Hiking & Nature
The Chattahoochee National Forest containing 750,000 acres with hundreds of miles of trails, numerous lakes, mountain streams, and nature preserves.  The Tallulah Gorge State Park is 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 free permit (limit 100 per day) to hike down to the gorge floor.  A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of the river and waterfalls.  Exhibits in the park's Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center highlight the rich history of this Victorian resort town, as well as the rugged terrain and fragile ecosystem of the area.  Additionally, an award winning film, Deliverance takes viewers on a dramatic journey through the gorge.  For more information visit Tallulah Gorge State Park, just 10 minutes away from the Old Clayton Inn.

The Oconee National Forest borders South Carolina and contains the famous Chattooga River where the movie Deliverance was filmed.  Other nearby State Parks are Unicoi, Black Rock Mountain and Moccasin Creek State Park is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the shores of lovely 2,800-acre Lake Burton.  A fully accessible fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek open only to physically challenged visitors, senior citizens and children.  Tour the adjacent trout rearing station, hike on several nearby mountain trails or simply relax in this peaceful setting.  For more information visit Moccasin Creek.  Other nearby hiking trails are Panther Creek, Minnehaha, Coleman River, and Bartram Trail.

Visit these sites for more hiking information:

Paddling, Canoeing and Rafting
Nearby lakes and rivers offer world-class whitewater rafting as well as paddling on calmer waters.  Area outfitters offer guided trips and boats rentals.  There are two nearby lakes where small fishing boats and kayaks can be launched.  Kayak rentals are offered on peaceful Lake Tallulah from Tallulah Point.  Several rafting companies offer guided rafting trips on the nearby Chattooga and Oconee rivers.  Pontoon and ski boat rentals are available through Interstate Boat Rentals, not located on the lake, but will deliver board to Lake Burton, Lake Seed, or Lake Rabun. Reservations Required.

Other related web sites:

Fishing
North Georgia mountain streams and lakes offer excellent fishing.  Local streams and lakes in the Chattahoochee & Oconee National Forests are stocked regularly with rainbow trout and other angler's favorites.  Children can fish free from stocked ponds at Moccasin Creek State Park.  More information is available at Georgia State Parks and at the inn.

North Georgia Wineries
Wine-making is a relatively new industry in our area and one we're extremely excited about.  In the last 5 years, several outstanding new wineries have begun producing top quality wines, bringing a new dimension to agra-tourism in North Georgia.  There are several excellent wineries within an hour's drive of the Old Clayton Inn.  All of the tasting rooms are open on Saturday afternoons.  Our guests can enjoy private tastings and tours by special arrangement at certain times of the year.  We also have periodic events featuring these wines at the Old Clayton Inn.  For information about all of Georgia's Wineries go to Georgia Wine Country