Photo: public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Clayton, the Rabun County seat, sits in the middle of some of Georgia’s best outdoor country: the state’s highest state park just north of town, Tallulah Gorge to the south, three mountain lakes to the west and the wild Chattooga River to the east. It is about 107 miles from Atlanta, roughly 2 hours 10 minutes without traffic, with a Main Street of restaurants, outfitters and shops. Here are the best things to do in and around Clayton, checked in October 2026.
- From AtlantaAbout 107 miles, 2 hours 10 minutes without traffic
- CountyRabun County
- Known forIts access to Rabun County’s lakes, Tallulah Gorge, Black Rock Mountain and the Chattooga River
Top Things to Do in Clayton
1. Black Rock Mountain State Park
Georgia’s highest state park, reaching 3,640 feet on the Eastern Continental Divide just north of town, with overlooks that see up to 80 miles, a 17-acre lake, camping and cottages. $10 ParkPass per vehicle.
2. Tallulah Gorge State Park
A two-mile canyon nearly 1,000 feet deep, with rim overlooks, a suspension bridge 80 feet above the river and up to 100 free permits a day to hike to the gorge floor. $10 ParkPass per vehicle.
3. Lake Burton
A 2,775-acre Georgia Power lake with clear water and steep shorelines, home to the state-record spotted bass and big brown trout. Moccasin Creek State Park sits on its shore.
4. Lake Rabun
An 834-acre lake lined with historic boathouses, with a Forest Service beach and campground at Rabun Beach. It produced the Georgia state-record walleye in 2016.
5. Minnehaha Falls
A 100-foot cascade near Lake Rabun at the end of a short walk, one of the easiest waterfalls in the county for kids.
6. Rabun Bald
Georgia’s second-highest mountain, 4,696 feet, with an observation platform on an old fire tower base, about 3 to 4 miles round trip from Beegum Gap near Sky Valley.
7. Oakey Mountain OHV trails
Steep, rocky national forest trails for ATVs and dirt bikes near Lake Burton, open March 15 to December 31. $5 day pass on Recreation.gov.
Advertise in Clayton
Own a cabin rental, inn, restaurant, shop or outfitter in Clayton? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Black Rock Mountain is usually one of the first places in Georgia to show fall color, and its black birch nears peak in mid-October; follow our weekly fall color report. Summer brings lake season on Burton, Rabun and Seed.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
Pair Clayton with Tallulah Falls, Clarkesville, Hiawassee, or compare all of them in our 10 best North Georgia mountain towns. For the bigger picture, see 20 best things to do in North Georgia, the North Georgia map and our lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
What is Clayton, GA known for?
Clayton is best known for its access to Rabun County’s lakes, Tallulah Gorge, Black Rock Mountain and the Chattooga River.
How far is Clayton from Atlanta?
Clayton is about 107 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 2 hours 10 minutes by car without traffic.
What is there to do in Clayton, GA?
Clayton is the base for Black Rock Mountain State Park, Tallulah Gorge, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Minnehaha Falls and the Chattooga River, plus a walkable Main Street with restaurants and outfitters.
What is the highest state park in Georgia?
Black Rock Mountain State Park, just north of Clayton, is Georgia’s highest state park, reaching 3,640 feet on the Eastern Continental Divide.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked on October 15, 2026. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- Georgia State Parks: Black Rock Mountain, Tallulah Gorge and Moccasin Creek; 2026 ParkPass rate
- U.S. Forest Service: Oakey Mountain OHV trails
- Georgia DNR: Lake Burton and Lake Rabun records and facts
- U.S. Census Bureau: 2024 population estimate (2,090)
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.