Our favorite places to eat, hike, swim and explore near Summer's End Cabin in Tiger, about five miles from downtown Clayton. Hours change by season, so check each place's site before you go.
Restaurants · Ice cream in downtown Clayton · Hikes & waterfalls · State parks · Lakes & swim beaches · Wineries · Shops · Fly fishing lessons & guides · Rafting & other things to do
6712 Hwy 441 N, Dillard
Slow-smoked Southern barbecue, a short drive up 441 from the cabin.
109 N Main St, Clayton
Burgers, wings and 17 taps, with a patio and fire pit. Live music on weekends in season.
88 N Main St, Clayton
American grill with a rooftop bar on Main Street.
777 Hwy 441, Clayton
Family-run Italian: pizza, pasta, steaks and seafood, with a covered deck.
768 Franklin St, Dillard
Long-running family-style Southern dining. 11.5 mi from the cabin (host-listed).
35 Andrea Ln, Lakemont
Farm-to-table dinners at a historic lakeside hotel.
151 N Main St, Clayton
Homemade ice cream with outdoor seating. Closed Mondays.
90 N Main St, Clayton
Chocolates plus about two dozen ice cream flavors, shakes and floats. Closed Sundays.
Bear Gap Rd, Lake Rabun
About 0.4 mi round trip to a tall, tiered waterfall above Lake Rabun. Limited roadside parking.
Rabun Beach Recreation Area
Two waterfalls on a roughly 1.75 mi round-trip trail from Rabun Beach.
Warwoman Rd, east of Clayton
Start at Warwoman Dell on the Bartram Trail. Becky Branch Falls is a short walk; Martin Creek Falls is about 2 mi on.
Mountain City
Georgia's highest state park, with overlooks, trails and a small lake. 11 mi from the cabin (host-listed).
Tallulah Falls
Rim trails, a suspension bridge and permit-only hikes to the gorge floor. 9.4 mi from the cabin (host-listed).
Lake Burton
Small park on Lake Burton with boating, fishing and trails. 14.5 mi from the cabin (host-listed).
Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont
Forest Service day-use area with a roped-off swim area and restrooms. The trailhead for Panther and Angel Falls is here too.
Lake Burton
Public swim beach with a buoyed swim area, parking, restrooms and picnic tables. No lifeguard.
Hayesville, NC
Sandy swim beach on Lake Chatuge, just over the NC line. Open May 1 to Sept 30, with a day-use fee.
Rabun County
Quieter Georgia Power lakes on the same chain. Lake Seed has seasonal primitive campsites.
2592 Old 441 S, Tiger
Estate wines and a vineyard café right here in Tiger.
323 Standing Deer Ln, Tiger
Estate-grown wines and seasonal events, also in Tiger.
Clayton
Boutiques, galleries and outfitters along Main Street. Historic downtown Clayton is 5 mi from the cabin (host-listed).
87 N Main St, Clayton
Outdoor gear and local hiking tips on Main Street.
11785 Hwy 441, Tallulah Falls
Wander's second shop, next door to the TAP YARD at Tallulah Adventures. The yard has an outdoor climbing gym, a big lawn, tetherball, cornhole and other yard games.
45 N Main St, Clayton
A downtown toy shop with games, puzzles and art supplies.
3026 Hwy 441 S, Tiger
Antique, furniture and home boutique in the old Goats on the Roof building.
Clayton
Guided fly fishing on local mountain streams, including the Chattooga. Beginner instruction and gear included.
Joe Speed Rd, Clayton
Private guided trout fishing, beginner classes and fly tying.
Rabun County
Runs beginner fly-fishing workshops from time to time. Check their schedule.
Long Creek, SC
Chattooga River rafting plus a zipline canopy tour. Based across the state line in South Carolina.
Mountain Rest, SC
Section III and IV Chattooga rafting from its South Carolina outpost.
Hwy 76 E, Clayton
Long-running Chattooga outfitter on Hwy 76, near the river crossing at the GA/SC line.
Mountain City
Appalachian life from 1820 to 1940, on a mountainside next to Black Rock Mountain.
Scaly Mountain, NC
Winter snow tubing just over the NC line. Hours vary by season, so check the calendar.