19 Things to do in Clayton, GA for Families
Georgia has some of the cutest mountain towns and each one has its own claim to fame. Clayton is no exception! When our family considers a mountain destination, we look for towns that have a lot of family-friendly attractions. Let’s face it, toddlers can only admire the scenic views for so long, if at all. That being said, there are tons of things to do in Clayton, GA for families!
Whether you are looking for homemade donuts, goats on the roof, or a picture perfect backdrop, I’m sure you will find what you are looking for on our list.
Are you road tripping to Clayton? Check out our list of perfect travel toys before you head out!
Our Top List of Things to do in Clayton, GA
Goats on the Roof
Goats on the Roof is one of the cheapest and most entertaining things to do in Clayton GA. Here’s why: there are literal goats on the roof, there are other fun activities for kids, and they sell homemade ice cream. Need I say more?
At Goats on the Roof, you can pay $1 for a bag of feed and then hand feed the goats that are on the ground. For the goats in the air, you simply pour some food into a bucket and pull a rope to raise the bucket up to the goats on the roof. Tell me that doesn’t sound like fun!
Our toddlers could have stayed here all day. For older kids, it may be a shorter trip. They offer gem mining, goat feeding and lots of fresh snacks. They also have a small playground and some fun photo props scattered across the property. There is no “goats on the roof coaster” at this location, just fyi.
They do have a food truck on site that serves hamburgers, hot dogs, corndogs, etc. from 11-530 each day. You can find a delicious dessert (like homemade fudge or ice cream) inside the store, along with other homemade goodies.
Address: 3026 Hwy. 441 S. Tiger GA 30576 US
Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-6pm
Cost: Free to park and walk around. Cash is preferred if you are only buying small feed bags. Credit cards are accepted for all other purchases!
Website: Find more info here!
Black Rock Mountain State Park
This is one of the easiest picture perfect opportunities in the north Georgia mountains. You literally drive up to the lookout! The picture we took (below) is a few yards from our car and we were able to rest our tripod on a nearby rock to get the picture. Pretty easy, right?
There are a variety of other lookout spots and pull-overs on your way up the mountain but this one has the clearest views and has access to the public restrooms/welcome center. If you are wanting to explore the whole park (which includes campsites, a playground, multiple hiking trails, and multiple lookouts) then be sure to also explore their Bear Wise articles to make sure you are prepared.
Address: 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy, Mountain City, GA 30562
Hours: 7am-10pm every day.
Cost: Free!
Website: Find more info here!
The Foxfire Museum
The Foxfire Museum is a really cool historical attraction that is perfect for the whole family. There is a half-mile walking trail that takes you through a 20-building camp. These historic log buildings are filled with artifacts from life in the 1800s and early 1900s.
At first glance, this may seem like an activity better suited for older kids. However, our toddlers really enjoyed the walk and exploring the historic village. I would recommend Foxfire Museum for families with kids of all ages! It is also conveniently located right next to Black Rock Mountain State Park if you are trying to fill a whole day in one area.
Address: 98 Foxfire Ln, Mountain City, GA 30562
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm & Sun 12pm-4pm
Cost: Free!
Website: Find more info here!
The Clayton Pharmacy & Soda Fountain Restaurant
The Clayton Soda Fountain was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Travel Channel! Its a neat little spot that specializes in 50s style diner food. They even have specialty milkshakes just like you would find in an old-time soda shop.
As the name suggest, The Clayton Pharmacy is also, you guessed it, a drugstore. It truly feels like a step back in time and is a fun experience for kiddos.
Address: 100 S Main St, Clayton, GA 30525
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Cost: An average dinner plate is about $10.
Website: Find more info here!
Rabun County Park-Playground
We always like to include local parks and playgrounds that provide a free downtime option for parents with younger kids. The Rabun County Park is a great area! They offer baseball fields, picnic tables (both covered and uncovered), pubic restrooms, and two large playgrounds.
In the picture above you’ll see a large playground in the front of the picture and a smaller one in the back. The last time we were there the large yellow tunnel slide was closed. However, the rest of the playground is in great working order.
There are some additional rock climbing walls and jungle gym equipment to the right of the playground pictured. They also have a homemade music wall with attached mallets if your little ones need to get some noise energy out.
Address: 400 Rabun Park Dr Tiger, GA 30576
Hours: Hours are daylight hours.
Cost: Free!
Website: Find more info here
Lake Rabun Beach
Lake Rabun beach recreation area is a campsite that offers boating access, a beach area on the lake, and a variety of water activities. It is located about 25 minutes from downtown Clayton making it a very doable for a day trip.
If your family wants to spend some time outdoors and on the water, Lake Rabun is the perfect spot. Check out their website for any updates on road closures.
Address: 5315 Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont, GA
Hours: Hours are daylight hours for the beach.
Cost: Free!
Website: Find more info here
Farmhouse Donuts
If you looking for a donut that could induce a sugar coma then look no further! Farmhouse Donuts is located in downtown Clayton, right across the street from Universal Joint (a popular burger spot). If you’re wondering what to expect, allow me to assist!
When you walk into Farmhouse you’ll find a clipboard with an order sheet attached. This is where you get to create your masterpiece on paper.
They have amazing flavors already created like cookies and cream, s’mores, plain vanilla sprinkles (my toddlers loved this one and it is pictured below), and then a build your own option. Fill out the form, hand it to one of the lovely workers behind the counter, and then have a seat.
One thing we absolutely love about Farmhouse Donuts is that they have a kids area. How many donut shops do you know of that have kids areas for them to play in while they wait for their treat? This was a first for us.
While you’re waiting, they are warming your donut, to the point that it is almost hot, and then covering it with all of the delicious toppings you’ve chosen. They call your name when its ready and they even have a cute (air-conditioned!) dining area with a restroom. It really is a top-notch donut place, guys!
Address: 90 N Main St Clayton GA 30525
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 8am-5pm & Sun 8am-2pm
Cost: $2-4 per donut depending on how special you want it.
Website: Find more info here!
The Dillard House & Petting Zoo
The Dillard House is as much an experience as it is a restaurant. It is situated perfectly to provide beautiful mountain views and walking paths throughout. The Dillard House functions as a restauarant (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a hotel, and an event center. As such, you’ll see a large piece of property that has been beautifully maintained without being heavily altered.
Horses graze right across the street from the restaurant and there is a petting zoo in between the restaurant and the hotel. As guests of the Dillard House (whether staying a night or having a meal), you are encouraged to walk the grounds and enjoy the natural beauty around you. The goats, chickens, and horses are friendly!
If you have never eaten at the Dillard House before I would strongly encourage you plan a trip and soon! They specialize in fresh southern style cooking that is served “family-style” meaning they bring large bowls/plates of each item and you serve yourself from those bowls. It is basically a buffet brought to your table! Our kids absolutely loved the breakfast and my husband and I have never had dinner there that we didn’t love.
Address: 768 Franklin St, Dillard, GA 30537
Hours: 8am-8pm every day
Cost: It will depend based on what you hope to do at the Dillard House. See their website below for more details.
Website: Find more info here!
Warwoman Dell
Warwoman Dell is a fun little forested area with picnic areas and a 1 mile trail (out and back) that is easy enough for children to participate in! The trail makes a small loop that passes by structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps!
I encourage you to check All Trails before planning your visit. Frequent hikers of the area leave detailed instructions and reviews based on current trail conditions. This is also a great way to find out if the trail is unable to be hiked at that time.
Address: 268 Warwoman Rd. Clayton GA 30525
Hours: Every day from sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free!
Website: Find more info here!
Downtown Clayton : Visit Main Street
Downtown Clayton is definitely the centerpiece and one of the most popular things to do in Clayton, GA. You will find clothing shops, restaurants, dessert shops, coffee shops and more. The boutiques in downtown Clayton specialize in curvy fashion, cowgirl fashion, classic contemporary styles, and more. We have a few favorites when it comes to downtown Clayton. Check them out below!
Andy’s Market is a locally owned, old-fashioned grocery store with fresh produce and meats. We have definitely bought groceries here more than once to cook breakfast and dinner. We love that it’s local! Reeves hardware is another awesome local spot. You’ll be sure to find some awesome gifts to take home with you.
Our last recommendation is Savannah Street Antiques. We love local antique shops in little mountain towns. You can find some really cool collectibles and other random goodies. We have definitely bought gifts from this shop as well! We strongly encourage you to do some local shopping while you are in Clayton. You will be surprised at the variety available!
Eat Local
Clayton has become one of the top foodie cities in the state of Georgia. With places like Fortify, The Market, and The Rusty Bike Cafe you’re sure to find something for each member of your family. We have personally tried many of the restaurants in Clayton and can tell you the three listed above are always top notch.
We recently tried Universal Joint (another highly recommended spot that sells burgers) and felt like it wouldn’t be fair to review our experience given the lack of staff they had. Unfortunately, staffing shortages are still affecting many places in many cities and Clayton is not exempt.
Truly, Clayton has some delicious food. In today’s climate, it would be a good idea to call ahead and see what the wait time is before you plan a trip.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
Tallulah Gorge State Park is one of the biggest canyons in the eastern United States at 1,000 ft deep and about 2 miles wide. There are a variety of viewpoints around the area, including one from the main highway.
Pro Tip / Survival Tip: The stairs are NOT for children. I repeat: do not take your children down those stairs.
Guys. My husband and I decided to go hiking one morning and we randomly chose Tallulah Gorge because the views were supposed to be spectacular. We started hiking down those stairs (of which there are 1,099) and I had trouble making it to the bottom. For reference, I hike relatively often and walk 1-2 miles every day. I’m definitely not the most fit but I can walk some stairs.
The kicker with the gorge is….to get down in there and see it at the bottom you have to descend a ton of stairs. You’re exhausted and thirsty and sore and THEN….you have to climb all the way back up.
There were people laying on the ground next to the stairs and on benches. I’m not kidding. That stair hike is one of the most brutal I have ever encountered.
After you park at the visitors center, I would strongly advise you to grab a map and check out all of the viewpoints that are available. There are quite a few that avoid the stairs completely.
There is also an awesome bridge the travels across the top of the gorge where you can get some great pictures. Just be mindful: Tallulah, as a general rule, is not for small children. I personally would not bring anyone younger than a teenager but you may have some avid young hikers that would do well.
Address: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
Hours: 8am-Sunset
Cost: $5/car to park
Website: Find more info here!
Hiking: One of the best things to do in Clayton, GA
Now that we’ve scared you out of visiting Tallulah, allow us to introduce you to some other great, family-friendly hiking spots. There are so many wonderful hiking spots in or near Clayton that are great for families!
We have chosen some of our favorites (below) and let you know what you can expect from each. If hiking is not your thing, skip on down to Toccoa Falls!
–Ada-Hi Falls Trail
Ada-Hi Falls Trail actually has stairs also…sorry about that. It is only 0.4 miles out and back but the stairs leading down tot he falls are pretty steep (and then you get to climb them on the way back up as well). We actually did this trail with kids strapped to us (they were very little) and felt a little unsteady on our feet going down. But, we made it and were able to see the falls. It is definitely a moderate to difficult hike even though it only takes about 20 minutes total.
You can find this trail within Black Rock Mountain State Park. We recommend parking at the visitors center and grabbing a map before you set out!
–Angel Falls & Panther Falls
This one confused us a bit because we thought we were going to see multiple falls. There are technically two falls on the trail but the second one (Angel Falls) is largely blocked by trees and brush! Angel Falls Trail is right at 2 miles and is an easy to moderate hike depending on your prior hiking experience. There are boardwalks, rock paths, and other unique artifacts from the CCC scattered throughout this trail within the Chattahoochee National Forest.
This hike took us over an hour to complete with kids and we weren’t exactly poking along. So, be prepared for at least an hour’s worth of hiking. Some of it can be a bit steep but we bring sticks with us and had no difficulty. Panther Falls is a beautiful cascading waterfall that is 100% worth the hike. I could take or leave Angel Falls (and would not discourage you from turning around after you see Panther Falls).
Address: 5315 Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont GA 30552
–Dicks Creek Falls
Update: Recent travelers have cited more barbed wire fencing and very high creek waters. Use caution when exploring this trail.
