Guidebook for the Farmhouse
Sightseeing
Bell Mountain offers the most stunning view of Lake Chatuge, especially at sunset! The road is extremely steep, so low gear is recommended, but there is a parking option right at the top. Be sure to leave the porch lights on at the Farmhouse and see if you can spot it from the summit!
138 locals recommend
Bell Mountain
220 Shake Rag RdBell Mountain offers the most stunning view of Lake Chatuge, especially at sunset! The road is extremely steep, so low gear is recommended, but there is a parking option right at the top. Be sure to leave the porch lights on at the Farmhouse and see if you can spot it from the summit!
The Gardens are beautiful and relaxing any time of year. Check out the website for upcoming events - especially the moonlight concert series!
26 locals recommend
Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge
96 Pavilion RdThe Gardens are beautiful and relaxing any time of year. Check out the website for upcoming events - especially the moonlight concert series!
Hiking
Brasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest peak - and it can be seen from the Farmhouse kitchen window! The mountain offers a visitor center and shuttle to the top in addition to hiking trails to ensure everyone can enjoy the 360 degree views. This has been a favorite spot for Lee since childhood.
https://www.exploregeorgia.org/hiawassee/outdoors-nature/hiking/brasstown-bald-visitors-center-recreation-area
Approximate drive - 30 minutes
288 locals recommend
Brasstown Bald Visitors Center
2941 GA-180 SpurBrasstown Bald is Georgia’s highest peak - and it can be seen from the Farmhouse kitchen window! The mountain offers a visitor center and shuttle to the top in addition to hiking trails to ensure everyone can enjoy the 360 degree views. This has been a favorite spot for Lee since childhood.
https://www.exploregeorgia.org/hiawassee/outdoors-nature/hiking/brasstown-bald-visitors-center-recreation-area
Approximate drive - 30 minutes
This one definitely qualifies as an outdoor adventure! Please note there’s a small creek crossing to get to the parking area, so be aware of rainfall - most people leave this drive to SUVs and trucks. The 2+ mile hike is moderate and winds back to two beautiful waterfalls.
Approximate drive - 25 minutes
Search for “High Shoals Trail Head”
59 locals recommend
High Shoals Falls
1333 Indian Grave Gap RdThis one definitely qualifies as an outdoor adventure! Please note there’s a small creek crossing to get to the parking area, so be aware of rainfall - most people leave this drive to SUVs and trucks. The 2+ mile hike is moderate and winds back to two beautiful waterfalls.
Approximate drive - 25 minutes
Search for “High Shoals Trail Head”
We love this long, woodsy trail along the Brasstown Bald mountainside! It’s 13 miles, so you can head out and back for as long a hike as you’d prefer. Insider’s tip - you can park at Brasstown Bald and hike down first, or you can park at Young Harris College and hike up first. We prefer the latter. Check out the posts and reviews for more context.
http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Wagon_Train_Trail
Approximate drive - 10-20 minutes
6 locals recommend
Wagon Train Trailhead
Georgia 180 SpurWe love this long, woodsy trail along the Brasstown Bald mountainside! It’s 13 miles, so you can head out and back for as long a hike as you’d prefer. Insider’s tip - you can park at Brasstown Bald and hike down first, or you can park at Young Harris College and hike up first. We prefer the latter. Check out the posts and reviews for more context.
http://www.georgiatrails.com/gt/Wagon_Train_Trail
Approximate drive - 10-20 minutes
The Blood Mountain loop is one of our absolute favorite hikes. This is a somewhat challenging six miles with stunning views, perfect for a mid-hike break.
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/blood-mountain-loop-hiking-appalachian-trail-freeman-trail/
Approximate drive - 40 minutes
86 locals recommend
Blood Mountain Overlook
Appalachian National Scenic TrailThe Blood Mountain loop is one of our absolute favorite hikes. This is a somewhat challenging six miles with stunning views, perfect for a mid-hike break.
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/blood-mountain-loop-hiking-appalachian-trail-freeman-trail/
Approximate drive - 40 minutes
Looking for a long hike? This 8-mile out and back is one of our favorites! It has a good steady grade, waterfalls, and a summit view. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day!
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/pinnacle-knob-bartram-trail/
Approximate drive - 45 minutes
20 locals recommend
Warwoman Dell
Looking for a long hike? This 8-mile out and back is one of our favorites! It has a good steady grade, waterfalls, and a summit view. Pack a picnic and enjoy the day!
