Area Guide
Explore the Lake Chatuge Area
Your guide to the best restaurants, wineries, hiking, waterfalls, and more — all within 30 minutes of Tranquille Resort.
Restaurants & Dining
From farm-to-table fine dining to lakeside barbecue, Hiawassee and Young Harris have more great restaurants than you'd expect from a small mountain town.
Amelia's Cafe, on-site at Tranquille Resort — see hours & menu
Fine Dining & Upscale
Brother's at Willow Ranch
Farm-to-table fare with locally sourced beef, rainbow trout, craft cocktails with local moonshine, and award-winning desserts. Reservations recommended.
The Oaks Lakeside Kitchen
Premier dining at The Ridges Resort with a farm-to-table menu, fantastic wine list, and stunning lake and mountain views.
Brassies Grill at Brasstown Valley Resort
Casual upscale dining with pool tables, big-screen TVs, mountain-view patio, and the Fireside Lounge for cocktails.
BBQ & Southern
Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish House
Great BBQ and fried catfish with lake views. Family-friendly, generous portions.
The Happy Hawg BBQ
Charming atmosphere with down-home barbecue.
Casual & Family
Marina Station
Right on Lake Chatuge with 40+ feet of bar service, garage doors opening to lake views, live music, and yard games. Arrive by car, bike, or boat! Open Wed-Sun.
Tilted Cafe
Urban-style cafe with creative sandwiches, salads, soups, flatbreads, and tapas.
Pizza & Italian
Hand-tossed brick oven pizza with a fun firehouse theme. Some of the best pizza in the area.
Mexican & International
El Cancun
Mexican cuisine.
The Angry Chicken
Chicken done right.
Coffee & Quick Bites
Amelia's Cafe
Right here at Tranquille Resort! Coffee, beverages, and water sport rentals.
Abide Coffee
Traditional coffee house with relaxing atmosphere, live music, and games.
Worth the Drive (20-30 min)
Wineries & Vineyards
The Hiawassee/Young Harris area is part of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA — Georgia's first legally designated wine region. The North Georgia mountain soil is similar to Italy's Piedmont region.
Crane Creek Vineyards
Family-owned with 20+ acres of vines and two tasting rooms. The Stone House has panoramic mountain views; The Farmhouse has coffee, wine, and vineyard views. Hosts Farmhouse Fridays with food trucks, live music, and dog-friendly "Yappy Hour." Vineyard tours on Saturdays. Open Tue-Sun.
Small, family-operated winery with wines crafted from 100% local fruit to celebrate North Georgia terroir. Beautiful mountain setting with tasting room and live music events.
Brewery
Hiawassee Brew
Local craft brewery right in downtown Hiawassee.
Hiking Trails
From gentle garden walks to the Appalachian Trail, the mountains around Lake Chatuge offer hikes for every level.
Brasstown Bald — Georgia's highest point at 4,784 ft, 25 min from resort
Easy to Moderate (Family-Friendly)
Short but steep hike to 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Chatuge and surrounding mountains from 3,000 feet. One of the most popular hikes in the area — great for sunrise and sunset. Free.
30-acre botanical garden with 1 and 2-mile walking loops. Largest collection of native azaleas and rhododendrons in the Southeast — over 400 varieties and 3,000+ plants. Best April through May. Free.
Paved, flat walking trail crossing the dam with fantastic lake and mountain views. Perfect for strollers, dogs, or an easy walk.
Moderate to Challenging
1.2-mile hike (2.5 mi round trip) through a lush, mossy creek valley to five waterfalls with a 300-foot total drop. Two observation decks. Dog-friendly. SUV or high-clearance vehicle recommended for access road.
Georgia's highest peak at 4,784 feet. Paved but steep half-mile trail to the summit with views of four states (GA, NC, TN, SC). Visitor center and museum at the top. Parking fee required.
Beautiful fern and wildflower-filled forest. Passes Chattahoochee Gap where the Chattahoochee River begins as a tiny spring.
Waterfalls
The North Georgia mountains are home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Southeast — several are an easy day trip from the resort.
Five waterfalls with 300-foot total drop. Blue Hole Falls has a swimming hole. Wear water shoes — it can be slippery!
Breathtaking twin waterfall (153-ft Curtis Creek and 50-ft York Creek) on a paved half-mile trail. $3 per person entry (ages 16+). Great for all ages.
Two waterfalls on an easy hike under 1 mile round trip. Dog and family friendly.
150-foot cascading waterfall on a moderate 2-mile round trip. Well-maintained trail with stairs.
Three accessible waterfalls (Upper 100ft, Middle 80ft, Lower 20ft) with a 2-mile round trip hike. Picnic area at trailhead.
Horseback Riding
Guided trail rides through the North Georgia mountains — from beginner-friendly to multi-day adventures.
