Area Events & Activities around Lake Chatuge
List of Area Hiking Trails & Waterfalls
Trailful’s List of Favorite Walking Trails within 30 miles of Lake Chatuge
Atlanta Trails Map of Hiking Trails
Lake Chatuge Trail - A one mile trail around the lake, relatively level (watch out for roots) and weaving in and out of coves.
Beautiful Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa offers more than nine miles of interpretive hiking trails, known as the Miller Trek.
The Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail System in Hayesville, North Carolina offers about 15 miles of trails, many of which border Lake Chatuge. Mountain bikers can get their wheels dusty on approximately 14 miles of bike-friendly trails.
Bell Mountain (Not a trail but more of an observation platform) Rugged mountain top with graffitied rocks & an observation deck providing panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding lake and mountains. You drive up the mountain and can park at the base. This is not a hike as much as just a lookout. There is an observation area that you can climb stairs to a viewing platform. 900 Bell Mountain Park Rd., Hiawassee GA 30546
Client & Personal Favorites - just a short drive from Lake Chatuge
Bell Mountain - (Hiawassee) A spectacular view rather than a hike but a must see.
High Shoals Falls Trail (30 Min South)
Big Laurel Falls / Melton Falls (30 Min East)
Rufus Morgan Falls (45 Min. West - just outside of Franklin NC)
Helton Creek Falls (Helen Ga 30 Min South)
River / Tubing
Tubing - Hayesville Area:
West River Tubing Company: West River Tubing Company features tubing & kayak float trips on beautiful Brasstown Creek in Warne, NC, near Hayesville. They offer burgers, hot dogs and beverages on our spacious deck overlooking the creek. They are not your ordinary rafting company!
Tubing - Helen & Unicoi Area:
Helen Tubing & Waterpark
Nacoochee Adventures Canopy tours,Longest Dual Zipline in GA, ATV- Wheeler Tours, Thriller Swing, Gold mine and more!
Nantalahala Outdoor Center (NOC) has everything!! and very close by! State Parks
Anna Ruby Falls Spectacular Anna Ruby Falls lies in the heart of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and has become one of North Georgia’s premier spots to visit. The quiet coolness of the area is broken only by the thundering rush of water flowing over the rugged cliff face.The Recreation Area consists of a visitor center with local crafts, educational items and clothing, picnic spots, fishing, and of course the paved hiking trail to Anna Ruby Falls.
Unicoi State Park centered around beautiful Lake Unicoi within the Chattahoochee National Forest. The park offers unparalleled hiking trails leading to Anna Ruby Falls and Helen. Smith Creek – a peaceful tributary of the Chattahoochee River
Hardman Farm Georgia’s newest state historic site. 173 acre farm includes Nacoochee Indian Mound, 1870’s mansion and several turn of the century barns and outbuildings
Horseback Riding.
Chunky Gal Stables: Guided Trail Rides, Hay Rides Pony Rides, Lessons, Training, Boarding.
Trackrock Stables located in a valley of over 250 acres of land in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains, surrounded by mountains on three sides, which is the Chattahoochee National Forest. Typically, open daily for guided 1 & 2 hour trail rides.
Stables at Brasstown Valley Resort Featuring five miles of trails, the new Stables primarily offers one- and two-hour guided mountain trail rides, accommodating all experience levels, from beginner to advanced. 706-379-9900
Shopping.
Clothing:
Britt & Capri (Hiawassee) My “go to” store for ALL my clothes. I love the brands, the quality, the service, the selection and even the sale rack is awesome! I live in Atlanta full time and THIS is where I shop the most!
North & Main Clothing Company (Hiawassee) My teenage daughters TOTAL favorites for everything… hip, cute, casual and really adorable. Jewelry, dresses, tops and bottoms, shoes and everything in between. I even bought something for myself!
Trailful Outdoor Co. - (Hiawassee) Hiking / Outfitter shop located on Main Street, one block from the town square.
Southern Crossroads Outdoors, Hiawassee, GA
Brasstown Valley Pro-shop & Country Store
Tiger's Store, Chinquapin's Ice Cream & Soda Bar one of my favorites stores in Hayesville and a stop I make on every visit! Gifts, clothes, items that make you laugh out loud… just a great stop (plus they have ice cream!)
Tata on Main (consignment)
Home Decor:
The Lazy Llama Home Design - The newest store on the Hayesville Town Square. Lots of great gift ideas, furniture painting, jewelry making classes and more! Check out this lovely little store next to the Chamber Of Commerce.
HobNob Home Decor Super cute with great gift ideas
The Shoppe on the Square (Hayesville) Darling nick nacks and gift ideas. Seasonal decor as well.
