25 Fun & Best Things To Do In Hayesville, NC
Are you a local or visitor looking for fun activities in Hayesville, North Carolina? Look no further! You’re at the right place, as we’ll be taking you through the list of 25 fun and best things to do in Hayesville, NC, making your journey memorable.
Located in the heart of Clay County, Hayesville, North Carolina, is well-known as the “Gateway of the Smokies” due to its nearness to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and this panoramic destination offers a plethora of attractions to liven up your visit.
From an exploration of the historic Historic Hayesville Inc. and the Towns County Park to basking in the euphoria of MindEscape rooms and the Walnut Hollow RV Ranch, this family-friendly attraction offers fun for everyone irrespective of age.
25 Fun and Best Things To Do In Hayesville, NC (2024)
1. Historic Hayesville Inc.
Begin your Hayesville expedition by exploring the numerous fun things to do in Hayesville, NC, in Historic Hayesville Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to conserving and restoring Downtown Hayesville.
Established in 2016, Historic Hayesville Inc. features preserved historic buildings and landmarks, guided tours on historical locations, and hosting orientational events on local history.
As a guest, you stand to gain a more in-depth comprehension and appreciation of Hayesville’s rich history and cultural legacies through the different experiences and educational opportunities.
Address: 116 Sanderson Street, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
2. Cherokee Homestead Exhibit
Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, a free open-air destination that displays a restored 17th-18th Century Cherokee Village homestead, presents visitors with educational things to do in Hayesville, NC for all ages.
Situated near the Clay County Historical and Arts Museum and The Native Botanical Garden, this attraction offers views of ancient Cherokee homes, views of Cherokee legends, and their stories.
Events like the Cherokee Heritage Festival are being hosted by the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit to offer tourists a more resonant dip into the predominant music, dance, and performances.
Address:Â 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
3. Molly & Me Antiques
Exploring Molly & Me Antiques, a 2010-established antique store that offers a vast collection of retro items is one of the exciting things to do in Hayesville, NC, for families.
This attraction presents an inventory stocked with an array of antiques, including furniture, classic clothing, decorative items, and artifacts. A cozy and welcoming atmosphere is also made available for visitors.
Visitors to Molly & Me Antiques can also explore the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, the Old Jail Museum, and various art galleries due to its proximity to them.
Address:Â 892 US-64 BUS, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.Â
4. Peacock Performing Arts Center
As one of the numerous entertaining things to do in Hayesville, NC, at night, embark on an adventure to Peacock Performing Arts Center, a treasure for those searching for cultural experiences in the heart of the mountain.
The beehive features an intimate setting to watch high-quality productions, including musicals, plays, concerts, and unique events that cut across diverse interests.
The tranquil ambiance at Peacock Performing Arts Center makes it a perfect spot for couples and families to unwind and spend quality time together.
Address:Â 301 Church Street, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
5. Not So Buried Treasure
One of the unique things to do in Hayesville, NC, is visiting Not So Buried Treasure, a delightful second-hand store in the heart of Hayesville.
The Store brings history to life with its collection of pre-owned items including furniture, clothing, collectibles, decorative items, and vintage finds waiting to be discovered.
As you visit Not So Buried Treasure, step inside and enjoy a journey through time as each item tells a story, and every find is a special memory waiting to be made.
Address: 2996 NC-69 Suite 3, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
6. Walnut Hollow RV Ranch
Are you seeking a perfect and special blend of camping, farm experiences, and panoramic mountain vistas? Seek no further than Walnut Hollow RV Ranch, a beehive for enjoying exhilarating things to do in Hayesville, NC, for families.
Sprawling 156 acres of scenic location, the attraction offers amenities like RV sites with full hookups, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Walnut Hollow RV Ranch functions as a cattle ranch, where visitors get immersed in the ranch life and explore the farm store.
Experience the ranch atmosphere and get a special camping experience that blends with the picturesque nature of North Carolina when you visit Walnut Hollow RV Ranch.
