By their very nature, small towns in Georgia are easy to miss. The lack of population may mean they don’t get as many headlines as our more urban centers, but don’t mistake that for lack of attractions! There are so many great Peach State small towns that have classic Southern charm, fascinating histories, and beautiful natural surroundings. One of our favorites is Hiawassee, Georgia. It’s the county seat of Towns County in the northeast corner of the state, and it has a population of just over 1,000 people. There’s a surprising amount of things to do in Hiawassee, Georgia, despite its small size, and it’s the perfect spot for a quick getaway.

Hiawassee's name is derived from a Native American word meaning "meadow." The town was settled around 1820 and then incorporated in 1870.
City of Hiawassee/Facebook
Though its name may mean meadow, this region of the state is far better known for its mountains! It's nestled right in the Appalachians.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Hiawassee's Bell Mountain has some of the most stunning views in the state.
Bell Mountain, 220 Shake Rag Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
Mekala Smith/Google Reviews
The trek to the mountain's observation deck can be made by car or (strenuous) hike.
Another Hiawassee, Georgia thing to do is a stop by Hamilton Gardens. This colorful garden features more than 3,000 rhododendrons, plus plenty of other species.
Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens, 96 Pavilion Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
Barbara Keyes/Google Reviews

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The city is also home to one of the best waterfall swimming holes in Georgia. There's nothing like taking a dip in High Shoals Falls on a hot day.
High Shoals Falls, 1333 Indian Grave Gap Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
Bryan Cornett/AllTrails
This region of the state is famous for its wine. You can sample a taste at Hightower Creek Vineyards, a beautiful family-owned vineyard in Hiawassee.
Hightower Creek Vineyards, 7150 Canaan Dr, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
MaryLynnMcKenzie/Tripadvisor
Want to do a little bargain-hunting? It doesn't get much better than a trip to Hiawassee Antique Mall, a 10,000-square foot palace filled with antiques galore.
Hiawassee Antique Mall LLC, 518 N Main St, Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA
Pedro/Google Reviews
No matter where your interests lie, there are plenty of things to do in Hiawassee, GA to satisfy any whim!
Sarah Phares/Google Reviews

Have you ever visited Hiawassee? You can learn more about this charming small town from the Towns County Tourism Facebook page. If you’re a fan of hiking, you’ll find so much to love in this region – make sure to check out the nearby trails from our friends at AllTrails!

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Hiawassee, GA 30546, USA