Attractions & Activities
Adventures in and around Clayton
Sunset Ridge have a great location for those how love adventure, a relax time or even want to spend time with colleagues playing Golf.
Here are some place to have fun.
The adventure begins at a trailhead in Loop 2 of the Lake Rabun Beach Campground. The trail follows Joe Creek upstream, crossing a wooden bridge and catching sight of a small, multi-tiered waterfall near the trailhead. The hike ascends stone stairs, climbing elevation into a sun-dappled forest filled with fern, rhododendron and mountain laurel.
Snow tubing and ice skating in winter, summer tubing in the warmer months and a brand new mountain coaster throughout the year make for loads of fun whenever you need it! And don’t forget to visit our wonderful cafe and gift shop before or after your adventures.
Come taste the flavors of Georgia at Jaemor Farms. Whether you’re trying one of the famous fried pies or the boiled peanuts, we’ve got something tasty for everyone! Jaemor Farms, a 500-acre family-owned and operated farm, was originally established in 1912 as ‘Echols Orchards. Jim Echols and family rebranded as ‘Jaemor Farms’ in 1981 when their roadside market opened along I-985/Hwy.365. Jaemor grows 32 varieties of peaches are grown at the farm, including Georgia Belle and Elberta peaches.
Minnehaha Falls
One of the most photographed, the Minnehaha Trail (.4 mile in length) follows Fall Branch until it dead ends at Minnehaha Falls. This waterfall tumbles approximately 100 feet falling and shoaling.
Author Brian Boyd considers Minnehaha Falls to be the best waterfall in Rabun County. The 60-foot-high falls widens as it quickly cascades in 3-5 foot increments to a wide pool at its base. Minnehaha Falls is buried in a wide, steep-sided cove packed with rhododendron, making this an exceptionally beautiful hike in mid-to-late May, when the rhododendron blooms. This falls trail, which is run by the Forest Service, should not be confused with Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota, which Henry Wadsworth Longfellow made famous in a well-known poem.
The city of Sky Valley is the highest city in the state of Georgia. It offers much cooler temperatures during the warmer months than anywhere else in the state. Sky Valley is nestled in a peaceful mountain valley laced with exquisite waterfalls and lush forests overlooking a golf course and lake.
Sky Valley is a great place for meetings as you are away from the hustle and bustle, but you are less than 15 miles from the center of the Rabun County, Clayton, Georgia. Clayton is the county seat and is a vibrant city with Farm to Table Restaurants, one of a kind boutique shops, galleries, and many area attractions.
Located in the North Georgia Blue Ridge mountains, Dillard House Stables offers guided horseback riding through beautiful scenic trails. Our rides for beginners through advanced includes: one-hour scenic farm ride, one-hour river ride, 1 1/2-hour river ride, and 30-minute rides.
The one-hour scenic farm horseback ride takes you deep into the Dillard House pastures, skirting alongside the Little Tennessee River. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, and an abundance of natural greenery. Winter rides are by reservation only. Minimum age is 6 years old.
With 2,800 acres and sixty-two miles of shoreline, Lake Burton is an excellent destination for water sports like boating, wakeboarding, tubing, water-skiing and fishing. You can rent a boat or enjoy from the shore. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available at some locations.
Boat Rentals
A twisty 835-acre, quaint mountain lake with twenty-five miles of shoreline. The Lake Rabun Association sponsors an annual Fourth of July Celebration with an antique wood boat parade and spectacular fireworks display. Every other year, the LRA sponsors a tour of homes around the lake. Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area offers public access.
Boat Rentals
The Chattooga River is where it all began for Wildwater.
With twenty-six miles of the best and most challenging white water in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain region, the Chattooga offers something for everyone from bouncy class rapids on Section 3, to the epic challenge of Section 4’s famed Five Falls.
Also, challenge yourself on 3 sky bridges, 11 ziplines in the trees including 6 ziplines over Academy Lake. Finish with a daring 1200 foot zip off our 50 foot tall Bell Tower!
Anyone who is from North Georgia knows that the Apple Capital of the state is none other than Ellijay. But, just because a farm or orchard falls outside of this small apple town doesn’t make it any less significant. Hillside Orchard Farms in Georgia has been around for decades, offering up farm-fresh fruit, locally-made products, and an afternoon filled with unique opportunities. Plan for a fall day at this farm and you won’t regret that you did.
The questions persist. Is it a zoo? A farm? A gift shop? An ice cream parlor? A candy store?
YES, to all of the above. Plus, it is indisputably Rabun County’s unique, most attention-grabbing attraction. Every vehicle on Highway 441 at least slows for a look – before most either turn in or circle back for a visit.
Goats On The Roof is a fun family stop! There’s always lots to do with a shop selling boiled peanuts, jams and jellies, a variety of jarred goods, unique gifts, T-shirts, homemade fudge, award-winning nitro ice cream, gem mining and a playground.
And, of course, the namesake goats are always available to feed, so you can become an official Goat Ranger!
Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia’s highest state park and offers 10 mountain-top cabins with fully equipped kitchens and rocking chair porches. Two are dog friendly and advance reservations are required. You’ll be surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains scenery, 11 miles of hiking trails, spectacular overlooks and a small fishing pond.
One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern U.S., Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a permit to hike to the gorge floor (100 per day, not available during water releases). A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls. Tightrope walkers have twice crossed the gorge, and visitors can still see towers used by Karl Wallenda. A paved path follows an on old railroad bed, perfect for strollers and bicycles, while mountain bikers can test their skills on a challenging 10 mile trail.
Award-winning bourbon and craft spirit distillery located in Clayton, Georgia in scenic Rabun County. Offers daily tours, tastings and craft cocktails. For more Information and to make reservations, visit the website.
12 Spies Vineyards is tucked between the North East Mountains to the west and the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest to the east. The sunsets are spectacular and views from the vineyard are stunning. There are many gardens filled with gourds, pumpkins, flowers, and vegetables scattered around the 9 acre property. Bring your camera and enjoy a glass of wine from the covered deck or take a relaxing walk.
At 20 minutes away from Sunset Ridge.
All grapes are grown, hand harvested, vinified and bottled at the 5-acre vineyard bordering Stonewall Creek in the Northeast Georgia Mountains near Tiger, Georgia. Owners are Carl and Carla Fackler.
At 20 minutes away from Sunset Ridge.
Tiger Mountain Vineyards, a boutique North Georgia winery, cultivates all of its grapes and produces all of its handcrafted wines right here in the mountains of Rabun County.
