Towns County is located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of northeast Georgia and consists of approximately 167 square miles of land area. Many people are attracted to Towns County to enjoy its picturesque waterfalls, scenic mountain vistas, many creeks, as well as the Hiwassee and Tallulah Rivers. Towns County also contains Georgia’s highest peak, Brasstown Bald which stands proudly at 4,784 feet above sea level and attracts both local residents and visitors from all over the country. Young Harris and Hiawassee are Towns County’s only two incorporated areas.

Created in 1856 from parts of adjacent Rabun and Union Counties, Towns County and the surrounding area was originally occupied by the Cherokee Indians. The Cherokee influence is still evident today through the many named areas in the county, such as Hiawassee which is Cherokee for “Meadow.” Of the land in Towns County, the Chattahoochee National Forest covers approximately 57,000 acres while another 7,000 acres contains Lake Chatuge. Lake Chatuge is a man made lake constructed in 1941 and is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Both the Chattahoochee National Forest and Lake Chatuge not only help preserve these natural areas from land development, but also provide vast recreational opportunities.

In addition to its natural features, visitors to Towns County are also attracted by the famous Apalachian Trail, Apalachian music, the Georgia Mountain Fair in Hiawassee, as well as many arts and crafts events held throughout the area. In addition, the Young Harris College and the Brasstown Valley Resort are located in the small, quaint town of Young Harris. Notables also called Towns County home which include former Georgia Governor and U.S. Senator, Zell Miller, poet Byron Herbert Reece, and former Office of Management and Budget Director, Bert Lance.