Travel

Flight

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Drive time: ~2 hr 20–30 min Distance: ~116–117 miles Why it’s best: Major international hub (most flight options + best pricing) Easy car rentals Downside: Longer drive than regional airports 👉 Best overall choice for most travelers.

House Or Rental

McGhee Tyson Airport

Drive time: ~2 hr Distance: ~60–65 miles Why it’s great: Shorter drive than Atlanta Easy in/out airport Downside: Fewer direct flights 👉 Best balance of convenience + drive time

Flight

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Drive time: ~2 hr Distance: ~75–113 miles Why it’s great: Smaller, easy airport Good for Southeast routes Downside: Limited airlines/routes 👉 Good alternative to Knoxville

Flight

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)

Drive time: ~2 hr 15–30 min Distance: ~105 miles Why it’s useful: Typically less crowded Downside: Fewer flights

Flight

Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

Drive time: ~2 hr 15–30 min Distance: ~115 miles Why consider it: Sometimes cheaper fares than AVL/CHA Downside: Still regional

Flight

Athens–Ben Epps Airport (AHN)

Drive time: ~1 hr 45–2 hr Distance: ~89 miles Why it’s listed: Closest “commercial-ish” airport Downside: Very limited service (often not practical)

Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hiawassee, an IHG Hotel

Hotel

Lake Chatuge Lodge

Hotel

Retreat on the lake

Hotel

Tranquille Resort

Hotel

Hiawassee Budget Inn

Hotel

Boundary Waters Resort & Marina

Hotel

The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge

Hotel

Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa

Hotel

Chatuge Lake Residences

Hotel

Little Bear Vacation Rentals

Hotel

Paradise Hills, Winery Resort & Spa

Hotel

Deerfield Inn

Hotel

Comfort Inn Blairsville Butternut Creek

Hotel

Best Western Milton Inn

Hotel

Quality Inn Downtown Helen

Hotel

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Helen, GA

Hotel

Unicoi State Park & Lodge

Hotel

Baymont by Wyndham Helen