Address:Â 1100 Carter Cove Road, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States
7. Clay County Historical & Arts Museum
One of the most entertaining and educational things to do in Hayesville, NC, as an art enthusiast is to explore the Clay County Historical & Arts Museum, a beehive that attracts swarms of tourists and locals year-round.
Located in the historic Old County Jail which served as one until 1972, this museum is a destination for those seeking an exploration of local histry as it displays artifacts, photographs, and documents that explain early Clay County.
Visitors can explore schoolhouse artifacts, farm equipment, Native American artifacts, displays of daily life in the past, and a resembling structure of Dr. John Killian’s medical office, dedicated to the local physician.
Address:Â 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
8. The Lost Room Escape Adventures
Nestled in Helen, GA, an adventure to The Lost Room Escape Adventures with a 45-minute drive from Hayesville is among the thrilling things to do near Hayesville, GA, for families.
This attraction presents you with original escape room experiences coupled with a wide range of themes catering to different levels of interests and preferences with unique challenges and storylines
The provision of special sets of puzzles, clues, astonishing twists and turns, and 360-degree sensory experiences makes this attraction one of the adventurous places to explore when you’re in Georgia.
Address:Â 8016 S Main Street Unit 5, Helen, GA 30545, United States.Â
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9. Moss Memorial Library
Reading expands knowledge, and imagination, and improves cognitive functioning. Moss Memorial Library offers a plethora of educational things to do in Hayesville, NC, for everyone.
Moss Memorial Library houses an extensive collection for offering public library services such as borrowing books, audiobooks, DVDs, and other materials. Access is also given to computers and the internet for research purposes.
What’s more, this book hub organizes book clubs, author talks, workshops, and children’s programs to cater to the vast interests of all visitors, making its exploration one of the educational things to do in Hayesville, NC, for all ages
Address:Â 26 Anderson Street, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
10. Mountain Harbour Golf Club
One of the numerous fun things to do in Hayesville, NC, this weekend is to book a tee time at Mountain Harbour Golf Club, formerly known as The Ridges Country Club, situated in the Southwest North Carolina Mountains.
Established in 1992, the golf club offers experienced and inexperienced golfers a fair challenge. Sitting on an expansive acre, the neat public 18-hole golf course spans 4,493 yards (for short yards) and 6,556 yards (for long yards) from the back tees with 144 slopes and plays to a par 72.
Beyond the course, the 2,500 sq foot custom pool area provides visitors with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains in its surroundings. It also provides lighted tennis courts with the best playing conditions and facilities available in the area.
Address:Â 1665 Mountain Harbour Drive, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.Â
11. JackRabbit Mountain
An adventure to JackRabbit Mountain presents a mix of beautiful camping, fun activities, breathtaking natural beauty, and a host of fun and family-friendly things to do in Hayesville, NC, for families.
Sitting on a peninsula of Lake Catuge, a TVA reservoir spanning over 130 miles of shoreline, JackRabbit Mountain features a campground with three loops presenting 92 wooded sites with scenic views.
Provision is made for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking to jazz up your visit to this mesmerizing city, especially during the spring.
Address:Â 1203-491, Jack Rabbit Road, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States
12. Chatuge Dam
With a 16-minute drive from Hayesville to the heart of Clay County, an adventure to Chatuge Dam, a 1942-built treasure for flood control, offers many unique things to do near Hayesville, NC, for sightseers.
Spanning over 7,000 acres of Chatuge Lake, the attraction features a paved 1.5-mile trail ideal for walking, biking, and enjoying scenic views of the dam and lake, picnic areas, playground, swimming area, and camping amenities.
With over 132 miles of shoreline, the 144-foot-high and 2,850-foot-long attraction present visitors with recreational activities like boating, fishing, and other exhilarating water activities.
Address: Clay County, North Carolina, United States
13. Eagle Fork Vineyards
Discover Eagle Fork Vineyards, a fascinating winery destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a small-scale, beautiful winery experience, and other relaxing things to do in Hayesville, NC.
Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this wine hub focuses on homemade wines to cater to different tastes and offers a more personal experience than bigger wineries.
