Hartwell Lake, which forms parts of the county's eastern and southern borders, is a major tourist attraction in the region. The lake covers 55,950 acres, and is one of the three most visited Corps of Engineer lakes in the country.

Other important attractions in Hart County include Hart State Park, Victoria Bryant State Park, Lake Hartwell Dam and Power Plant and Bluegrass Express.

The Cherokee Indian "Center of the World" is located in the county on Highway 29 South. This Cherokee Indian Assembly ground, marked by a roadside monument, was the site of council meetings and trade with white settlers.

The 118-year old Hartwell Sun provides the community with news coverage of local government, social and recreation stories.