Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Golf, a spa, a riding stable and a fireside dining room, 45 minutes from Helen
The short answer
How it works as a trip from Helen
Brasstown Valley is a full-service mountain resort at 6321 Highway 76 in Young Harris, on 503 acres below Brasstown Bald. It's a different kind of stay from Helen's Bavarian village: golf, a spa, a riding stable and a dining room, all on one property. Plan on about 45 minutes and 29 miles each way from downtown Helen.
The resort runs on state-owned land under private management, according to Wikipedia. It opened in April 1995 as what that article calls Georgia's first public/private hospitality venture, and former governor Zell Miller, from nearby Young Harris, championed it. The design leans on the site's Cherokee past: the property sits on a village site that is 10,000 years old, and artifacts found during construction are displayed in the resort basement. Look for the turtle, the resort's symbol, around the grounds.
Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point, is right next door. If you stay here, the Brasstown Bald visitor center makes an easy half-day add-on.
Rooms and suites
The resort splits its rooms into three kinds. Rates, resort fees and pet rules aren't posted on the main pages, so check current rates and ask about fees and pets when you book at 706-379-9900.
| Type | What's there | Details |
|---|---|---|
| The Lodge | 102 guest rooms plus five one-bedroom suites in the main building | Many rooms have balconies, gas log fireplaces and wooded mountain or valley views. |
| The Cottages | Eight cottages holding 32 rooms | Set in the woods near the lodge; the resort also rents the cottage parlor spaces. |
| Equani Spa Suite | One private suite | Vaulted pine ceiling, stacked-stone gas fireplace, a rooftop deck with hot tub access, a Jacuzzi tub and an Experience Shower. |
The lobby has a hexagonal layout built around a 72-foot fieldstone chimney, and the lodge, cottages and spa suite share a pool (indoor and outdoor), a fitness center, a golf pro shop and a conference center.
Golf, spa and horses
The 18-hole championship course was designed by Denis Griffiths in a Scottish links style, and the resort says Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America rank it among Georgia's best. Book tee times through the resort.
The Equani Spa draws on Cherokee traditions for its body treatments, facials and massages. It opened in October 2008, it's closed on Sundays, treatments are for guests 18 and older, and it asks for 72 hours' notice to cancel. The spa books separately at 706-379-2336.
The stables run guided trail rides, hayrides and custom equestrian outings. Hikers can use the 8.1-mile Miller Trek, named for Zell Miller, which connects toward the Appalachian Trail.
Where to eat on the property
Two restaurants and a lounge cover the day. Hours below come from the resort's dining page; seasonal changes are common, so call before you plan around a late dinner.
| Venue | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Dining Room | Breakfast Mon-Sat 7-11 AM, Sun 7-10:15 AM. Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30 AM-2 PM. Sunday brunch 11:30 AM-2 PM. Dinner daily 5-9 PM. | Views of the Three Sisters mountains; seating by the fireplace or on the heated seasonal veranda. |
| Brassies Grill | Sun-Thu 11 AM-10 PM; Fri-Sat 11 AM-midnight. Kitchen closes at 9 PM. | The casual 19th-hole spot with pool, darts and televised sports. Hours shift by season; call 706-379-4617. |
| Fireside Lounge | Seasonal hours | In the lobby, by the fireplace or out on the veranda. |
Holiday dates already posted
The resort lists these buffets and events for the 2026 holidays. Confirm times and prices when you reserve.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Eve Buffet | Wednesday, November 25, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Day Buffet | Thursday, November 26, 2026 |
| Breakfast with Santa | Saturday, December 19, 2026 |
| Christmas Eve Buffet | Thursday, December 24, 2026 |
Pairing it with Helen
Most guests who split a trip between the two bases spend a night or two at Brasstown Valley for the spa and golf, then drive to Helen for tubing season, Oktoberfest and the downtown shops. If you're after cabins in the Helen hills instead, see the cabin rentals guide, or look at Valhalla Resort for a resort stay inside Helen's own valley.
