A Guide To Hiawassee and the Northeast Georgia Mountains
✅ Look for our personal favorites!
Outdoor & Lake Activities
✅ Go Boating on Lake Chatuge
Mayor's Public Boat Ramp Access To Lake Chatuge
1000 Hwy 76 West, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina
107 Boundary Waters Dr, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Float Down the Chattahoochee River or Zipline Over It
✅ Cool River Tubing & Adventures
590 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen GA 30545
See a Concert or Go To The Fair
1311 Music Hall Rd. Hiawassee, GA 30546
Go Fishing
159 N. Main St. Hiawassee, GA 30546
Go Swimming
Towns County Beach & Playground
US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546
3379 US Highway 76 Hiawassee, GA 30546
Play Golf or Mini Golf
260 Golf Course Rd, Hayesville NC 28904
1081 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545
Go Horseback Riding
1306 Hothouse Rd, Hayesville NC 28904
Go 4x4 Off Roading
Carolina Crawlers Off-Road Adventure Park
117 Bailey Mountain, Young Harris, GA 30582
2042 GA-515, Blairsville, GA 30512
A Short Drive Near the Cabin
From the cabin, take a left out of the driveway. Drive 0.2 miles and take a left at the mailboxes onto a dirt road. The loop will take you on a short off road dirt trail and around to the other end of the paved road. Continue to drive until you arrive back at the cabin which will be on your left.
Sight Seeing
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220 Shake Rag Rd Hiawassee, GA 30546
*temporary closed for 2024*
S Wood St, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Memory Lane Classic Car Museum
1159 Jack Dayton Cir, Young Harris, GA 30582
(762) 349-1557
(706) 896-4137
Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge
96 Pavilion Road Hiawassee, GA
Hiking
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Waterfall Trails
High Shoals Falls ✅
There are 5 waterfalls total along this trail. This is family and dog friendly. The 1.2 mile hike along High Shoals Creek is part of the 170 acre scenic area and leads you to two observation decks that sit beside two of the five waterfalls. Going south towards Helen, The High Shoals sign will be on your left. Go 1.5 miles on this road to the High Shoals Scenic Area for parking.
1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546
This a small waterfall just east of Young Harris and Young Harris College off of Thomastown Road. A great short drive, easy hike, area with picnic tablesand swingset along the creek. There is plenty of parking at Corn Creek Preserve, which also offers several other level hiking trails.
401-4498 Bryson Dr. Young Harris, GA 30582
Helton Creek Falls
This is a nice short day hike that is a bit steep. Helton Creek Falls is actually a series of two waterfalls located within the Chattahoochee National Forest in Blairsville, GA that is both family and dog friendly. The total round trip hike is under a mile.
2641 Helton Creek Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
DeSoto Falls
This hike is just over 2 miles round trip. This includes all three waterfalls on Frogtown Creek, called Upper DeSoto Falls, Middle Desoto Falls and Lower DeSoto Falls. There is a paid parking area near the trail head along with picnic tables and grills.
18365 US-129 Cleveland, GA 30528
Dick’s Creek Falls (Water’s Creek Falls)
These beautiful falls are easily accessible with a short 50 foot hike to the falls with a large pool below to wade or swim in and upper shoals to wade in. This is just below the spot where Dick’s Creek and Water’s Creek merge. Water shoes are a good accessory as the rocks can be slippery. Also a good place for fly fishing for trout.
Water’s Creek Falls, Dicks Creek Rd, Cleveland, GA 30528, GPS coordinates: 34.679441, -83.936501
Anna Ruby Falls
This waterfall is a popular spot just north of Helen. Curtis Creek drops 153 feet and York Creek 50 feet to form the twin waterfalls known as Anna Ruby Falls. From the falls, Smith Creek runs downhill to Unicoi Lake and then to the Chattahoochee River. The waterfall is accessible through a half mile hike on a paved trail. The 4.6-mile Smith Creek Trail Head is there if you'd like a longer hike as well. The Smith Creek trail leads from the base of Anna Ruby Falls to Unicoi State Park. There is a fee of $3.00 per person (ages 16 & up) to visit the Falls. No one is admitted on the trail after 5PM.
