Communities

Lake Chatuge

This scenic lake set amid the Appalachian Mountains straddles the Georgia-North Carolina border. The lake is located approximately half in Hiawassee, Georgia and half in Hayesville, North Carolina.

Hiawassee, Georgia

Located on the shores of Lake Chatuge, Hiawassee serves as the county seat for Towns County, Georgia. Towns County was created in 1856. The town of Hiawassee was incorporated under its original spelling of "Hiwassee" in 1857. In Cherokee the name Hiawassee means "meadow". Hiawassee is approximately two (2) hours from Atlanta, Georgia, Ashville, North Carolina and Chattanuga, Tennessee.

Hayesville, North Carolina

Also located on the shores of Lake Chatuge, Hayesville is the county seat of Clay County, North Carolina. Hayesville was named in honor of George Hays, who while running for election to the state legislature, promised to create a county here if elected. He won the election and kept his campaign promise. Clay County was carved out of Cherokee and Macon counties.