Attractions and Places To See around Hiwassee - Top 5

The Hiwassee area is rich in natural beauty. You can enjoy panoramic views from Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex, which also offers trails through a former mining area. For stunning 360-degree vistas of Lake Chatuge and the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit Bell Mountain Park and Historical Site. Georgia's highest peak, Brasstown Bald, also provides breathtaking views, and on a clear day, you can see four states. Lake Chatuge itself is a central attraction, perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Yes, the area has several points of historical and cultural interest. The New River Bridge, built over a century ago, is a significant historical landmark along the New River Trail. The Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex features informational signage about its past as a mining area. Bell Mountain Park is also a historical site. For a deeper dive into local flora, Hamilton Gardens showcases over 3,000 plant species, including the state's largest collection of rhododendrons. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosts various events, including the annual Georgia Mountain Fair.

Beyond exploring the attractions, the Hiwassee area offers numerous outdoor activities. The New River Trail, where highlights like the New River Bridge and Hiwassee River Bridge are located, is excellent for hiking and cycling. The Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex offers easy to moderate mountain biking and hiking trails. Lake Chatuge is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Hiwassee River is known for trout fishing, tubing, kayaking, and even white-water rafting in certain sections. You can find more routes for cycling around Hiwassee on our dedicated guide page: Cycling around Hiwassee.

Many attractions in Hiwassee are suitable for families. The bridges along the New River Trail, such as the New River Bridge, Hiwassee River Bridge, and Big Reed Trestle, are part of trails that are generally family-friendly. The Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex also has trails rated easy or moderate, suitable for families. Towns County Recreational Beach on Lake Chatuge offers a swimming area, playgrounds, and picnic tables. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosts events that often cater to all ages.

The best time to visit Hiwassee largely depends on your preferred activities. Late spring is particularly stunning for visiting Hamilton Gardens, as the rhododendrons are in full bloom. Summer is ideal for water activities on Lake Chatuge and the Hiwassee River. Fall offers spectacular foliage views, especially along the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway and from viewpoints like Brasstown Bald and Bell Mountain. While some outdoor activities are year-round, winter can bring colder temperatures, though the mountain scenery remains beautiful.

Hiking opportunities abound near Hiwassee's attractions. The New River Trail, which connects several bridges like the New River Bridge, is a popular choice. The Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex offers over three miles of easy to moderate trails. Bell Mountain Park features a short hike to its summit for incredible views. For more extensive hiking, the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest covers a vast area with hundreds of miles of trails, and the High Shoals Falls area has a 1.2-mile trail to impressive waterfalls.

While many attractions are well-known, some offer a unique experience. The Junction with Hoover Mountain Bike Complex, with its trails through a former mining area and colorful rock walls, provides a distinct blend of history and nature. Hamilton Gardens, with its extensive collection of local flora and rhododendrons, is a botanical treasure. For a different kind of experience, Crane Creek Vineyards in nearby Young Harris offers wine tastings and tours, and the Young Harris College O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium provides fascinating shows.

Water activities are a major draw in Hiwassee, primarily centered around Lake Chatuge and the Hiwassee River. Lake Chatuge is excellent for boating, fishing, and swimming, with the Towns County Recreational Beach offering a designated swimming area. The Hiwassee River is renowned for trout fishing and also provides opportunities for tubing, kayaking, and white-water rafting in various sections. You can learn more about the Hiwassee River's significance on Wikipedia.

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds is the primary hub for local culture and events in Hiwassee, hosting concerts, various community gatherings, and the popular annual Georgia Mountain Fair. The Hiawassee Town Square also serves as a focal point for the community, often featuring live music, holiday celebrations, and markets, providing a taste of local life.

The bridges along the New River Trail offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. From the Hiwassee River Bridge, a 951-foot trestle, you can enjoy beautiful vistas along the New River. The Big Reed Trestle provides views of distant mountains to the south and the serene waters of the New River beneath, making it a good spot to pause and appreciate the natural beauty.

Yes, the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is a notable scenic drive in the area. This 40.6-mile loop winds through the southern Appalachians and the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering breathtaking views of wildflowers, vibrant fall foliage, and secluded valleys. It's an excellent way to experience the region's natural beauty by car.