3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 30545
Dukes Creek Falls ✅
The Dukes Creek trail is a moderate 2 mile round trip on a well maintained path with multiple stairs leading down to the falls. This is just north of Helen and close to Raven Cliff Falls.
1699 Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545
Raven Cliff Falls
Just a short drive from downtown Helen this can be a busy spot on the weekend. The trail is a 5 mile round trip. The 2.5 miles out will take you to a 40 foot cliff and the waterfall. You will see smaller falls on the way there.
3000 Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, Helen, GA 30545
Hemlock Falls at Moccasin Creek State Park ✅
This is in the Chattahoochee National Forest on Moccasin Creek in Clarkesville, GA. The trail is a moderate 2 miles round trip, that begins at Moccasin Creek State Park and follows an old railroad bed. The falls is just over 15 ft high and flows into a nice calm pool that is big enough to cool off in.
59 Andersonville Ln, Clarkesville, GA 30523
Easy Family Friendly Trails
Lake Chatuge Recreation Area Trail ✅
This is an easy to moderate flat one mile well worn loop with views of the lake. The trail begins near the boat ramp at the Lake Chatuge Recreation area and continues through the woods following the shoreline of the lake. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains are peaceful and this is family and dog friendly. There is a boat ramp, and it is a good fishing spot being less popular boat launch with the crowds.
591 Sunnyside Rd Hiawassee, GA 30546
Lake Chatuge Dam Trail ✅
This trail on the northern part of the lake is a nice scenic walking trail. It is good for families with small children in strollers, dogs or for those needing an even surface under their feet. The trail crosses over TVA's Chatuge Dam and offers fantastic views of the lake and mountains. Once across the dam the paved trail ends, and a dirt trail finds shade as it meanders through the trees.
1407 Chatuge Dam Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904
Moccasin Creek State Park
This park is located on the shores of Lake Burton. There is a one mile wildlife trail and the Hemlock Falls 1.5 mile trail (listed under waterfall trails). There is also a trout hatchery, fishing and boating docks on the lake, a picnic area and canoe and kayak rental.
Highway 197 Clarkesville, GA 30523
Trahlyta Lake Trail at Vogel State Park
Hike the 1.0 mile scenic Trahlyta Lake Trail at Vogel State Park, following the shore of the beautiful mountain lake to the stunning cascades of Trahlyta Falls and iconic views of Blood Mountain. See more trails at Vogel State Park
7481 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
Sosebee Cove Trail
The trail is 0.5 mile loop that is gently sloping and fairly smooth winding through a north facing cove. There is limited parking on both sides of the road.
Wolf Pen Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
Moderate Trails
The Miller Trek
This is a lightly used 6.5 mile trail with various shorter trail loops all well marked on a map at the trailhead. Any direction you go will bring you back to the entrance near Brasstown Valley Resort. The longer hike takes you through wooded terrain up to Rocky knob and an elevation of 3327ft. At the summit take a short spur (marked by a stack of rocks next to a tree) to see long range views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the overlook including Brasstown Bald. The trail begins somewhat rocky but smooths out to a moderate, steady incline. Be on the look out for poison ivy as there is a good amount along the trail.
6321 Hwy. 76 Young Harris GA 30852
Jackrabbit Mountain Trails ✅
The 14 miles of hiking and biking trails are very well marked and some run alongside Chatuge Lake. In addition to hiking and biking, picnicing, swimming, fishing and water sports are available at Jackrabbit Recreation Area.
