Hiawassee, Georgia

The spring bloom of azaleas and rhododendrons is one of the premier attractions of the small Appalachian Trail community of Hiawassee. Located on the Hiawassee River not far from the North Carolina state line, Hiawassee is the county seat of Towns County. The town is less than 2 square miles in land area, but is big on the wonders of nature.

Because Hiawassee is surrounded by the Chattahoochee National Forest on land dotted with waterfalls and punctuated by the Appalachian foothills, it is a favorite of nature enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing, boating and water sports are popular with residents as well as visitors. Both year-round and seasonal residents rely on cars and sports utility vehicles to take advantage of the wealth of outdoor attractions. Two of the most popular are Bell Mountain and High Shoals Falls Trail.

Hiawassee is known for its laid-back lifestyle, its trees and topography, its flowing water and good fishing, and the Georgia Mountain Fair held annually at the local fairgrounds. Nationally known performers are featured at Anderson Music Hall, and local artists, inspired by the colorful seasonal flowers, exhibit and sell their works at the Artworks Artisan Center. With a reasonable cost of living, community residents have a choice of local restaurants—just ask about the Happy Hawg BBQ—a general store, an antiques store and a flea market as well as several specialty shops. There are no malls, but peace and beauty abound.

Hiawassee was named for a Native American princess from a word that means "meadow." As an Appalachian Trail community, the petite little city embraces its surroundings and offers a warm welcome to anyone who appreciates a bucolic, close-to-nature lifestyle. Homes in Hiawassee make the most of the outdoors with scenic mountain vistas, lakefront locations, and architectural features that bring the outside in.