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/pinnacle-knob-bartram-trail/
Approximate drive - 45 minutes
This quiet spot offers quick parking and an easy 1-mile woodsy loop with nice lake views.
25 locals recommend
Lake Chatuge Recreation Area
440 Sunnyside RdThis quiet spot offers quick parking and an easy 1-mile woodsy loop with nice lake views.
This beautiful park has easy roadside overlooks, a visitor center, and four hiking trails - enough variety to work well for everyone.
https://gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain
Approximate drive - 55 minutes
126 locals recommend
Black Rock Mountain State Park
3085 Black Rock Mountain PkwyThis beautiful park has easy roadside overlooks, a visitor center, and four hiking trails - enough variety to work well for everyone.
https://gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain
Approximate drive - 55 minutes
This 3+ mile hike rewards your climb with a unique tower at the top and expansive 360 degree views. Pack a meal or explore one of the mountain towns along the drive!
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/rabun-bald-bartram-trail/
Approximate drive - 1 hour
13 locals recommend
Rabun Bald from Beegum Gap Trailhead
Kelsey Mountain RoadThis 3+ mile hike rewards your climb with a unique tower at the top and expansive 360 degree views. Pack a meal or explore one of the mountain towns along the drive!
https://www.atlantatrails.com/hiking-trails/rabun-bald-bartram-trail/
Approximate drive - 1 hour
This is the best long trail within a short drive of the Farmhouse. The 6+ mile loop has a consistent climb - be sure to read reviews for tips on the best views, which can be hidden just off the trail.
https://www.hikethesouth.com/hikes/miller-trek
Approximate drive - 10 minutes
8 locals recommend
Miller Trek Trailhead
This is the best long trail within a short drive of the Farmhouse. The 6+ mile loop has a consistent climb - be sure to read reviews for tips on the best views, which can be hidden just off the trail.
https://www.hikethesouth.com/hikes/miller-trek
Approximate drive - 10 minutes
Whiteside Mountain is well worth the drive. Nestled between two charming towns, Cashiers and Highlands, this 2+ mile trek pays off with spectacular views.
Approximate drive - 1 hour 20 minutes
139 locals recommend
Whiteside Mtn Trail
91-170 Deville DrWhiteside Mountain is well worth the drive. Nestled between two charming towns, Cashiers and Highlands, this 2+ mile trek pays off with spectacular views.
Approximate drive - 1 hour 20 minutes
Hike the Appalachian Trail just 20 minutes away! There’s a small gravel lot for this trailhead along Highway 76, the main road between Hiawassee and Clayton. If you only have time to hike in one direction, south is recommended - less than 3 miles in, there’s a “vista” sign leading to a beautiful overlook on Powell Mountain.
8 locals recommend
Dicks Creek Gap
Hike the Appalachian Trail just 20 minutes away! There’s a small gravel lot for this trailhead along Highway 76, the main road between Hiawassee and Clayton. If you only have time to hike in one direction, south is recommended - less than 3 miles in, there’s a “vista” sign leading to a beautiful overlook on Powell Mountain.
This is a must-visit just 15 minutes away! Easy and fully paved 1.5 mile trail (3 miles out and back) with iconic Chatuge views on the west end of the lake.
17 locals recommend
Chatuge Dam Trail
1407 Chatuge Dam RdThis is a must-visit just 15 minutes away! Easy and fully paved 1.5 mile trail (3 miles out and back) with iconic Chatuge views on the west end of the lake.
Fires Creek is a hiking and picnic gem tucked away under 30 minutes from the Farmhouse. Trails are not well mapped but can easily be followed, with paved options close to parking. Be careful to leave the way you drive in unless you want a dirt-road adventure ending in a U-turn.
54 locals recommend
Fires Creek Picnic Area
1767 Fires Creek Wildlife RdFires Creek is a hiking and picnic gem tucked away under 30 minutes from the Farmhouse. Trails are not well mapped but can easily be followed, with paved options close to parking. Be careful to leave the way you drive in unless you want a dirt-road adventure ending in a U-turn.
Activities
Pickleball is the out-of-water sport of choice in Hiawassee! We have paddles and balls stocked in the barn for you.
9 locals recommend
Towns County Pickle Ball Complex & Courts
Campground RoadPickleball is the out-of-water sport of choice in Hiawassee! We have paddles and balls stocked in the barn for you.
Lakeview Vintage always has an interesting mix of antiques and local retail, especially apparel!
Lakeview Vintage Market
325 Big Sky DrLakeview Vintage always has an interesting mix of antiques and local retail, especially apparel!
You can usually find a little of anything at this roadside stop. We love the salty dill pickles and fresh produce! Try a scoop of the boiled peanuts to test your Southern palate.
