Clayton GeorgiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clayton, Georgia.
1. Tallulah Gorge State Park
BREATHTAKING NATURAL WONDER
Tallulah Gorge State Park features a spectacular 1,000-foot-deep gorge with an 80-foot-high suspension bridge for visitors to cross. The park offers strenuous hiking trails with stairs leading to the bottom of the gorge, rewarding adventurers with magnificent views. During special events, the dam opens for whitewater releases that attract kayakers from across the country to tackle the Class IV-V rapids.
2. Black Rock Mountain State Park
GEORGIA'S HIGHEST STATE PARK
Black Rock Mountain State Park holds the distinction of being Georgia's highest elevation state park, offering some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the state. The park features 11 miles of hiking trails, a 17-acre lake, and over 50 campsites for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities and amenities that make for a memorable mountain experience.
3. Moonrise Distillery
LOCAL CRAFT SPIRITS
Moonrise Distillery is one of the top attractions in Clayton, known for its handcrafted spirits. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distillation process and sample various locally-made products. The distillery combines traditional techniques with modern craftsmanship to create unique spirits that reflect the character of North Georgia.
4. Chattahoochee National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds Clayton with over 750,000 acres of protected woodland, offering countless outdoor recreational opportunities. The forest features numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping areas for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can experience the rich biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians while exploring mountains, valleys, and waterways.
5. Sliding Rock Cascade
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Sliding Rock Cascade is a popular natural attraction featuring smooth rock formations that create natural water slides. Visitors can cool off during summer months by sliding down the slick rocks into refreshing mountain pools. The cascade is surrounded by scenic forest that provides a perfect setting for picnics and family outings.
6. Downtown Clayton
CHARMING MOUNTAIN TOWN
Downtown Clayton offers a quintessential small mountain town experience with its array of trendy shops and boutiques lining the streets. The area features picture-postcard worthy views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains that create a scenic backdrop for the charming town. Visitors can spend hours exploring local businesses selling everything from antiques to handcrafted goods.
7. Foxfire Museum
APPALACHIAN HERITAGE PRESERVED
Foxfire Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of Southern Appalachia through its collection of historic log cabins and artifacts. The museum showcases traditional crafts, tools, and folkways that tell the story of mountain life in earlier times. Visitors can experience hands-on demonstrations and learn about the self-sufficient lifestyle of early settlers in the region.
8. Goats on the Roof
QUIRKY FAMILY ATTRACTION
Goats on the Roof is a unique roadside attraction where live goats actually roam on the sod-covered roof of the establishment. This family-friendly destination features ice cream, local crafts, and various activities that appeal to visitors of all ages. Children particularly enjoy feeding the goats using the special pulley system that delivers food to the rooftop residents.
9. Chattooga River
PREMIER WHITEWATER RAFTING
The Chattooga River offers world-class whitewater rafting opportunities with sections ranging from mild to wild. Section 4 features challenging Class IV-V rapids for experienced adventurers, while Section 3 provides a more moderate experience suitable for beginners. The river gained fame as the filming location for the movie 'Deliverance' and continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling water adventures.
10. Minnehaha Falls
HIDDEN FOREST CASCADE
Minnehaha Falls is a picturesque 100-foot waterfall tucked away in the forests near Lake Rabun, just a short drive from Clayton. The waterfall is accessible via a relatively easy 0.4-mile hiking trail, making it perfect for families and casual hikers. Visitors are rewarded with views of cascading water flowing over multiple rock ledges in a serene woodland setting.
11. Warwoman Dell Recreation Area
HISTORIC WILDERNESS GATEWAY
Warwoman Dell Recreation Area serves as a gateway to multiple hiking trails including sections of the famous Bartram Trail. The area features picnic facilities, a small waterfall, and historical significance as a Cherokee meeting ground. Nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems while learning about the area's rich Native American and early settler history.
12. Wander North Georgia
OUTDOOR GEAR & GIFTS
Wander North Georgia is a popular outfitter store in downtown Clayton offering quality outdoor gear, apparel, and local gifts. The shop provides essential equipment for hiking, camping, and exploring the surrounding mountains and waterways. Beyond retail, Wander North Georgia serves as a community hub with staff who share extensive knowledge about local trails and attractions.
13. Rabun Bald
SECOND-HIGHEST GEORGIA PEAK
Rabun Bald stands as Georgia's second-highest peak at 4,696 feet, offering panoramic views of four states on clear days. Hikers can reach the summit via the Bartram Trail, a moderate to strenuous 3-mile round trip journey. At the top, an observation platform built on the stone foundation of an old fire tower provides the perfect vantage point for taking in the magnificent 360-degree vistas.
14. Lake Burton
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR
Lake Burton is a pristine 2,775-acre reservoir nestled in the mountains near Clayton, offering recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by luxury homes and peaceful coves. Visitors can enjoy mountain views while fishing for spotted bass, largemouth bass, and various trout species that inhabit the cool waters.
15. Dicks Creek Falls
ACCESSIBLE WILDERNESS WATERFALL
Dicks Creek Falls features a scenic waterfall where Dicks Creek meets the Chattooga River, creating a popular swimming and picnic spot. The falls are accessible via a short, family-friendly trail that makes it ideal for visitors of all ages. During warmer months, the natural pool at the base of the falls provides a refreshing swimming hole surrounded by the beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest.