Lake Chatuge Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Lake Chatuge. Explore its cultural and natural attractions and learn about the local culture and customs.


Introduction to Lake Chatuge

Nestled in the Southern region of the United States, Lake Chatuge borders Georgia and North Carolina. It boasts almost 130 miles of shoreline, and offers visitors an amazing assortment of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural scenery. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains, lush forests, and charming towns, making it a perfect destination for those who love spending time in nature, or just relaxing by the water.

List of Places to Visit in Lake Chatuge

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

No visit to Lake Chatuge is complete without taking a tour of the nearby museums and historical landmarks. The Hiawassee River Heritage Center is an interesting site to visit, as it offers a glimpse into the region’s past and showcases the area’s Native American heritage and artifacts. Meanwhile, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds plays host to a huge variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, fairs, and markets. Additionally, the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit and Trail teaches visitors about the traditional ways of the Cherokee people.

Natural Attractions of Lake Chatuge: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The lake is home to a huge variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking. Anglers can catch several species of fish in the lake, including bass, walleye, and trout. The Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area provides opportunities for scenic hikes and bike rides through the forest with views of the lake. Meanwhile, Chatuge Dam offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and is also a popular spot for picnics.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lake Chatuge

The region surrounding Lake Chatuge is a hiker’s paradise. The Appalachian Trail, which runs through Georgia and North Carolina, is only minutes away from the lake. Other hikes include the Brasstown Bald Trail and Standing Indian Mountain Trail. For those looking for something less challenging, the Jackrabbit Mountain Trail is a great option and offers scenic views of the lake.

Best Things to Do in Lake Chatuge: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor activities, Lake Chatuge offers a range of other things to do, like attending the Georgia Mountain Fair, which is held in July and draws visitors from all over the Southeast. If you’re looking for a more thrilling experience, try out the local zipline tours provided by Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge and Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lake Chatuge

Day 1: Explore downtown Hiawassee, visit the Hiawassee River Heritage Center, and enjoy dinner at the Angelo’s Family Restaurant.

Day 2: Hike the Brasstown Bald Trail and enjoy the stunning mountain views.

Day 3: Rent a pontoon boat or jetski from Boundary Waters Resort & Marina and spend the day on Lake Chatuge.

Day 4: Visit the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds and check out the local markets and fairs.

Day 5: Take a zipline tour with Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge or Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Day 6: Visit the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit and Trail to learn about the traditional ways of the Cherokee people.

Day 7: Spend the day relaxing by the lake at Chatuge Recreation Area.

Food and Drink Scene of Lake Chatuge

Must-Try Dishes

Southern cuisine dominates the food scene of Lake Chatuge, and there are plenty of restaurants and diners that serve up delicious BBQ, fried chicken, and biscuits. Be sure to try the mouth-watering pulled pork, ribs, and brisket at Rib Country BBQ and The Happy Hawg.

Local Beverages

For a refreshing drink, try out the craft beers and ciders available at the Hoppy Trout Brewing Company and Calaboose Cellars. Both offer a great selection of locally brewed drinks.

Where to Stay in Lake Chatuge: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are a variety of lodging options available in Lake Chatuge, ranging from cozy cabins to luxury lakeside hotels. The Ridges Resort & Marina and Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa offer beautiful lake views, while Boundary Waters Resort & Marina provides affordable cabin rentals and RV sites.

What to Buy in Lake Chatuge: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lake Chatuge has a range of souvenir shops offering unique local products, like handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and artworks. Be sure to check out Just Imagine Gallery and ArtWorks on the Square. You can also bring back some delicious local jams and jellies from Georgia Mountain Jam Co..

Local Culture and Customs of Lake Chatuge

Lake Chatuge has a rich cultural heritage, and its historic sites and museums offer a great insight into the area’s past. Additionally, residents highly value hospitality and friendliness towards visitors, so expect to be greeted with warm smiles everywhere you go.

Best Time to Visit Lake Chatuge

Visitors can enjoy Lake Chatuge’s beauty all year round, but the best times to visit are during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can get quite chilly, with occasional snowfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lake Chatuge

Do:

  • Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as the sun can get quite strong around the lake.

  • Respect the wildlife and their habitats by not feeding, approaching, or disturbing them.

  • Follow the local fishing regulations and guidelines.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash on the beach or in the water.

  • Swim in undesignated areas or without a life jacket.

  • Ignore warning signs for dangerous wildlife or weather conditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lake Chatuge

Lake Chatuge is generally a safe destination for visitors, but be sure to practice basic safety precautions, like not walking alone at night and locking your hotel room. Additionally, pay attention to any safety warnings posted by the local authorities, especially during stormy weather or high water levels.

Health in Lake Chatuge

Due to the surrounding forests and lakes, insect bites can be a problem during the summer months. Visitors should be careful to avoid standing water and use insect repellent to avoid ticks and mosquitoes. Always stay hydrated and bring any necessary allergy medications.

Getting to Lake Chatuge: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lake Chatuge

The closest airports to Lake Chatuge are the Asheville Regional Airport and the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Both airports are approximately 2 hours away from the lake and offer a range of transportation options.

Bus Stations Near Lake Chatuge

The closest bus station to Lake Chatuge is the Greyhound Bus Station in nearby Hiawassee, GA. From there, visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the lake.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to the area using the many highways and interstates that lead to the region. Additionally, there are several car rental companies located at the airports and nearby towns.

How to Get Around in Lake Chatuge

The best way to get around Lake Chatuge is by car or bike. Visitors can rent a car from one of the car rental companies located at nearby airports, or opt to rent a bike from nearby shops.

Where to Go Next from Lake Chatuge: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lake Chatuge’s surrounding areas offer a range of destinations and excursions, like exploring the local towns of Hiawassee and Blairsville, or visiting the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Chattahoochee National Forest.

Conclusion

Lake Chatuge is a picturesque destination that offers a combination of natural beauty, history, and recreation. With so many activities, scenic drives, and cultural landmarks, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience in the area.