8 locals recommend
Hiawassee Fruit & Vegetable Market
814 N Main StYou can usually find a little of anything at this roadside stop. We love the salty dill pickles and fresh produce! Try a scoop of the boiled peanuts to test your Southern palate.
Stop by for perfect local postcards! Trailful delivers for hikers. The owners - and their Atlanta Trails website - are an excellent resource.
14 locals recommend
Trailful Outdoor Co.
75 N Main StStop by for perfect local postcards! Trailful delivers for hikers. The owners - and their Atlanta Trails website - are an excellent resource.
Insider tip - swing by the hardware store in town to pick out your favorite craft soda!
7 locals recommend
Hiawassee Hardware
139 N Main StInsider tip - swing by the hardware store in town to pick out your favorite craft soda!
North & Main Clothing Company
518 N Main StThe perfect local boutique!
The spa here is a wonderful escape! The resort also offers a golf course, horseback riding, and hiking trails you can enjoy without an overnight stay.
101 locals recommend
Brasstown Valley Resort Dining
6321 US-76The spa here is a wonderful escape! The resort also offers a golf course, horseback riding, and hiking trails you can enjoy without an overnight stay.
Jackrabbit Mountain is an excellent spot for mountain biking, with options for cycling, hiking, shoreline fishing, and swimming. There’s also an easy boat ramp convenient to the Farmhouse.
32 locals recommend
Jackrabbit Recreation Area, Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest
465 Jack Rabbit RdJackrabbit Mountain is an excellent spot for mountain biking, with options for cycling, hiking, shoreline fishing, and swimming. There’s also an easy boat ramp convenient to the Farmhouse.
The Ridges Resort is our go-to place for boat and jet ski rentals. Lee also loves the marina shop!
https://theridgesresort.com/watercraft-rentals/ (Note - there is also the Ridges Marina close by - we would recommend this one instead.)
14 locals recommend
The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge
3499 US-76The Ridges Resort is our go-to place for boat and jet ski rentals. Lee also loves the marina shop!
https://theridgesresort.com/watercraft-rentals/ (Note - there is also the Ridges Marina close by - we would recommend this one instead.)
This is another great option for watercraft rentals that includes paddleboards.
12 locals recommend
Young Harris Water Sports Lake Chatuge (Boat Rentals & Jet Ski Rentals)
2683 US-76This is another great option for watercraft rentals that includes paddleboards.
There are multiple public boat ramps under a 10-minute drive from the Farmhouse, and this one is the shortest lake distance - it’s directly across the open water from our cove. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Boat Ramp, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee
Boat Ramp
Music Hall RoadThere are multiple public boat ramps under a 10-minute drive from the Farmhouse, and this one is the shortest lake distance - it’s directly across the open water from our cove. Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Boat Ramp, 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee
Splash Island
3379 S US Hwy 76 BypassA fantastic option for kids!
A quick trip to Clayton offers a super scenic drive from the Farmhouse, and a walkable downtown with great dining and shopping along North Main Street. Our top three stores: 1) Wander, where Lee tries to buy all the soft t-shirts. 2) The Treehouse, especially the home goods store out back, where we discovered the fantastic Farmhouse couches and swivel chairs. 3) Prater Collectibles, where we spent an entire afternoon browsing antique postcards and emerged with the two framed in the Farmhouse living room.
133 locals recommend
Clayton
A quick trip to Clayton offers a super scenic drive from the Farmhouse, and a walkable downtown with great dining and shopping along North Main Street. Our top three stores: 1) Wander, where Lee tries to buy all the soft t-shirts. 2) The Treehouse, especially the home goods store out back, where we discovered the fantastic Farmhouse couches and swivel chairs. 3) Prater Collectibles, where we spent an entire afternoon browsing antique postcards and emerged with the two framed in the Farmhouse living room.
Tucked away about 30 minutes from the Farmhouse, this place nails the nostalgia as one of the few remaining drive-in theaters. Check out their website for movies, concerts, or events offered during your stay.
62 locals recommend
Tiger Drive In Theatre
2956 Old 441 STucked away about 30 minutes from the Farmhouse, this place nails the nostalgia as one of the few remaining drive-in theaters. Check out their website for movies, concerts, or events offered during your stay.
Family-owned Osborn Farms is the perfect option for locally sourced meat. Time to fire up the grill! Check Facebook for store hours and updates.