Taprooms and live music are provided to ensure maximum satisfaction, visiting this attraction one of the best things to do in Hayesville, NC, on Saturdays.
Address: 8 Cedar Cliff Road, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
14. Vogel State Park
Discover the unique things to do in Hiawassee at Vogel State Park, Georgia’s 233-acre oldest and most renowned state park, where a plethora of outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes await exploration, easily accessible through a 16-minute drive to Hiawassee.
Founded in 1931, Vogel State Park boasts a 17-mile hiking trail, campsites, fishing opportunities at the 20-acre Lake Tralyta, swimming, boating, miniature golf, and picnic areas.
The attraction also encourages visitors to watch for the park’s abundant wildlife and to explore Trahlyta Falls, a waterfall accessible via a brief hiking path, catering to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and all guests alike.
Address:Â 405 Vogel State Park Road, Blairsville, GA 30512, United States.
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15. Bell Mountain
As a nature enthusiast, a stop at Bell Mountain, accessible through a 16-minute drive to Hiawassee, should make your bucket list of unique things to do near Hayesville, NC, where mountain sights give stunning views and a sense of adventure.
Situated 5 miles from the Hiawassee Town Square, the 18-acre treasure offers 360-degree picturesque views of the North Georgia Mountains and Lake Chatuge and features a parking area and observation deck for secure views of the wonder.
The Bell Mountain, with a historical significance dated to the 1960s, is wrapped in multicolor graffiti across the white rock, also portraying the attraction as an epitome of artistic expression.
16. MindEscapes Escape Rooms
The MindEscapesEscape Rooms, situated in Helen, GA, less than a 50-minute drive from Hayesville, is a thrilling game hub that offers exciting experiences near Hayesville, NC, on the weekends.
This attraction provides four themed rooms, including Wanderland, Club Me In, Cabin in the Woods, and Bigfoot Rampage, and unique time-limited puzzles, riddles, and challenges that foster teamwork and boost problem-solving skills.
Get yourself and your family absorbed in the mind-challenging activities provided at MindEscapesEscape Rooms, build your creativity level, and explore fun in a different dimension.
Address: 8160 South Main Street, Unit 13-6, Helen, GA, United States.
17. Georgia Mountain Fair Inc
Exploring the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, situated in an 18-minute drive to Hiawassee, is among the best and fun things to do near Hayesville, GA, as the beehive is a famous destination for events and entertaining outdoor activities.
Situated on the coast of the beautiful Lake Chatuge in the Towns County Park, Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds offers over 207 campsites with lake views, and various live performances and concerts making it a convenient visit for visitors exploring the North Georgia Mountains.
What’s more, the attraction hosts the annual August Georgia Mountain Fair featuring livestock displays, agricultural exhibits, live music, delicious fair food, carnival rides, and diverse competitions to make your journey memorable
Address:Â 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States
18. Goldhagen Art Glass
Goldhagen Art Glass, a captivating destination for experiencing special artwork experience, presents a plethora of educational and entertaining things to do in Hayesville, NC, for art lovers.
The museum features picturesque glass art pieces made in unique styles with bold colors and bright crystals, different artworks including sculptures, vessels and waterpods, pods and platters, blossoms and vases, furniture, fountains, and fusing.
You can visit Goldhagen Art Glass to see finished art pieces firsthand, witness the glass-blowing process, or purchase art pieces directly from the studio
Address:Â 7 Goldhagen Studio Drive, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States
19. Towns County Park
Nestled in Hiawassee, GA, about a 14-minute drive from Hayesville, NC, Towns County Park is a multi-faceted recreational spot that offers different amenities and entertaining things to do near Hayesville, NC, for families.Â
This attraction features amenities including a soccer field, basketball court, a 1/10 walking path for those seeking a stroll, and fitness rooms to keep weight lifters lively.
Towns County Park also offers sights of Towns County Veterans Memorial Park, a serene and picturesque green space dedicated to honoring veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Address:Â 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States
20. Blairsville Cinema
Situated in Blairsville, less than a 30-minute drive from Hayesville, catching a view of your favorite movies at Blairsville Cinema is one of the most entertaining things to do near Hayesville, NC, for couples.
