A look around Lake Chatuge

With a break in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship, I decided to take a tour of the area to enjoy the scenic beauty. Iâm from South Louisiana, so I donât get to drive around mountains very often. And the 40 miles or so around Hiawassee, Ga., did not disappoint. Join me for a tour, which started at sunrise from Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia.

As the sun rose above the horizon, it threw beautiful rays across the mountain ridges that really highlighted the rising fog in the valleys. Smoky Mountains, indeed.

I crossed the Appalachian Train atop Unicoi Gap.

My next stop was at Anna Ruby Falls just outside of Helen, Ga. I absolutely love creeks, and the I didnât even make it to the waterfall before dropping off the trail to shoot Smith Creek.

Curtis and Yukon creeks fall off a cliff to create Anna Ruby Falls, joining at the bottom to form Smith Creek that meanders down the mountain until uniting with the Chattahoochee River.

Be prepared for crowds when you stop at Anna Ruby Falls. Folks took turns taking selfies.

A closeup of Anna Ruby Falls.

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You can stop on your way out of Anna Ruby Falls and pick up some gifts. Be aware that this is another pay area, so youâll need $3.

I heard about Helen being Bavarian themed, and thought it should be a neat stop. If youâre looking for something for the entire family, this might be your deal. You can buy gifts, get all manner of local foods, ride golf carts and tube down the Chattahoochee River. Bring your patience, though, because it was absolutely packed.

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Helen even offers zip lining.

Driving the winding switchbacks through the gorgeous scenery brought back childhood memories of family vacations.

So sue me: I love mountain overlooks. This one was at Hogpen Gap.

This family stopped to get a shot of their kids at the Hogpen Gap overlook.

Twisting Highway 348 is popular with motorcyclists, who zoom around the curves at speed. Be ready for one to pass you â even in no-passing zones. So be on the lookout.

Sunrise Grocery in Blairsville is a must. You can pick up local fruits and vegetables, honey and boiled peanuts.

Young Harris College was founded in 1886.

Most of the original Young Harris College buildings have been replaced, but the old chapel still stands.

Right down the road from the college is Cupid Falls. What it lacks in height is made up for in beauty. And itâs only minutes down the road from Hiawassee.

Next to Cupid Falls is a beautiful board walk, on which I took a short break.

There are wineries all around the Hiawassee area, and you can even visit some of the vineyards. Patrons of Crane Creek Vineyard about 3 miles outside Young Harris were sampling wines while overlooking the rows of grape vines.

There are plenty of eateries in the area, as well. Unwind is one of those offering a great view of Lake Chatuge.

Vogel State Park near Blairsville is a beautiful getaway. Families can picnic, enjoy water sports and hike on the property. Bring along $5 per person, however.

The creek at Vogel State Park offer a chance to cool off when temperatures rise.

Rental kayaks are available at the parks beautiful lake.

Back at Lake Chatuge, I saw several kayakers while strolling on the dam.

The Chatuge Dam Trail is popular with locals as a place to stretch their legs in the shadow of the surrounding mountains.