Located in northeastern Georgia on the edge of Chattahoochee National Forest, Clayton is a tiny mountain town surrounded by a whole lot of nature. The community is home to several significant hiking and biking trails, including the Black Rock Mountain State Park and Tennessee Rock Loop Trailhead, both of which cater to varying skill levels. Nearby, Lake Burton boasts over 60 miles of shoreline, with its vast open waters beckoning swimmers, boaters, and water-sport enthusiasts to explore its plethora of coves and sparkling blue depths. Tucked at the foot of a valley are the glassy waters of Lake Rabun, an idyllic spot for stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Downtown Clayton has more than just the basics, including art galleries and studios and the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences.

The summer months leading into fall provide some of the best weather and conditions for enjoying outdoor recreation, including hiking, swimming, and cycling. In October, Foxfire Museum hosts the Foxfire Mountaineer Festival, featuring live bluegrass music, succulent barbeque, crafts, and other activities. Hambidge, the creative arts center, also hosts an arts festival in October, which offers visits to artist studios, live demonstrations, and numerous art installations. Holiday festivities animate Clayton throughout November and December. During the last weekend of November, the town hosts the Merry Market, where you can find locally made products, including gifts, crafts, baked goods, honey, jams, and more. The Clayton Christmas Parade takes place during the first week of December and features festive floats.

Main Street Gallery

The three-story Main Street Art Gallery, established in 1985, is known for its contemporary folk art of the Southeast. The gallery features a selection of fine art, pottery, and crafts brimming with vibrant colors and striking imagery.

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest state park in Georgia, and provides plenty of scenic lookouts showcasing 80-mile vistas over the mountains and valleys. The park gets its name from its dark granite cliffs, and several trails wind through the treasure troves of wildflowers, cascading streams, and verdant forests.

Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center

The Foxfire Museum is an outdoor museum comprising more than 20 historic log structures that reflect the history and culture of life in the Appalachian Mountains between 1820 and 1940. In addition to self-guided tours, the museum offers community programs. Some days, you may even find a blacksmith or broom maker present providing live demonstrations of the once-popular skills and artistry of North Georgia’s previous residents.