Moose Creek (Hiawassee) Really cute home decor and accessories. I can always find loads of must have items here. :)
Antiques:
Lakeview Vintage Market, Hiawassee GA
Farm House Antiques (Photo above - No Website)
Mainstreet Vintage Market, Hayesville NC
Sporting Goods:
Mountain Valley Country Store, Hayesville, NC
Hiawassee Hardware, Hiawassee, GA - Yes, a hardware store but they have EVERYTHING
Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail (AT), which stretches from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine, runs through part of Towns County. Lake Chatuge and the community of Hiawassee are part of the Appalachian Trail Community partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Activities.
Hamilton Gardens @ Lake Chatuge
John C. Campbell Folk School - (Brasstown) offer year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing and includes concerts, dances, presentations and meals.
Peacock Performing Arts Center Hayesville A small 250 seat theater that has steady flow of stellar performances including four plays a year; musical concerts of great variety; and family entertainment such as juggling and magic shows.
Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden / Hamilton Gardens @ Lake Chatuge - The Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden is the only public botanical garden in the northeast Georgia mountains specializing in Rhododendrons and Native Azaleas, located on the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds property, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, Georgia. Many varieties of rhododendrons as well as native wildflowers, plants and trees on 33 acres on the banks of Lake Chatuge.
The Beale Center Historic Clay County Courthouse / The Beale Center. Sitting in the middle of downtown Hayesville… a summer concert series
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area An Amazing interactive website of things to do, see and visit in the Blue Ridge area. Craft trails, music trails, artist directory and more up and down western north carolina. Go Explore!!
Georgia Mountain Ethnobotanic Gardens & Woodland Medicine Trail A division of College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences - UGA to preserve the incredible diversity of native plant species living in the Southern Appalachian Mountain Region.
Cherokee History Trail Hayesville, NC Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, Clay County Museum, Cherokee Cultural Center & Botanical Sanctuary
Kula Wellness Center: Movement Classes, Thai Massage, Facials, Retreats, Workshops, Concerts, Talks, Music Jams
Boat Rentals.
Chatuge Marine - Our first choice for boat rentals! We purchased our boat from this company and they are a wonderful, small family owned business with great customer service and fantastic pricing. 706-896-2835 Ask for Dwayne or Lisa.
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina
Pontoons, Deck Boats, Ski’s, Tubing, Jet Ski’s and more!
Fishing Boats, Jet Ski’s, pontoons and all kinds of personal water crafts like kayak’s and paddle boards.
Wineries. Breweries. Distilleries
Read a BLOG Post about the North Georgia Wineries.
Hiawassee Brewery - Outdoor seating, good beer, good food.
Shooting Creek Vines (SCV) Brand new winery and wonderful!
Stonewall Creek Vineyards, Tiger Georgia
Paradise Hills Winery Resort & Spa Farm winery with tasting room & spa. Blairsville
Habersham Vinyards & Winery Producer of Creekstone, Habersham Southern Harvest Helen GA
Crane Creek Vineyards, Young Harris GA - One of my MOST favorite places to go on a beautiful day. Live music, good food and good wine with beautiful scenery. A WIN WIN- Read my blog post here
Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillery, Blairsville GA
Hightower Creek Vineyards, Hiawassee GA - A local favorite. I have not visited yet but I will!
Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge, GA
Fishing.
Smithgall Woods is an angler’s paradise. One of north Georgia’s premier trout streams, Dukes Creek, runs through this spectacular mountain property and is a favorite for catch and release fishing.
Noontootla Creek Farms. NCF is open to the public and consists of 1200 acres offering year round guided fly fishing trips for trophy trout, an awesome sporting clays range, and upland quail and pheasant hunts. Call for res. 3668 Newport Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 (706) 838-0585
Lake Chatuge Bass Fishing Guide Service Bass fishing using a tournament ready Ranger or a BassCat boat. (828) 644-4392
Big Ol’ Fish Guiding Service Guided Fishing Trips 365 Days a Year! 828-361-2021
Fishing License can be purchased at gofishgeorgia.com
https://www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing/Licenses-and-Regulations
Brasstown Bald.
Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s Highest Mountain Point, rising 4784 feet above sea level, is a few minutes from downtown Hiawassee, Georgia. Surrounded by the Chattahoochee - Oconee National Forest, its cloud level observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and valleys. There is a great 1/2 Mile trail to the top of Brasstown Bald which is paved but steep and offers amazing views! On clear days, the spectacular 360-degree view from the top of Brasstown Bald allows you to see four states: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina , and South Carolina.
Download Brasstown Bald Brochure Here
US Forrest Service Outdoor Recreation Map for Chattahooche National Forrest
Festivals.
Summer Concert Series on the Hayesville Square. Sponsored by CCCRA - Bring a lawn chair - food and beverage service available or bring a picnic.
