The Town of Hiawassee
The town of Hiawassee in Towns County, Georgia is the only actual lake front town in the interior of the North Georgia Mountains. The town was originally incorporated in 1870 as Hiwassee, a Cherokee name for the river that flowed across the valley floor. Later the town was re-incorporated as Hiawassee; the letter “a” was added to the name in 1956. Hiawassee is the county seat of Towns County. The original courthouse was completed in 1857 and replaced in 1905. The current courthouse located adjacent to the town square was constructed in 1964.
The town began to take on a different character than was originally intended when the Tennessee Valley Authority constructed the Chatuge Dam in the 1940’s creating the beautiful crystal sky blue waters of Lake Chatuge. The town of Hiawassee, which originally stood near the banks of the Hiwassee River, has since shaped itself along the eastern shoreline the lake.
Overshadowing the town of Hiawassee along the southern mountain ridge is the towering summit of Brasstown Bald, marking the highest point in North Georgia. Due to the town’s lake front setting, Hiawassee has become an oasis to tourist, vacation homeowners and newly relocated folks looking for that special pace of recreation and leisure living within a magnificent setting.
What you’ll find in the town of Hiawassee and neighboring areas are various choices for lodgings, fine dining and excellent eateries, galleries, specialty shopping, entertainment as well as indoor amusements. If you’re looking for nearby outdoor adventure there’s camping, fishing, hiking, biking, waterfalls both big and small, horseback riding, boating, skiing, swimming plus a championship golf course open to the public. If your adventurous spirit is looking for something more thrilling such as white water rafting, kayaking, or zip-line-canopy tours you can find them within a short distance away.
Another premier advantage in Towns County is its own renowned mountain fairgrounds, a centerpiece for fun, entertainment and festivals along with a music hall showcasing major headline talents, a museum and historic buildings and structures. Oh, by the way the fairgrounds cradle the shoreline of Lake Chatuge’s breathtaking beauty.
The town of Hiawassee along the shores of Lake Chatuge is by far one of the most enjoyable, entertaining and rewarding destinations in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains.