Attractions Near Hayesville, North Carolina

As the county seat of Clay County, Hayesville combines small-town charm with the beauty of mountains, lakes, rivers and streams. Opportunities for camping, golf, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and water sports are plentiful.  Lake Chatuge has over 130 miles of shoreline, much of which can never be developed.  The artists' community is diverse and growing. Whether you come for a day, a week or a lifetime, you will always find new activities and new places to explore.

The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum is housed in the Old County Jail Museum which was constructed in 1912 and used as a jail until 1972. The Museum displays items pertinent to the history of the area through changing exhibits. Visitors will enjoy the many pictures of life as it was in the old days, school house artifacts, a collection of farm equipment and Indian artifacts from a local excavation.

Nearby there is horseback riding at Chucky Gal Stables and close up petting opportunities at Jenny's Farm, a working Alpaca Farm.

Scenic beauty abounds with views of Tusquittee Mountain and Fires Creek Recreation Area, a picturesque recreation area in the Nantahala National Forest at the base of Leatherwood Falls. This area offers hiking and horseback riding trails and a camping area where horses are acceptable.

Jack Rabbit Mountain Recreation Area and Campground is on a wooded peninsula of Lake Chatuge. Operated seasonally and offers campsites, a lovely beach area, picnicking, boating access, modern sanitary facilities, drinking water, playground, barbecue pits, horseshoes, pavilions and a hiking trail.

Goldhagen Glass Art Studio highlights the unique works of David Goldhagen, internationally known artist.

Attractions

The Clay County Historical and Arts Council Museum Hayesville NC

The Clay County Historical and Arts Council Museum Hayesville NC

The Clay County Historical & Arts Council Museum is housed in the Old County Jail which was constructed in 1912 and used as a jail until 1972. The Museum displays items pertinent to the history of the area through changing exhibits.
Lake Chatuge - Hayesville NC

Lake Chatuge - Hayesville NC

Beautiful Lake Chatuge sits nestled between North Carolina and Georgia and offers casual recreation and unmatched vistas to all who visit Clay County.
Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails - Hayesville NC

Jackrabbit Mountain Bike and Hiking Trails - Hayesville NC

14 mile mountain biking trail system located on the shore of Lake Chatuge in the southern parts of Nantahala National Forest
Hiking to Standing Indian Mountain from Deep Gap - Macon and Clay County line

Hiking to Standing Indian Mountain from Deep Gap - Macon and Clay County line

Standing Indian is the highest mountain South of the Smoky Mtns. in this area (5500 ft.).
Fires Creek National Wildlife Reserve - Hayesville NC

Fires Creek National Wildlife Reserve - Hayesville NC

Located just five minutes from Hayesville, the Fires Creek National Wildlife Refuge Area offers a pristine environment for hikers, bird watchers, fishermen, or those looking for a beautiful spot for an afternoon picnic.
Cherokee Homestead Exhibit - Hayesville NC

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit - Hayesville NC

The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit celebrates Clay County's rich Cherokee heritage and culture and offers travelers and students a gateway to Cherokee heritage sites in the North Carolina mountains.

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