1690 GA-17
1690 Georgia 17Family-owned Osborn Farms is the perfect option for locally sourced meat. Time to fire up the grill! Check Facebook for store hours and updates.
This veteran family run vineyard offers a tasting room, farmhouse market, tours, and events, and it is our guests’ top local choice!
148 locals recommend
Crane Creek Vineyards
1040 Crane Creek RdThis veteran family run vineyard offers a tasting room, farmhouse market, tours, and events, and it is our guests’ top local choice!
Food scene
This place has a unique history and has been our favorite local spot for special occasion dinners.
121 locals recommend
The Copper Door
2 Sullivan StThis place has a unique history and has been our favorite local spot for special occasion dinners.
Fortify is an excellent option for an upscale-casual meal! Plan to arrive early and spend a little time on Main Street. Dinner time offers the perfect chance to catch sunset on the scenic drive back to the Farmhouse.
157 locals recommend
Fortify Kitchen and Bar
69 N Main StFortify is an excellent option for an upscale-casual meal! Plan to arrive early and spend a little time on Main Street. Dinner time offers the perfect chance to catch sunset on the scenic drive back to the Farmhouse.
Mary's is our favorite “hole in the wall” local spot for Southern cookin'.
You can’t go wrong with breakfast pancakes. For lunch or dinner, sometimes we go for the chicken chef salad with house honey mustard, and sometimes we give in to the hamburger steak/mashed taters and gravy/green beans/fried okra/sweet tea ...
37 locals recommend
Mary's Southern Grill
1615 GA-17Mary's is our favorite “hole in the wall” local spot for Southern cookin'.
You can’t go wrong with breakfast pancakes. For lunch or dinner, sometimes we go for the chicken chef salad with house honey mustard, and sometimes we give in to the hamburger steak/mashed taters and gravy/green beans/fried okra/sweet tea ...
Great college-town spot for wings and locally sourced burgers!
15 locals recommend
Young Harris Wing House
1149 Main StGreat college-town spot for wings and locally sourced burgers!
Tacos, beer, and live music on a huge patio. Enough said. But there’s more - don’t miss unique offerings like the house-smoked salmon melt.
55 locals recommend
Hiawassee Brew
616 S Main StTacos, beer, and live music on a huge patio. Enough said. But there’s more - don’t miss unique offerings like the house-smoked salmon melt.
Sand Bar
3288 Dogwood LnThis is the go-to local bar!
Delicious food and inviting atmosphere! We especially like the brisket and burger.
60 locals recommend
Nocturnal Brewing
893 US-64 BUSDelicious food and inviting atmosphere! We especially like the brisket and burger.
Quirky arcade-styled spot with excellent casual options. Try the blackened shrimp flatbread or any salad with the avocado citrus vinaigrette!
26 locals recommend
Tilted Cafe
142 N Main StQuirky arcade-styled spot with excellent casual options. Try the blackened shrimp flatbread or any salad with the avocado citrus vinaigrette!
There’s just something about BBQ on the water - and The Happy Hawg delivers on deliciousness! We love this as a to-go picnic option.
29 locals recommend
The Happy Hawg
1586 U.S. 76There’s just something about BBQ on the water - and The Happy Hawg delivers on deliciousness! We love this as a to-go picnic option.
Fantastic, locally owned, quality spot. Try the meatball parmigiana brick oven pizza!
Firehouse 17 Pizza and More
1717 Georgia 17Fantastic, locally owned, quality spot. Try the meatball parmigiana brick oven pizza!
Not just catering; each week's lunch, dinner and brunch menu is fantastic! Be sure to check online hours and details to plan for your epic meal.
22 locals recommend
Epic Catering
714 North Carolina 69Not just catering; each week's lunch, dinner and brunch menu is fantastic! Be sure to check online hours and details to plan for your epic meal.
Abide Coffee Hiawassee
Coffee for Grant, tea for Lee, all the baked treats for the win.
Get here early for the signature caramel apple walnut pie before it sells out at this no frills, super delicious local bakery. Yes, you’ll want the whole pie! Grab a few fresh-baked cookies while you’re at it.
6 locals recommend
Heavenly Bake Shop
1615 GA-17Get here early for the signature caramel apple walnut pie before it sells out at this no frills, super delicious local bakery. Yes, you’ll want the whole pie! Grab a few fresh-baked cookies while you’re at it.
Traveler advice
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COVID-19 Adjustments
Please be sure to check online in advance for the latest status of these local favorites. Options may be limited or adjusted due to COVID-19 precautions.