  There are also plenty of unique restaurants offering an assortment of choices and atmospheres – sports bars, fine dining, bbq, pizza, fast food and of course, great family eateries!  Much like the restaurant choices, shopping includes a Christmas store, antiques, art galleries, women’s boutiques, general stores and specialty shops.  Plenty to enjoy to Towns County.  Go Lake Chatuge!