Hiawassee is 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. 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. The Anderson Music Hall at the fairgrounds hosts great shows with top name stars each year. Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge, bursts into bloom early April to late May and can almost take your breath away at the sight of more than 3,000 azaleas and rhododendrons. Local artists, inspired by their beautiful surroundings, create works of art on display at the Artworks Artisan Center, as well as for sale.

Hiawassee River is known as "the hidden jewel of trout fishing." Waterfalls dot the landscape and provide great hiking jaunts.