Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Tugaloo State Park

Georgia’s most popular state parks are certainly worthy of your time. Seeing Cloudland Canyon State Park, Amicalola Falls State Park, and Tallulah Gorge State Park should be on everyone’s bucket list, for sure. But what about Georgia’s lesser-known, less-popular state parks? Sometimes, those parks are where you’ll be inspired to appreciate Georgia’s unspoiled landscape without the crowds. Tugaloo State Park is the perfect example. For those wanting to explore the path less traveled, there’s a small town near Tugaloo State Park that’s an idyllic spot to spend a weekend. Let’s check it out:

Why This Town is the Perfect Base for Tugaloo State Park

Tugaloo State Park is a 393-acre state park situated on a peninsula around Lake Hartwell. The 55,590-acre lake is the perfect place to spend a summer day, offering endless aquatic adventures including fishing, swimming, sailing, boating, and water skiing. Anglers will probably know this lake like the back of their hands, as the fishing at Tugaloo State Park is amazing year-round and there are often fishing tournaments to look forward to, but for the average nature lover, Tugaloo tends to go overlooked.

The state park is located in Lavonia, a charming hidden gem town in Georgia that’s the perfect place to stay while you explore the area. With a population that hovers around 2,100 residents, Lavonia is a “Big Time Small Town” where you can enjoy endless outdoor adventures paired with that small-town charm we love. 

What to Do in Lavonia

Exploring Lavonia’s Main Street should be at the top of the itinerary. Here you’ll find several local businesses, restaurants, and cafes peppered around. While you’re wandering through the town, be sure to swing by the Lavonia-Carnegie Library. It was established in 1911, and Lavonia is the smallest city in the United States with an original Carnegie Library building. 

For meals, you’ve got plenty of incredible restaurants in Lavonia to choose from. 211 Main Street is a local favorite for lunch, serving up a wide range of salads, sandwiches, and paninis. The restaurant is also home to some of the best pies in Georgia, so be sure to check out the display and take one back to your accommodation before you leave. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with a meal at J Peters Grill & Bar. This American-style restaurant has a handful of locations in South Carolina and one here in Lavonia, and is the go-to spot for burgers, steaks, ribs, and more. 

When you’re ready to explore Tugaloo State Park, I’d recommend renting a kayak or a canoe and exploring the lake via paddle. I love the hiking trails at Tugaloo State Park, but when a park is surrounded by water, you just have to take advantage of all of the aquatic adventures! You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the park starting at just $10 an hour—that’s a steal! Visit the park’s website to see the full rate breakdown.

Where to Stay Nearby

While there are plenty of hotels in Lavonia that would love to host you, I think staying on the lake is the way to go here. There are plenty of cabins, cottages, and campsites at Tugaloo State Park that will really take your stay to the next level. Some of the waterfront cottages at the park have a private boat dock so you can go from bed to boat in just minutes! The state park is only six miles from downtown Lavonia, so you can easily head into town for meals and shopping opportunities. 

What to Know Before You Go

One of the benefits of exploring small towns is that you can generally just pull up unannounced and enjoy yourself. Most restaurants in Lavonia can accept walk-ins, but it wouldn’t hurt to call ahead to confirm. If you’re planning on doing any fishing, be sure to have your Georgia fishing license before you drop a line. 

When you’re ready to escape the crowds and enjoy the quiet side of Georgia, you can’t go wrong with this small town near Tugaloo State Park. Take a look at our Ultimate Guide to State Parks in Georgia and make it your mission to visit them all!