Clayton, GA Road Trips

Rabun County was founded in 1829 and named after the present Governor of Georgia, William Rabun. The area that eventually became Clayton was called the Dividings because it sat at the intersection of three crucial Cherokee trails. Claytonsville was founded here by European-American settlers in 1821 as the seat of Rabun County. It was named after a prominent jurist and congressman, Judge Augustin S. Clayton. In 1823, the town was incorporated and renamed Clayton.

Foxfire Museum, ☏ +1 706 746-5828. This museum showcases buildings constructed long ago and antiquities open to self-guided tours. Admission is $6 for ages 11+, $3 ages 7 - 10, free if 6 and under.

Black Rock Mountain, 3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, ☏ +1 706 746-2141. 3 miles north of Clayton. Closed seasonally December 1 to March 15. Park open 7AM - 10PM. Office open 8AM - 5PM. With over 1,743 acres at the highest elevation for any park in Georgia, this park has over 10 cottages, 44 tent/trailer/RV campsites, 12 walk-in campsites, 2 picnic shelters, and a visitor center/gift shop. Kingwood County Club & Resort, 401 Country Club Drive, toll-free: +1-866-546-4966. This resort offers everything from 18 majestic golf holes to weddings, full spas to fine dining, and private accommodations to conference rooms. Rabun County Golf Club, ☏ +1 706 782-5500. 1322 Old 441 South. These 9 holes of golf and driving range is located just 1.3 south of Clayton. There are no required tee-times and memberships are available. Tallulah Gorge, 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr, ☏ +1 706 754-7981 (Park), +1 706 754-7979 (Camping). Open 8AM to sunset. See this beautiful canyon that's over 2 miles long and 1,000 feet deep. There are spectacular views of waterfalls, cliff faces, and forest. A walking path follows an old railroad bed and a 10-mile mountain bike trail is available for use. Parking is $5.

From Atlanta, take I-85 N for 28 miles to I-985 N which continues onto US-23 N after 24 miles. Continue 52 miles on US-23 N directly into Clayton. From Knoxville, head on I-40 for 92 miles, take exit 27 to get on US-74. After 26 miles, merge onto US-23 S toward US-441. Continue on to the ramp after 21 miles for another 21 miles to reach Clayton.