Hiawassee

An Appalachian Trail Community. The Southern Highroads Trail passes through Hiawassee and alongside Lake Chatuge, a TVA Reservoir popular for swimming, boating, jet skiing, paddling, sport fishing, and other water sports.  Hiwassee River is known as "the hidden jewel of trout fishing”.  There are several entrances to the Appalachian Trail at various locations in the area.  The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds hosts the Georgia Mountain Fair each summer for as long as anyone can remember. The Anderson Music Hall at the fairgrounds hosts some great shows with top name stars each year. The Fred Hamilton Rhododendron Garden bursts into bloom early April to late May and can almost take your breath away at the sight of over 3,000 azaleas and rhododendrons.  Local artists, inspired by their beautiful surroundings create works of art which are on display at the Artworks Artisan Center as well as for sale. Waterfalls dot the landscape and provide great hiking jaunts.