With the summer starting to heat up, it is time to get out and enjoy the sunshine and Nature's bounty. Since we were all in quarantine last summer, most of us are dying to get out of the house. But what is there to do in Clayton, Ga.?
We have compiled a list of some fun, (mostly) family-friendly things to do around town. So if you're coming into town for the weekend, or have lived here your whole life but never been a tourist in your own town, now is the time to explore Rabun County and see what there's to offer in this quaint little town (besides all the delicious eateries).
Foxfire Museum
The Foxfire Museum is an amazing way to experience history in a hands-on way with their family-friendly, outdoor village with over 20 historic log buildings. Each building is filled with artifacts representative of life in the mountains from 1820 to 1940. Also, they offer heritage skills class where you can learn how to make a broom to foraging and cooking. The immersive museum is situated on eight acres of mountainside next to Black Rock Mountain State Park. Visit foxfire.org for operating hours, class registration and more information.
Black Rock State Park
Georgia's state park with the highest elevation in Georgia boasts a spectacular view of the 80-mile vistas in the Blue Ridge Mountains with multiple overlooks going up to the park. There are four hiking trails that lead sightseers past wildflowers, streams, small waterfalls and through lush forests. Guests can partake in the visitor summit center for its gift shop, small parks for children and picnic tables overlooking the town of Clayton. Overnight visitors can choose from comfortable mountaintop cottages to campsites nestled within Rhododendron and weathered oaks. Also, there is a small lake with a walking trail around it (relatively flat- great for kids and dogs to get their energy out!) and a dock for anglers. For more information, click here.
Fishing
Rabun County has an abundance of fishing options for the angler of any level. With numerous fishing spots along the many lakes, rivers, and streams that inhibit this beautiful county, we would be here all day if we covered all that... So I'm just going touch on two establishments here today: Andy's Trout Farm and Hatch Camp Art Farm.
Andy's Trout Farm, located in Dillard, is a guaranteed catch from their ponds, fully-stocked with rainbow trout, in a lush mountain environment. No license is required, and you can bring your own gear or rent theirs, but you have to keep and pay for what you catch. Family-owned and operated since 1965, they offer hiking, gem-mining, and dip in the swimming hole.
Hatch Camp Art Farm, located on Warwoman Creek, is the only private, guided trout stream in Rabun as well as one of the two fly shops in the county. The staff can take a newbie who has never even touched a fly rod and have them pulling in large trout by the end of the trip. They offer small to large group rate with options for fly tying, casting, and beginner class as well as off-site guiding.
Zip lining
Another great adventure for the whole family is go zip lining! Clayton doesn't have a zip lining company in town, but we do have two nearby that are amazing, and both are about 20 minutes away.
Chattooga River Zipline Canopy Tours provides over a half mile of air time with 2 sky bridges, 10 zip lines, 4 zips across Academy Lake, and ends at the 1100 ft. Bell Tower Express. Each tour is equipped with 2 Canopy Rangers to enlighten you on the wildlife and area history while guiding you through the trees. Also, you can make a whole day out of it and combine whitewater rafting and zip lining, so check out their specials!
Highlands Aerial Tours have something for everyone... even the scaredy cats! You can choose between the half tour (4 lines) or the full tour (8 lines), and there's even a Brave Little Indian ropes course/zip line for the little ones. Also, there's a giant swing, UTV guided trail, and a hiking trail to the waterfall. Tons to do for everyone in the family... no matter what their age or physical ability!
Goats on the Roof
The name says it all.... they have goat on the roof! But so much more to do for the whole family! There's a general store full of Amish goodies and unique gifts, a small playground for children, gem mining, and a cafe for lunch. After lunch, make sure to order some yummy nitro ice cream, and watching it be made is half the fun! Back to the goats though, it's free admission but just 50 cents for a cup of feed to give the goats, several inventive ways to get the feed to them, and even become an official Goat Ranger. Great pit stop for the whole family! Find more information and events on their webpage: goats-on-the-roof.com
Axe Throwing
Speaking of rainy day options, Admiral Axe, located beneath Wander North Georgia, is great choice for keeping active on those rainy days, or while you wait for dinner reservation at the multiple restaurants on Main Street. So what is axe throwing? Think of it like darts.... but with axes. Closer the axe gets to the bull's eye, the more points you earn. You can play as an individual, or with a team, and the best part is that each session comes with a tutorial from trained staff and stay near to answer questions, help with keeping score, and ensure you have an amazing and safe time. They even allow kids, 12 and up, throw axes, too (with parent in attendance). They will be open Friday-Sunday, kicking off on June 11th.
R.M Rose Distillery, by the Dillard House, opened in 2016 because of the water, the best water in the state. "When you got good water, copper pot still and the finest corn, you can make some of the finest whiskey around." With 150 years of distilling experience, R.M. Rose has some of the finest brands on the market:
Old Georgia Corn Whiskey, George Sudderth Corn Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey Fire on the Mountain Cinnamon Whiskey, Apple Whiskey, Blackberry Whiskey, Peach Lemon Whiskey, Cinnamon Cherries. Swing by and take a tour of the distillery, which ends in their old-fashioned gift shop where you can try the different types of whiskey (straight or in a cocktail). Make sure to grab a bottle and get you a "Ask the Revenue Officer" t-shirt.
