Lake Chatuge is Georgia’s highest elevation manmade lake in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains region with 128 miles of shoreline. Late spring is like a time of awakening when locals and visitors get back on the water.
“We hear over and over from people how they’ll plan their trip out and the boat rental was the most fun thing they did the whole week,” said Dwayne Phillips, owner of Lake Chatuge Marine and Marina. “We sell fun!”

Founded in 1972, the family business operates a full-service boat dealership and marina specializing in boat sales, service, slips, and boat rentals. The pontoon boats and tubes are rented by a wide variety of people, Phillips explained, “from a lot of locals all the way to people from Atlanta to Florida. All age groups. Everybody wants to be on the lake now.”

Why rent a pontoon boat? You can go tubing with the kids. Some people like to park in a cove to swim and enjoy the placid waters and sunshine. Others are cruisers – those who like to check out the shoreline, the houses and all the sights. Fishermen love it, too.
“We are centrally located in Hiawassee in the middle of where everything happens,” said Phillips. “Easy parking. We always have new boats that we rent made by Starcraft, Sylvan, and Sunchaser.” Click here to learn more about pontoon rentals.

Another way to enjoy Lake Chatuge is by kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board. Chatuge Paddle is a paddle boarding and kayaking company that specializes in deliveries to campgrounds, Airbnbs, private homes and boat ramps around Lake Chatuge. The equipment is lightweight and easy to maneuver.


When COVID challenged the world into safe distancing, Tawny Mayo was inspired by the lake’s open feeling.
“Being outdoors was an awesome option,” said Mayo. “I had friends I wanted to take on the lake, but they were uncomfortable with the idea of boats and wakes.”
If you are coming to the lake for just a few hours or are staying the weekend or longer, you can book a reservation for tours and rentals. Many clients are campers who prefer to have the watercraft on hand for early morning paddles.
There are options for Sunset Glow Tours.

“We start out before the sun goes down – if there is a sunset – everything is so weather-dependent. Once it starts getting dark, we turn the lights on beneath the boats,” said Mayo. “Fish come up to the lights as we paddle around the shoreline.”
Chatuge Paddle offers SUP Yoga and for those who are not familiar with either Yoga or SUP boards, this is perfect for the beginner or the expert. Check the website for expanded tour options as summer gets underway.
When you’re off the water, Towns County is abuzz with festivals and events. Check out:

Space Aliens at Rollins Planetarium, Young Harris College – May 3
Are we alone? The all-new show, Space Aliens, tackles the human quest to examine if/how life exists beyond Earth. Join “experts” on alien life— one hopeful, the other skeptical— in their astrobiology arguments from the ocean floor to a journey across the galaxy. Show begins 8 pm. Tickets $3 to $5. Reserve 



Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival – May 11
Sip the handcrafted offerings of more than 30 wineries, some familiar to you and some new! Enjoy music by Wyatt Espalin & Friends, arts and crafts, food trucks, and tours of the blooming Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens. Tickets: $25 to $40. Reserve


Mother’s Day Brunch at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa – May 12
Beloved by locals and guests alike, Brasstown Valley Resort is known for amazing buffet brunches and dinners. For Mother’s Day, imagine Springer Mountain chicken breast with truffled au jus and paella with Spanish sausage and blue mussels; a steak and omelet station – save room for chocolate torte – and more! Brunch $10.95 to $59 (children and adults) Reserve

Hiawassee Pro Rodeo – May 24-26
Gallop over to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds for three days of rodeo fun! Enjoy the best bucking horses, bulls, and contestants from the USA and Canada and their specialty performances. Admission $20 (kids 5 and under free). Reserve

Made in Georgia – June 29-30
Meet more than 90 farmers and artists who grow and celebrate with a Made in Georgia aesthetic. Buy gifts that include pottery, honey, soaps, woodwork, leather, jewelry, clothing, shrubs, pecans, pickles ... it’s all made in The Peach State, y’all. Enjoy live music with Mountain Breeze, and the performances of Buster Brown and his birds of prey with Georgia Mountain Falconry. Brought to you by the Lake Chatuge Chamber of Commerce and sponsors at the Towns County Recreation & Conference Center in Young Harris. Admission $5. Info