Clayton, GA

Travel Guide

A storefront with American flags, a sign for an outdoor sale, and a closed sign.
A rustic log cabin surrounded by dense forest and a gravel path.
A white church with a steeple and a cross on top, located at N Johnson Ave.
A street with parked cars, a brick building with a sign for 'Crawford Art Gallery', and a mountain in the background.
A street with various shops including a restaurant and sports bar named 'CLARKS MAIN'.
Vacation in a mountain town known for its pioneer heritage, winemaking, forests, waterfalls, and a long and deep, rocky gorge.

Enjoy gorgeous views, fresh mountain air, outdoor pursuits and scenic surroundings when you visit Clayton. This small attractive town in Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains boasts expansive state parks, vineyards and historical buildings.

Take advantage of the beautiful scenery that surrounds Clayton. Explore waterfalls, streams and forests on trails that pass throughBlack Rock Mountain State Park. VisitTallulah Gorge State Parkand hike to the bottom of the gorge floor, which is nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters) deep in places. Look down into the Tallulah River from the suspension bridge that hangs 80 feet (24 meters) above the roaring water. Go swimming inLake Burtonand try whitewater rafting on theChattooga River. Fish atAndy's Trout Farm at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains.

The landscapes in and around Clayton give rise to vineyards, which produce an abundance of wines. Join a wine tasting adventure at12 Spies Vineyards,Tiger Mountain VineyardsandStonewall Creek Vineyards. Sip artisan-crafted whiskey and vodka atMoonrise Distillery.

Familiarize yourself with the town by taking the self-guided Historic Clayton Walking Tour. The route encompasses 18 historic buildings, including a gas station built by former professional basketball players in 1928. Browse clothing, home decor, accessory shops and many more on a downtown shopping expedition.

Drive lessthan 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) north of Clayton to theFoxfire Museum and Heritage Centerfor a window into the pioneer culture of the Southern Appalachians. Visit authentic pioneer cabins, view artifacts such as tools and furniture and learn about the lives of people who lived in the wilderness nearly 200 years ago.

Clayton lies 76 miles (122 kilometers) from Athens and 107 miles (172 kilometers) from Atlanta, the state capital. Come for a daytrip, long weekend or extended vacation and enjoy the impressive scenery, outdoor adventures and fascinating history.

Where to stay in Clayton

Find the best Clayton areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Clayton
Learn more about Clayton

Screamer Mountain

While there might not be top attractions in Screamer Mountain, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Main Street Gallery and Kingwood Resort Golf.

Americas Best Value Inn Clayton

Americas Best Value Inn Clayton

2 out of 5
698 Highway 441 South Clayton GA
The price is $98 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$98 total
per night
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Stay at this motel in Clayton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (979 reviews)
"My husband has pulmonary fibrosis and the management staff was excellent. They helped in every way possible. The room was also very clean and comfortable. Would 100% recommend this."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Americas Best Value Inn Clayton
Kingwood Resort

Kingwood Resort

3 out of 5
401 Country Club Drive Clayton GA
The price is $147 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$147 total
per night
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Clayton. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and a golf course. Popular attractions Kingwood Resort Golf and Main Street ...
8/10 Very Good! (468 reviews)
"We enjoyed the room. It had a little smell that was not unpleasant guess little age of the building or air conditioner. Great view, location convenient to town. Would use them again when visiting the area again. Staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2026

Kingwood Resort
Days Inn by Wyndham Helen

Days Inn by Wyndham Helen

2 out of 5
101 Edelweiss Strausse Helen GA
The price is $91 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$91 total
per night
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Stay at this motel in Helen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
Days Inn by Wyndham Helen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Alpine Crest Resort

Alpine Crest Resort

2 out of 5
273 Carrie Cox Dr Helen GA
Stay at this aparthotel in Helen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Unicoi Hill Park and Helen Arts & Heritage Center are ...
7.8/10 Good! (197 reviews)
"The room was clean, roomy"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Alpine Crest Resort
Fairway Forest by Coolvacay

Fairway Forest by Coolvacay

3.5 out of 5
70 Sapphire Valley Road Sapphire NC
Book a stay at this golf condo in Sapphire. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, hot springs on site, and a sauna. Popular attractions Sapphire Valley Ski Resort and Sapphire ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (403 reviews)
"We absolutely loved our condo rental. It had lots of room, with a bedroom and bath on both floors. The kitchen was more than adequately appointed. Very comfortable and clean. It appeared that much of the furniture and carpeting had recently been replaced. The bathrooms were huge and the shower in ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Fairway Forest by Coolvacay
Great Creekside Hideaway Rustic Cabin - Secluded, Creekside Family Cabin

Great Creekside Hideaway Rustic Cabin - Secluded, Creekside Family Cabin

Topton NC
Stay at this cabin in Topton. Enjoy balconies and air conditioning. Popular attractions Nantahala National Forest and Lakes End Marina are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"This place was wonderful!"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Great Creekside Hideaway Rustic Cabin - Secluded, Creekside Family Cabin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Clayton attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Clayton worth visiting?
Clayton is worth visiting for its golf courses, including Kingwood Resort Golf and Rabun County Golf Club. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of dining options, with North American and Italian cuisine available, offering classic dishes like pasta and burgers.
When is the best time to visit Clayton?
The best time to visit Clayton is from June through August, when the destination is most popular. For fewer crowds and potentially better value on accommodations, the quieter months of November through January are a good option for travelers.
What is Clayton known for?
Clayton is known for its prominent golf destinations, including Kingwood Resort Golf and Rabun County Golf Club. Travelers can also visit the Main Street Gallery, offering local art and culture. The area also features a welcoming North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Clayton?
A good itinerary length for Clayton is two to three days to enjoy activities like rafting on the Chattooga River or visiting the Main Street Gallery. An extended stay of four to five days allows travelers to also experience the Bartram Trail Hike plus Wine Tasting, play golf at Kingwood Resort Golf, and explore local dining. See Clayton Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Clayton?
Clayton offers outdoor adventures, cultural insights, and unique local experiences for travelers:

  • Hike the Bartram Trail, followed by a wine tasting.
  • Go rafting on the Chattooga River.
  • Visit the Foxfire Museum for local history and culture.
  • Explore the Coleman River Wildlife Management Area.
  • Take a Jeep Tour in the Chattooga River area with a guide.

How do I plan a trip to Clayton?
Plan your Clayton trip by booking flights, rental cars, and places to stay on Expedia in advance. Secure popular activities like Chattooga River rafting or a Bartram Trail hike. For outdoor plans, always have indoor backups, such as visiting Main Street Gallery, to ensure weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Clayton?
In Clayton you can find New American cuisine, featuring dishes like gourmet burgers, artisanal pizzas, and modern comfort food. Travelers can also enjoy Southern soul food, Italian classics such as pasta and pizza, and Latin American options including tacos and other Mexican fare. Asian and Mediterranean dishes are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Clayton?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Clayton by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Clayton with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Clayton trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Clayton?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Clayton can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Clayton trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Clayton trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Clayton trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Clayton trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Clayton?
If it's your first trip to Clayton, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Clayton hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Clayton hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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