Brasstown Valley Resort Stables
Five miles of mountain trails with guided 1 and 2-hour rides for all experience levels. Beautiful mountain scenery.
Multi-day horseback riding camps and trail rides. Great for families — children can learn horsemanship skills.
On the Water
Lake Chatuge is a 7,000-acre TVA reservoir famous for bass fishing, pontoon cruising, kayaking, and some of the calmest water in the region.
Pontoon boat rentals from our private dock — see rental options
Tranquille Resort Private Dock & Boat Ramp
Our private two-level dock and boat ramp are available to all guests. We also offer pontoon boat, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, and GoBoat rentals.
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina
Full-service marina with new luxury performance pontoon boat rentals. Consistently excellent reviews.
Guided scenic boat tours with stunning mountain and lake views. Family-owned — incredibly friendly and fun. Bring your camera!
Public beach with kayak launch, picnic tables, concession stand, playgrounds, and splash pad. Great for families.
Lake Chatuge is also known as the “hidden jewel of trout fishing” in Georgia. A valid Georgia fishing license is required.
Attractions & Venues
From year-round events at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds to day trips to the charming Alpine village of Helen.
Hiawassee & Young Harris
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Year-round events including the Georgia Mountain Fair (July), Fall Festival (October), concerts at Anderson Music Hall, Mountain Country Christmas in Lights (Nov-Dec), and more.
Hiking outfitter shop — great resource for trail maps, gear, and local recommendations.
Helen, GA (~30 min drive)
Downtown Helen, GA — Bavarian village, 30 min from resort
Bavarian-themed Alpine village with 200+ shops, German restaurants, cobblestone streets, fudge shops, and charming architecture. Great for a day trip!
Alpine coaster reaching 25 mph through mountain terrain. ~$15 adults, $12 kids 7-12.
Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, zip lining, and archery on a pristine mountain lake.
Habersham Winery
Georgia's oldest and largest winery (since 1983). Daily tastings and large gift shop.
Blairsville, GA (~25 min drive)
One of Georgia's oldest state parks with hiking, camping, fishing, and stunning lake views surrounded by Blood Mountain.
Famous U-pick farm with apples, peaches, berries, and a farm store with fresh cider, baked goods, and more.
Golf
Two scenic courses within 15 minutes of the resort.
Grocery & Supplies
Stock up on groceries, charcoal for the grill, or grab last-minute essentials — all within a short drive.
Ingles Markets
Full-service grocery store with deli, bakery, pharmacy, and fuel station. The closest major grocery to the resort — perfect for stocking up on arrival.
Osborn Farms
Local farm store with grass-fed, grain-finished beef, Springer Mountain chicken, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, goat milk soaps, and locally made products. Open Mon-Sat 9 AM - 5 PM.
Quick essentials — snacks, cleaning supplies, toiletries, charcoal, and basic groceries. Open daily 8 AM - 10 PM.
Walmart Supercenter
Full Walmart with groceries, household goods, outdoor gear, and pharmacy. The nearest big-box store for larger shopping trips.
Tip: All cabins have full kitchens with dishes, utensils, coffee maker, and microwave. Bring your own charcoal and fire starters for the grills.
Seasonal Highlights
Every season brings something different to the North Georgia mountains. Here's what to look forward to throughout the year.
Spring
March – May
- Hamilton Gardens peak bloom (azaleas & rhododendrons)
- Waterfalls at peak flow
- Wildflowers along hiking trails
- Crane Creek Vineyards Farmhouse Fridays begin
Summer
June – August
- Lake Chatuge water activities (swimming, boating, fishing)
- Tubing the Chattahoochee in Helen
- Georgia Mountain Fair (July) — concerts, rides, arts & crafts
- Towns County Recreation Beach and splash pad
Fall
September – November
- Spectacular Appalachian fall foliage
- Georgia Mountain Fall Festival (October)
- Helen Oktoberfest (September – October)
- Apple picking at Mercier Orchards
- Wine harvest at local vineyards
Winter
December – February
- Mountain Country Christmas in Lights at the Fairgrounds
- Cozy cabin stays with fireplaces & mountain views
- Uncrowded hiking trails
- Crane Creek Vineyards winter hours (Tue – Sun)
FAQ
Common Questions About the Area
What is there to do in Hiawassee GA?
Are there wineries near Lake Chatuge?
What are the best hiking trails near Hiawassee?
What are the best restaurants near Lake Chatuge?
Are there waterfalls near Hiawassee GA?
Can I go tubing near Lake Chatuge?
Ready to Plan Your Lake Chatuge Getaway?
Seven pet-friendly cabins on the lake. A private dock. Kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats. And all of this — restaurants, trails, waterfalls, wineries — right outside your door.