The entertainment center displays new releases on its 3 screens, ensuring that viewers catch the latest movies when they purchase tickets at relatively lower prices. Popcorn and soft pretzels are made available for extra entertainment.
Blairsville Cinema is a great choice for a classic movie theater encounter in a cozy atmosphere, adding excitement to your visit to the picturesque town.
This attraction also features on our list of fun things to do in Blairsville, check it out.
Address:Â 38 Backyard Lane, Blairsville, GA 30512, United States.
21. Crane Creek Vineyards
Wineries are great places to unwind after the day’s stress. Crane Creek Vineyards, a center point for assorted wines, offers one of the most relaxing things to do near Hayesville, Georgia, for wine enthusiasts.
Located in Hiawassee, with a drive less than 30 minutes away from Hayesville, NC, the wine hub features over 20 acres of vines with a variety of grapes from European varieties like Cabernet Franc, Gruner Veltliner, and Albario, to French-American blends like Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc
Crane Creek Vineyards also offers two different taprooms: the Stone-House taproom and the Farmhouse Market. The vineyard also features a vast selection of gourmet foods and gift items.
Address:Â 1040 Crane Creek Road, Young Harris, GA 30582, United States.
22. Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens
Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens, accessible within a 20-minute drive from Hayesville to Hiawassee, is a non-profit year-round botanical garden located on the shoreline of Lake Chatuge, and a must-visit for nature and garden enthusiasts.
Spanning 33 acres of woodland paradise, the green space offers the largest collection of native azaleas and rhododendrons in the southeastern parts of the United States, featuring over 1,500 types and a walking trail for strolls.
Visiting the Hamilton Rhododendron Garden offers a serene getaway from a busy urban life to an immersion in the picturesque nature of the vegetation to learn, find inspiration, and connect with nature.
Address:Â 96 Pavilion Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States.
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23. The Ridges Resort of Lake Chatuge
With a 16-minute drive from Hayesville to Hiawassee, GA, exploring Ridges Resort on Late Chatuge is one of the family-friendly things to do near Hayesville, Georgia as the resort complex presents activities and facilities that get residents and tourists swarming the beehive.
Located directly on the shores of the scenic Lake Chatuge and amidst the North Georgia Mountains, the attraction gives stunning lake sights, access to water recreational activities, lodging options, a restaurant, and outdoor pools to facilitate relaxation and outdoor adventures.
What’s more, the resort provides an on-site harbor that allows visitors to rent boats, jet skis, and other watercraft, a fitness center, a golf course, a spa room, hiking trails, and historical landmarks to add excitement to your expedition.
Address:Â 3499 US HWY 76 W, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States.
24. VIP Fieldstone 6
Situated in Hiawassee, less than a 20-minute drive from Hayesville, enjoying your top picks at VIPÂ is one of the most entertaining things to do near Hayesville, NC, for families and groups.
This Modern and luxurious cinema features first-run movies on its large 6-screen, a premium experience like luxurious seating, spacious auditoriums, enhanced sound systems, and high-quality projection to enhance comfortability.
VIP Fieldstone 6 offers a tranquil ambiance for families and lovers to spend quality time seeing their favorite movies while enjoying their favorite snacks.
Address:Â 1159 Jack Dayton Circus, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States.Â
25. Groves Farmers Market
One of the Unique things to do in Hayesville, NC, this weekend is to explore fresh local produce at Groves Farmers Market.
Held every day from Thursday to Saturday, this market is a delightful place to shop for fresh produce such as beef, eggs, and pork, unique crafts, and delectable treats from local vendors.
This market is not only an excellent place to pick up some unique souvenirs but also a fantastic opportunity to sample the flavors of Hayesville and the surrounding area.
Address: 880 Swaims Road, Hayesville, NC 28904, United States.
Plan Your Trip To Hayesville, NC
Hayesville, North Carolina, presents a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you’re pursuing outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a comfortable day out, this lively town has it all.
Plan your visit to Hayesville today, and be prepared to create unforgettable memories in this welcoming town.
