Things to do Near Hayesville, North Carolina

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

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.