Clayton, GA
Rabun County's small-town hub, close to waterfalls, gorges and Black Rock Mountain.
I have a paid partnership with the Clayton Merchants and Business Association (CMBA). Every recommendation here is a place I visit and would send friends and family to.
Clayton is a walkable mountain town in Rabun County with waterfalls nearby and Georgia's highest state park 10 minutes up the road. You can park once, eat well on Main Street and still be on a trail before lunch.
This page pulls every Clayton guide into one place: the hour-by-hour Saturday, the two state parks, where to stay and the downtown stops worth your time.
- Drive time
- About 1 hour 45 minutes from Atlanta
- Best time to go
- April through June for waterfalls and wildflowers. October for fall color.
- Parking
- Free downtown. Park once near Main Street and walk.
- State parks
- Black Rock Mountain 10 minutes north, Tallulah Gorge 15 minutes south. $10 ParkPass each.
Start here
The whole day, planned in order.
The Perfect Saturday in Clayton, GA
Coffee downtown, a morning waterfall, lunch on Main Street, the shops, and golden hour at Black Rock Mountain.
Read the guideExplore more in Clayton
Start with what you're in the mood for.
Black Rock Mountain
Georgia's highest state park, 10 minutes from town. Drive-up overlooks and the Tennessee Rock Trail.
Moonrise Distillery
Tasting flights, distillery tours and a hidden 1920s speakeasy.
The Cascades Inn
A waterfall hideaway in Tiger, just outside Clayton, with waterfall suites and a creekside trail.
Want the whole Clayton trip planned for you?
Clayton is one of five trips in North Georgia Weekends ($79): a full Friday to Sunday with three places to stay and a rain plan for each stop.
Where to eat in Clayton
All six are in the Saturday guide, with when to go.
- White Birch ProvisionsEast Savannah Street. Coffee and pastries.
- The Clayton CafeNorth Main. Full breakfast. Closes at 3 PM, closed Sundays.
- Universal JointNorth Main. Burgers, tacos and a patio.
- Frida Taqueria and CantinaWest Savannah Street. Mexican food.
- The VandiverSouth Main. Special-occasion dinner. Reserve on weekends.
- Friends Clayton GrillNorth Main. Rooftop dining.
More Clayton guides
Parks, trails and downtown stops near town.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Rim trails, the suspension bridge and how the gorge floor permit works.
Shady Creek Expeditions
The fly shop and guide service on Main Street, with guided fly fishing trips.
12 Best Waterfalls in North Georgia
Ranked by difficulty, with fees and distances.
Clayton, GA FAQ
How far is Clayton, GA from Atlanta?
About 1 hour 45 minutes. From Greenville, SC it is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Is parking free in downtown Clayton?
Yes. Parking is free downtown. Park once near Main Street and walk.
When is the best time to visit Clayton?
April through June for waterfalls and wildflowers. October brings peak fall color, along with bigger crowds.
What state parks are near Clayton?
Black Rock Mountain State Park is about 10 minutes north of town and Tallulah Gorge State Park is about 15 minutes south. Each charges $10 per vehicle for a Georgia State Parks ParkPass.
More North Georgia towns
Each one has a local's guide with what to do, where to eat and how to plan the day.
Want company on the trail?
The Explore Georgia Hiking Club is free, and every pace is welcome.
More in North Georgia, or find a trip by drive time.