Looking for ways to stay active while social distancing? Towns County boasts an array of outdoor activities for both the novice and expert enthusiast. There is something for everyone from beautiful outdoor gardens to hikes and exploration of the great outdoors.
Hamilton Gardens at Lake Chatuge boasts 33 acres of trails and plants and is the largest collection of rhododendrons in the southeast with more than 1,500 types. The gardens are open year round with the bloom season happening from mid-April to mid-May and fondly known as “A Blooming Affair at Hamilton Gardens.” Hailed as a must see by locals and visitors alike, make sure to visit Hamilton Gardens ASAP!
Tate City is an unincorporated community located in Towns County. Founded as a lodging and mining community, Tate City sits just below the Georgia/North Carolina border along the Tallulah River. The Tallulah River is home to some of the best trout fishing in the state. This little mountain stream is truly a beauty to behold. The cold, clear water offers plenty of hiding places for trout behind rocks and in deep pools and pockets as well as under overhanging branches and undercut banks. If trout fishing isn’t your speed there are plenty of opportunities to hike with trails exploring the river and native scenic beauty.
The state of Georgia is home to 78 miles of the Appalachian Trail, running from Springer Mountain on the Fannin-Gilmer line to Bly Gap, where the trail enters North Carolina. The trail extends through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and passes through federally designated wilderness areas. With 50 miles of connected, maintained side trails, hiking opportunities of challenge and variety await. The Appalachian Trail has several access points in Towns County including: Unicoi Gap, Dicks Creek Gap, and via Jack’s Knob Trail