1203 Jack Rabbit Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904
Wagon Train Trail
The 13.1 mile round trip begins at the main parking lot at Brasstown Bald and ends close to Young Harris College with a few restaurants close by to grab a meal before you head back. The trail was originally carved out as a road for families traveling in covered wagons who traveled the road from Young Harris to Brasstown Bald to camp and socialize. It was originally built as part of Georgia’s Route 66 in the 1950’s by convict labor. The road now is only open to hikers and horses, and will lead people deep into the Brasstown wilderness. Gorgeous summit views and cliffs await.
Wagon Train Trailhead GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Unicoi Lake Trail at Unicoi State park
This easy-to-moderate 2 mile mostly flat wooded loop takes you around beatutiful Unicoi lake just north of Helen. See more trails at Unicoi State Park
Unicoi Park Shelter 7, Unicoi Lake Trail, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Dicks Creek Gap
This is a moderate 5 mile round trip hike to the summit of Powell Mountain. Going southbound from Dicks Creek Gap 5.2 miles you’ll climb to stunning views of Lake Burton. There is a free parking area and Appalachian Trail signage.
Dicks Creek Gap Parking US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546
Difficult Trails
Arkaquah Trail
This trail hike is 11 miles roundtrip from Track Rock Gap to Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest summit. This is a difficult hike ascending over 1000 feet. The Track Rock Gap trail head is also an archeological site where six smooth soapstone boulders are etched and carved with primitive symbols. These petroglyphs were created over a thousand years ago.
2000 Trackrock Gap Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512
Unicoi Gap 8.9 miles to Chattahoochee Gap
The spring at this hike’s final destination is the official headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. A great full day hike on the Appalachian Trail. When driving on Unicoi Turnpike between Helen and Hiawassee, you will see a large parking area and a National Forest Sign.
Unicoi Gap Hy 75 52.9, Appalachian Trail, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
Blood Mountain
This is the sixth-tallest mountain in Georgia, with an elevation of 4,458 feet. This is a difficult 4.3 mile trail round trip, ascending to the summit with gorgeous views.
Byron Reece trailhead parking at Byron Reece Memorial Trail, Blairsville, GA 30512
Yonah Mountain Trail
This 4.4 mile trail travels through a forest, climbing Yonah mountain to beautiful summit views. This is a very popular hike with a lot of rock outcrops totake in the scenic views and has some challenging upward climbs along the way. Yonah sits at the foothills of Georgia’s southern Appalachian Mountains between Cleveland and Helen.
Mount Yonah Trailhead GA-75, Cleveland, GA 30528
Eats & Brews
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197 S Main St Hiawassee, GA 30546
*Eat in and drive through options
Breakfast - Lunch
715 N. Main St, Hiawassee GA 30546
*They offer a wide selection of dishes and also have a bar.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
1460 US 76, Hiawassee, GA 30546
*Brooklyn style brick oven pizza with small indoor/outdoor seating area
Lunch - Dinner
1586 U.S. 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546
*The best bbq in town!
Lunch - Dinner
142 N. Main St. Hiawassee, GA 30546
*An urban style cafe offering free retro arcade games
Lunch - Dinner - Drinks
Monte Alban Restaurante Mexicano
N. Main St Hiawassee, GA 30546
*Tex-Mex
Lunch - Dinner
955 Hwy 69 South, suite B, Hayesville, NC 28904
*Authentic Mexican street food
Lunch - Dinner
6223 S US Hwy 76 Bypass W, Young Harris, GA 30582
*A local favorite
Lunch - Dinner
757 Bell Creek Rd, Bldg 4, Hiawassee GA 30546
*Mediterranean inspired, recently opened, great reviews, limited hours
Dinner - Drinks
Order Delivery from Restaurants in the Area
The view from the upper deck at Hiawassee Brew
474 S Main St, Hiawassee, GA 30546
* Street tacos, wings & burgers on the menu. Live music, darts & games
Dinner - Drinks
2 Sullivan Street, Hayesville, NC 28904
*Reservations recommended - Intimate upscale eatery with a creole flair
Dinner
3493 US 76, Hiawassee, GA 30546
*Farm to table American fare with a lakeside view
Breakfast - Dinner
Marina Station at The Ridges Resort
3499 US-76 Young Harris, GA 30582
*Upscale bar food on the water with TVs and live music
Lunch - Dinner - Drinks
1382 US-76, Hiawassee, GA 30546
*Offers sushi as well as Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Drink menu includes beer, wine and sake.