Dick’s Creek Falls is a 1.2 mile out-and-back trail that takes about a half an hour to complete. It is rated easy and we would agree with that! It took us closer to 45 minutes to complete with two toddlers but it was still an easy hike. There is a creek at the trailhead that requires a vehicle capable of crossing a creek. You know if you have one of those or not. Hint: If you drive a Honda Civic then the answer is no.
However, once you make it back to the falls you get to look at this beautiful view:
GPS Coordinates: 34.866850, -83.252167 // N34 52.011 W83 15.130
–Hemlock Falls
Hemlock Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on Lake Burton in Rabun County. The trail to reach the falls is about 1 mile in and 1 mile out, for a total 2 mile trek. The hike itself is doable with kids and well worth the awesome views! There are some places where there are slippery rocks and a wooden bridge that only has a railing on one side (and crosse over a creek). I would walk slowly and carefully with younger kiddos!
GPS Coordinates: 34.847733, -83.596700 // N34 50.864 W83 35.802
–Popcorn Overlook-Chattahoochee National Forest
Popcorn Overlook is less of a hike and more of a, well, overlook. It does provide a wonderful photo opportunity though! Bonus points: you can easily find it using Google Maps or any other map service/app. The overlook is located off of Lookout Mountain Scenic Hwy in Clarkesville, GA and provides a wide view of the surrounding mountains and forest.
Toccoa Falls
We saved the best for last! Toccoa Falls is a really easy walk away from the parking lot right outside the campus gift shop. Using any map service/app will take you through Toccoa Falls College and you can follow the signs from there to the back of the campus. Once you park, you will walk through the gift shop (right next to the volleyball court) and pay for admission ($2 per person).
The walk to the falls from the back of the gift shop is quick and on level gravel. Our 2-year old and 4-year old traversed it easily on their own.
The view is amazing and you can get so close!! We saw many people climbing over the rocks and down into the shallow water to get even better pictures, but we were not feeling *that* brave with our two toddlers. This is one of the easiest photo opportunities available in north Georgia, second only to the Black Rock Mountain view.
Address: 107 Kincaid Dr. Toccoa Falls, GA 30598
Hours: 10am-4pm
Cost: $2/person (paid at the gift shop)
Website: Find more info here
Georgia Mountain Flea Market
The Georgia Mountain Flea Market has something for everyone! There are antique booths, tons of homemade items, and so many delicious snacks! There are local bakeries and food trucks, leather shops and antique glassware. They also have toys and other new items scattered throughout. This is one of the best things to do in Clayton, GA if you are looking for locally crafted items!
My favorite thing about the Georgia Mountain Flea Market is that it is indoors! That makes it a perfect detour for those incredibly hot summer days and those frosty mountain mornings. My kids loved walking through the market and seeing the large variety of “things.” Its easy (and free) entertainment!
Address: 811 US-441 N, Clayton, GA
Hours: Fri-Sun 8am-5pm
Cost: Free to enter
Website: Find more info here
Clayton FAQs
Is Clayton Georgia in the mountains?
Yes! Clayton is located in north Georgia, about 20 minutes from the North Carolina border. Black Rock Mountain is about 10 minutes away from downtown Clayton. The city as a whole is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Is Clayton GA on the Appalachian Trail?
Yes, but its a brand new part of the AT! As of May 2022, Clayton, GA was added as the 51st Appalachian Trail community. Pretty cool!
What is Rabun County known for?
Other than being on the Appalachian Trail, Rabun County is known for some really good restaurants in downtown Clayton, Black Rock Mountain State Park, ad Tallulah Gorge State Park.
What towns are close to Clayton GA?
Clayton is conveniently located near a variety of little mountain towns. Tiger (home to Goats on the Roof), Dillard, and Tallulah Falls are all less than 30 minutes away.
Wrap-Up: Best things to do in Clayton, GA for families
Clayton is such an cute little town but don’t let its size fool you! There are so many fun things to do in Clayton for families, even in such a small area. Does your family have a favorite activity that isn’t on our list? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you. Happy traveling!
