Top Things to Do

Historic Hayesville

Visit the most beautiful square and courthouse in Western North Carolina and North Georgia, outlined by the Tusquitte Mountains which were called the “Great Blue Hills of God” by the Cherokee.   Stretch your legs or relax or have a picnic under the gazebo.  Restaurants, shops, public restrooms and an ice cream shop are nearby.   You can tour the Beal Center in the Courthouse or rent it for a wedding or event.   The Historic Hayesville Exhibit, Clay County Historical & Arts Council Museum in the old jail,  Cherokee Cultural Center in Moss Memorial Library and Chamber Office/Welcome Center (open M-F) are also downtown.

Cherokee Heritage

Clay County is rich in Cherokee heritage   A one minute walk from the square brings you to the outdoor Cherokee Homestead Exhibit with replicas of  a Cherokee winter house, dugout canoe and displays about the Cherokee tribes and culture.   From there you can take an easy stroll on the Quanasee Path through a native botanical garden.  The Path continues along Towns Creek for another mile through the Clay County Recreation Park to the site of Spikebuck Mound and the old Quanasee village on the Hiwasee River.  The Cherokee Heritage Festival on September 18, 2021 will feature native crafts and demonstrations.

Concerts on the Square

Free outdoor concerts on the Square in Hayesville.  Bring your chair and get ready for a good time, as you enjoy cool evenings and hot tunes from a variety of regional bands.  Concerts are held many of the Fridays throughout the summer.  Food and drink available on site.  2021 dates are currently set for 7/16, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13, 9/3, 9/10 and 9/24.  Dates are subject to change…click below for the most current schedule.

Lake Chatuge

Enjoy a pristine mountain lake with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge mountains.  You can go boating, fishing, swimming, or enjoy the 132 miles of shoreline.  Clay County Campground and Recreation Area and Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area on the shores of Lake Chatuge have a swimming beach, playground, picnic tables, camping and plenty of places to launch your boat or kayak.  Residents and visitors love the scenic walk over Chatuge Dam with its spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains.  The three mile paved hiking and biking trail winds through woods and the campground and is used year-round.

Hiking & Biking

Take a hike in the woods and leave the sounds of the city, the noise and the traffic, the stress of everyday life behind. Here in the forests, hills and mountains surrounding Hayesville and Clay County, we are blessed with miles of uncrowded, unspoiled trails. Pick one and follow it along the shores of Lake Chatuge, up a mountain, along a rushing stream, or high up to a vista that will take your breath away.  There are easy walks near downtown and an extensive network of longer hiking trails through the Nantahala National Forest, including the Appalachian Trail and Standing Indian area.  Jackrabbit Mountain has over 15 miles of trails along the shores of Lake Chatuge used for hiking and mountain biking.   

Theater, Music & Stories

Community Theater, Concerts and Special Events are at the Peacock Performing Arts Center.  Theatrical Season offers a variety of plays staged by an outstanding regional theater company.  The Songwriters Showcase brings singer-songwriters together to the stage, and Main Stage Season hosts musical productions, many of them tribute bands.

Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, John C. Campbell Folk School, Smoky Mountain Performing Arts as well as local restaurants offer live music.  Check out our Calendar for a full list of events.  The Mountain Area Storytellers present Stories on the Square several evenings a year.  Join them under the gazebo for an evening with storytellers, writer and singer-songwriters – current dates are set for 4/23, 7/23 and 10/29.

Fires Creek

Leatherwood Falls on Fires Creek is a favorite for locals and visitors.  You can picnic, and families like to swim or tube in the clear stream.   A paved .5 mile trail runs along the creek, and there is a .7 mile loop hike over the falls.  Fires Creek is also known for great trout fishing.  The Fires Creek Recreation Area offers over 25 miles of backcountry hiking.  The falls are a scenic 20 minute drive west from Hayesville.  Go west on Hwy 64, turn right on Fires Creek Rd and go 3.9 miles, then go  left on Fires Creek Wildlife Rd for 1.9 miles.

Breathtaking View

Bell Mountain in Hiawassee provides an amazing outlook over Lake Chatuge and the Hiawassee Valley.  It’s been called one of the best views in the Southeast.  You’ll see fields, forests and boaters below, and if you’re lucky hawks or eagles circling the mountain top as they practice their flying skills.  25 minutes from downtown Hayesville.

Folk School

Learn a new skill, see local artists at work, and enjoy local music and traditions at the world-famous John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.  Week-long and weekend classes are offered in traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, music, dance, cooking, writing and photography.  A gift shop and exhibitions are also available.   Concerts are often available on the weekends.

Relax and Enjoy the Beauty

Feel the stress melt away as you visit our little piece of paradise.