Photo: Harrison Keely, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hiawassee wraps around the shore of Lake Chatuge, a clear mountain reservoir that crosses into North Carolina, which makes it the North Georgia town for a lake-and-mountains weekend. It is about 108 miles from Atlanta, roughly 2 hours 25 minutes without traffic, close to Brasstown Bald and the college town of Young Harris. Here are the best things to do in Hiawassee, checked in October 2026.
- From AtlantaAbout 108 miles, 2 hours 25 minutes without traffic
- CountyTowns County
- Known forLake Chatuge, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and nearby Brasstown Bald
Top Things to Do in Hiawassee
1. Lake Chatuge
A 7,050-acre TVA lake split between Georgia and North Carolina that produced a world-record hybrid striped bass in 1995. Boating, swimming and fishing for bass, hybrids, walleye and crappie; a license from either state covers the whole lake by boat.
2. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
The lakeside fairgrounds host the Georgia Mountain Fair each August (August 14 to 22 in 2026; general admission $7, children 12 and under free), a fall festival in October and concerts at the music hall.
3. Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge
A lakeside rhododendron garden next to the fairgrounds with thousands of plants, at its best in April and May. Open daily from morning until dusk; check hamiltongardens.org for current admission.
4. Brasstown Bald
Georgia’s highest point, 4,784 feet, a short drive southwest. $8 per person ages 16 and up, including the shuttle to the summit; the road can close in winter for snow and ice.
5. Mountain views
Hiawassee sits between Brasstown Bald and the high ridges along the North Carolina line. Our best scenic views in North Georgia guide covers the overlooks and summit hikes nearby.
Advertise in Hiawassee
Own a cabin rental, inn, restaurant, shop or outfitter in Hiawassee? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Summer is lake season, the Georgia Mountain Fair takes over the fairgrounds in August, and October brings the fall festival and color on the ridges. See our fall color report and Christmas lights in Georgia for the fairgrounds’ holiday season.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
Pair Hiawassee with Blairsville, Helen, Clayton, or compare all of them in our 10 best North Georgia mountain towns. For the bigger picture, see 20 best things to do in North Georgia, the North Georgia map and our lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
What is Hiawassee, GA known for?
Hiawassee is best known for Lake Chatuge, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and nearby Brasstown Bald.
How far is Hiawassee from Atlanta?
Hiawassee is about 108 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 2 hours 25 minutes by car without traffic.
When is the Georgia Mountain Fair?
The Georgia Mountain Fair is held each August at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee. In 2026 it runs August 14 to 22, with general admission of $7 and free admission for children 12 and under.
Is Lake Chatuge in Georgia or North Carolina?
Both. Lake Chatuge is a Tennessee Valley Authority lake on the Hiwassee River with its south end in Georgia at Hiawassee and its north end in North Carolina. A fishing license from either state lets you fish the whole lake by boat.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked on October 15, 2026. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- Explore Georgia: 2026 Georgia Mountain Fair dates and admission
- Explore Georgia: Hamilton Gardens
- U.S. Forest Service: Brasstown Bald fees
- U.S. Census Bureau: 2024 population estimate (1,046)
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.