Towns County: Mountain Views, Hiking Trails and Culture

In Towns County, notable hiking destinations and waterside activities sit alongside a history shaped by regional events and historic sites. The Appalachian Trail has several access points in the county; Towns County Recreational Beach adds a swimming area to the area’s hiking and nature offerings. Brasstown Bald, Lake Chatuge, gardens and cultural attractions each add their own distinctive touches to your trip planning.

Mountain Views and Hiking Trails

At 4,784 feet above sea level, Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest mountain. The observation deck offers 360-degree panoramic views; on a clear day, you can see four states. From the parking lot, you can reach the summit either by shuttle or via the 0.5-mile Summit Trail. If you plan to take the shuttle, check the latest operating information in advance. The building houses an 8,000-square-foot museum with interactive exhibits on cultural and natural history.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail has several access points in Towns County, including Unicoi Gap, Dicks Creek Gap and the access point via the Jack’s Knob Trail. In 2001, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy designated Towns County an Appalachian Trail Community. The broader regional context includes the 78-mile section of the trail in Georgia: it runs from Springer Mountain to Bly Gap, where the trail continues into North Carolina. The access points in the county are therefore part of a much longer stretch of trail.

Swallow Creek Wildlife Management Area is also located in Towns County. The area covers 19,000 acres and is on U.S. Forest Service land. Its size and Forest Service designation offer a different perspective on the landscape than a single overlook or a marked hiking trail.

Water, Beach and Garden Trails

Lake Chatuge was created by the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1942 and has 132 miles of shoreline. Activities available there include boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing and camping. Towns County Recreational Beach has a white-sand beach and a swimming area marked off with buoys; the beach also offers access and free parking. Operating details may change, so check the latest information on beach access and parking before your visit.

The Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens span more than 40 acres of secluded woodland. Their collection includes more than 400 rhododendron varieties and a total of 3,000 plants. The gardens also aim to educate visitors about native species and rhododendron varieties. Easy-to-walk loop trails of 1 and 2 miles give you the choice of a shorter or longer route.

The hike to High Shoals Falls and Blue Hole Falls is 2.5 miles long and passes through Chattahoochee National Forest. Blue Hole Falls is the first waterfall on the hike: the water plunges more than 20 feet into a deep blue pool. Tate City also has hiking trails along the Tallulah River through its scenic landscape; trout fishing is also possible on the river.

History, Events and Culture

Old Rock Jail served as the county jail from 1936 until the early 1970s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Another part of the area’s event history dates back to 1950, when Towns County first held the annual Georgia Mountain Fair. The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee host concerts and festivals throughout the year; the specific program may change. Check the latest event information for your travel dates.

The 2026 Georgia Fall Festival program includes musical performances, arts and crafts, carousel rides and special attractions. Later editions may feature different events. The Vintner’s Tour at Crane Creek Vineyards includes a winery tour, wine tasting, a souvenir glass and a cheese and cracker platter. Since tour components may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

The Campus Gate Art Gallery features exhibitions by nationally recognized professional artists, the annual Student Juried Art + Design Exhibition and a Senior Thesis Exhibition. Exhibitions typically include free opening receptions for guests from the college and local community; the program changes from one academic year to the next. The Rollins Planetarium offers public shows and educational programs under a 40-foot dome with 104 seats. Showtimes change, so check in advance to see what’s on during your dates. On special evenings at the Young Harris College Observatory, public telescope viewing is available when the sky and weather conditions are suitable; dates vary.

If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay in Towns County, first decide whether hiking trails, water activities or cultural events will shape your itinerary. With that focus in mind, you can then compare specific hotel options to see what suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Hiawassee, Young Harris, Newton County, Forsyth, Pulaski County, Mcintosh, Clarke County, Dekalb.

For the broader travel overview: Georgia.