Clay Chamber Directory | Page 29

Clay County Chamber of Commerce www.ncmtnchamber.org 2016 Membership Directory | 29 Recreation in Clay County ust a two hour drive from Atlanta, Asheville, and Chattanooga, the town of Hayesville is nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, seemingly worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Located on a knoll overlooking the Hiawassee River, it has a spectacular view of the rugged Tusquittee Mountains and offers an escape for anyone wishing to enjoy nature. J Leatherwood Falls, a popular picnic spot located in the Fires Creek Recreational Area, boasts a 25 foot waterfall and has a 0.7 mile loop trail along the creek. For more advanced hikers, Fires Creek also offers the 26 mile Rim Trail that follows the basin around the Wildlife Area, intersecting with several shorter trails along the way. With colorful wildflowers and a chance to see many species of protected wildlife, Fires Creek is a nature lover’s paradise. There is an abundance of natural beauty and attractions for Hayesville and the surrounding areas. Lake Chatuge is a 7,000 acre mountain lake which offers over 130 miles of shoreline in Hayesville and nearby Hiawassee, GA. It is a year round attraction for water sports and recreation, vacation homes, and scenic beauty. There are three public docks in Clay County and over 32 species