Lunch - Dinner
1615 GA 17, Suite 104, Young Harris, GA 30582
Breakfast - Lunch
Shopping
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✅ Creekside General Store
2955 U.S. Hwy 76 E., Hiawassee, GA 30546
*unique gifts, handmade pottery, locally made wooden furniture and more. It’s a fun stop if you have time.
715 North Main St. Hiawassee, GA 30546
Body Sense Day Spa & Boutique
2226 Ridgecrest Cir, Hiawassee, GA 30546
75 North Main St. Hiawassee, GA 30546
518 North Main St. Hiawassee, GA 30546
347 Town Place Hiawassee, GA 30546
695 North Main Street. Hiawassee GA 30546
232 Chatuge Way Hiawassee, GA 30546
Inside at the Hiawassee Fruit and Vegetable Market
✅ Hiawassee Fruit and Vegetable Market
*local produce, sauces, jams & jellys, boiled peanuts, firewood & more!
814 N. Main St., Hiawassee, GA 30546
*Antiques, local products & more
6224 US Highway 76, Young Harris, GA 30582
Wineries
916 Crane Creek Rd. Young Harris, GA 30582 ~ Tasting Room 706-379-1236 ~ info@cranecreekvineyards.com
7150 Canaan Dr. Hiawassee, GA 30546 ~ 706-896-8963 ~ info@hightowercreekvineyards.com
7025 South Main St. Helen, GA 30545 ~ 706-878-9463 ~ tastingroom@habershamwinery.com
8 Cedar Cliff Rd. Hayesville, NC 28904 ~ 828-389-8466 ~ eagleforkvineyards@gmail.com
Crawford Acres Vineyard and Winery
"We planted our first vines in 2016 and hope to open our doors to the public as soon as 2023"
730 McClure Dr, Hayesville NC 28904 ~ 770-843-0902 ~ info@crawfordacres.net
Paradise Hills Resort Winery & Spa
366 Paradise Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512 ~ (706) 745-7483 ~ Tasting room: Taste@paradisehillsga.com
Guest Recommendations
Bell Mountain is a must see
- The Adams Family
The view and peacefulness was exactly what we needed
We had an amazing day on the lake!
-The Hooper Family
We love the view and the peacefulness
Brasstown Bald and Bell Mountain did NOT disappoint!
-Deon & Jill
The Happy Hawg had AMAZING bbq!
-The Cooks
The sights at High Shoals Falls were breathtaking (as was the hike)!
- Jeff, Shonda & Oliver
Brasstown Bald was so nice! The Always Christmas Store is very cute.
- Tanya & Family
Brasstown Bald was wonderful!
- Maria & Brandon
The view from Brasstown Bald was unbelievable!
- Faye & John
We enjoyed the views [at the cabin], Bell Mountain and Crane Creek Vineyards
- Alex & Kayleigh
We went to Bell Mountain, what a breathtaking view!
- The Alexander Family
Raven Cliff Falls, High Shoals Falls and Cupid Falls were some of the hikes we really enjoyed. The view from Brasstown Bald was spectacular!
- Carolina & Renato
Views from Brasstown Bald and Bell Mountain were worth every step!
- Holly
We built two tables with the Willow Tree Lady! Highly recommend this! The website is www.spirittall.com This was really neat to do! The tables are made out of different local mountain trees!
- Shannon & Betsy
We loved hiking Hemlock Falls. Highly Recommend. Anna Ruby [Falls] was great too. Hiawassee Brew was great. Jenna was so nice.
- Drea Jennay