First Friday - Hiawassee Night Market: May - October 2021 Artist and Artisan Market including music, food, games & fresh produce. 5 p.m. until ? - Visit City of Hiawassee’s Facebook Page for a list of current events on the square.
Butternut Creek Festival Fine Craft & Art Show held the third week of July at Meeks Park, Blairsville, GA Free Admission
Union County Farmers Market 80+ Farmers & Artisans June - October 148 Old Smoky Road, Blairsville
Reece Farm & Heritage Center Preserving the early 20th Century Appalachian Style of life. Authentic farm Buildings, Exhibits, Museum, Farm animals, petting area, local crafts, potter and more.
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds:
APRIL:
Mile Long Yard Sale 4/23-24/21
Memory Lane Classic Car Show April 30-May 1st
MAY:
Georgia Mountain Egg Fest - May 14-15
Hiawassee Pro Rodeo May 28th - 29th
JUNE:
GABMA Rally June 26th & 27th
Appalachian Wine Music & Art Festival - June
JULY
4th of July Fireworks
AUGUST
Georgia Mountain Fair - Fair begins 2nd Friday in August w/ 9 fun filled days and nights with entertainment, arts & crafts, live working pioneer village, antique farm museum and carnival
Georgia Moonshine Crusin’ - July30 32 & Aug. 1
SEPTEMBER
Gene Watson, Janie Fricke & Marty Haggard (Tribute to Merle Haggard) Sept 5
Happy Together Tour Six Groups Sept 12
Dailey & Vincent Landfest Sept 17-19
Coasters, Drifters & Platters Sept. 26
OCTOBER
Georgia State Clogging Convention Oct. 3
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival - October 8 - 16th 2021 Arts & crafts, Musical Concerts, Cooking, mountain arts & crafts
Roots & Boots Concert Kershaw Tippin & Raye Oct 10
Ronnie Milsap & John Conlee Oct 17
Appalachian Mountain Brew, Que & Stew October 23rd 2021
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
Mountain Country Christmas & Light Show November 26th - December 26th
Golf.
Brasstown Valley Golf Club. Designed by Denis Griffiths, the golf course winds through wildlife preserves, ponds and streams framed in by the mountains. With five sets of tees, all skill levels will be able to enjoy a layout that is maintained to standards you'd expect. 6321 US-76 Young Harris, GA 30582 (706) 379-4613
Dining.
Young Harris Wing House - OMG. Simply to die for. Great wings and amazing daily and weekly specials. A awesome stop for lunch or dinner. Read my blog post about YH Wing House
Tilted Cafe Hiawassee’s Newest Cafe. Fantastic Flat Bread Pizza’s and amazing salads, cocktails are delicious too. A very casual, delicious urban style cafe serving sandwiches, cocktails, salads, soups flatbreads in a fun atmosphere. Free-play arcade games, outdoor patio, table games and more to keep everyone entertained. Read my blog post about Tilted Cafe here!
Nocturnal Brewing Company Outstanding, moderately priced fare. Great local brews and a super fun environment. (a family favorite)
The Crown at Brasstown - (Brasstown) A truly delightful culinary experience - Great service, delicious fresh food, beautiful ambiance. Sourced from local farms, the outdoor space is vast and private, making for a family friendly environment. Enjoy the view, meander through the garden, and greet the goats and chickens.
Anejo Grill Fantastic Mexican food with fantastic service. One of my local favorites.
Laughing Waters - Hayesville - Breakfast lunch and dinner options plus a wine and cocktail bar. Good food, great ambiance and wonderful staff. Always enjoy a glass of something here. ;)
Marina Station at The Ridges Resort: Live Music, Big Outdoor deck, good casual food and fun to follow on Instagram! You simply must get the soft, warm pretzel…ugh! TIP: They also have a great waterpark in the summer for the kiddo’s! Read my blog post here
The Copper Door The Copper Door features aged steaks, fresh seafood, unique salads and house made desserts. (Haven’t been but heard amazing things!!)
Sand Bar & Grille Great environment and always look full but haven’t been yet.
Mary’s Southern Grille Southern food (Think local mountain trout or Fried Chicken) with fantastic service.
Angelo’s Downtown Pizza - simple but delicious pizza. A great place to take the kids.
Hayesville Brewing Company - havent been here yet but it’s beer! :)
Hiawassee Brewery Great beer and fun ambiance! Live music regularly
Blackdog Tavern Bar & Grille - Sports bar in downtown Hayesville. Simple fare, great price, cold beer. Casual. Outdoor and indoor dining.
Trouble Tap Bar & Grill- Young Harris - Have not been here but has pool tables, bar food and the reviews are good! I’ll update once I go visit. ;)