12 Best Things To Do In Hayesville, North Carolina

Kit
Posted Jul 04, 2023
| 5 min read

Hayesville is quietly nestled in the southwest corner of North Carolina, close to Georgia. Surrounded by some of the most majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a wealth of activity awaits you in this quaint little town. From horseback riding to hiking and biking trails, to vineyard tours and excursions to waterfalls near Hayesville, North Carolina, it has something​ for everyone in the name of rest and relaxation. Scroll down to check out our list of the best things to do in Hayesville, North Carolina.

1. Goldhagen Art Glass Studio

If you are done exploring the historical sites or the scenic attractions and are wondering what to do next in Hayesville, maybe the beautifully sculpted pieces of art at the Goldhagen Art Glass Studio will entice you. David Goldhagen, the artist who masterfully brought the exquisite details to existence, puts on a show you can watch from the viewing gallery. Witness him mix the molten glass with vibrant colors and blow them into beautiful shapes. The studio also exhibits his previous works, sculpted pieces that can be bought or commissioned.

Goldhagen Art Glass Studio

Address: 7 Goldhagen Studio Drive, Hayesville 28904, NC

Website: Goldhagen Art Glass Studio

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 1pm & 2:30pm - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)

2. The Copper Door

Want to spend a romantic evening with your loved one? Or, planning a fun dining experience with your friends or family? Then The Copper Door is the place to be. Rated among the top 100 American Restrauntrs, the delicacies at this place are made from a blend of French techniques and southern Louisiana flavor. Their featured mid-western 100% black Angus beef and fresh North Atlantic salmon are bound to capture the hearts of every guest and leave them feeling exuberant.

The Copper Door

Address: Historic Hayesville Square, 2 Sullivan St, Hayesville, NC 28904

Website: The Copper Door

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5pm - 9pm(closed on Mon & Sun)

3. 1. Chunky Gal Stables


Chunky Gal Stables is as fun and eclectic as it sounds. Offering trail rides and lessons, you’ll find something for every level rider. Those rides can go anywhere from one hour to four hours! Some of the friendliest guides will be more than happy to see to your enjoyment.

One thing that’s worth exploring is whether or not horseback riding could ever be your “thing”. While in town, set up an individual lesson for 35 USD or bring the whole crew for a group lesson at 30 USD per person. Chunky Gal is first on the list because it should absolutely be near the top of your vacation planning!

Chunky Gal Stables

Address: 1306 Hot House Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904

Hours of Operation: Daily, from 8 am - 5 pm

Website: Chunky Gal Stables

4. 2. Walnut Hollow Ranch


Moving from equine friends to cattle farms, head on over to Walnut Hollow Ranch and discover what it means to run a cattle farm. Hop on a guided tour and snap some cattle selfies as they chow down on their afternoon meals.

If farm life really tickles your fancy, then bring your RV or tent with you. Campsites are available (at long or short term rates) and pets are welcome. Lodging, hookups, and picnic areas abound in some of the most scenic patches of land. Here, you’re more than likely to make some lifelong friends, as you learn what it means to be a tried and true cattle rancher.

Walnut Hollow Ranch

Address: 1100 Carter Cove Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904

Hours of Operation: Friday & Saturday, from 10 am - 4 pm

Website: Walnut Hollow Ranch

5. 3. Eagle Fork Vineyards


We’re really making the rounds! Now it’s time to sip on some delicious local wine over at Eagle Fork Vineyards. Here’s the secret to making your trip truly magical. Visit the vineyard early in the morning, stand beside cool mountain streams, and listen the sound of soft classical music floating through the leaves as the grapes awaken for the day! Aren’t you ready to sample a glass of their wine, like now?

The founders, Jerry and Teresa, equate winemaking to an artist painting a great picture. Jerry says, “It is an expression of passion, skill, imagination, patience, and devotion.” You’ll definitely want to visit their Tasting Room while you sip on handcrafted wine and breathtaking views.

Eagle Fork Vineyards

Address: 8 Cedar Cliff Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904

Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Sunday, from 12 pm - 6 pm

Website: Eagle Fork Vineywards

6. 4. Green Willow Gifts

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Doesn’t Hayesville sound more and more enchanting as we go? The best way to treasure your time here is with a little token to take back home. A wonderfully appointed shop, you’re going to find everything from local vendors to brand name items at Green Willow Gifts.

Candles, journals, home decor, jewelry, and kitchen accessories cover every square inch of this cute little shop. Best of all, the ladies who run it are sweet as southern pie. You’re not only going to enjoy this token visit to Green Willow, you’re going to be glad to unwrap your treasure upon your safe return back home.

Green Willow Gifts

Address: 3733 NC-69, Hayesville, NC 28904

Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday, from 10 am - 5 pm

Website: Green Willow Gifts

7. 5. Mountain Harbour Living and Golf


People travel far and wide to go a round at Mountain Harbour Living and Golf, and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to work your way through 18 holes with the fellas or take in some lessons, The Ridges has it all. PGA Pro William Byrd and PGTCA Certified Instructor Tommie Bush are ready to help you improve your game with a personalized approach that will take you to new heights.

Once your afternoon is complete, kick back in the more casual Cherokee Grill, overlooking the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or savor an elegant wine dinner in the Sequoyah Dining Room. With every turn you take, this is going to make for a most memorable affair.

Mountain Harbour Living and Golf

Address: 1665 Mountain Harbour Dr, Hayesville, NC 28904

Hours of Operation: Daily, from 7 am - 8 pm

Website: The Ridges Golf Club

8. 6. Chatuge Dam & Recreation Area

This slice of Heaven has so much to offer. Bring the family, bring your four-legged friend, or just bring your loved one for a hand-in-hand stroll down any number of picturesque paths. Set up a nice picnic at one of the lakeside tables. If you have a boat, this is also a nice place to launch your day off right.

Whether you plan to be on a boat or dry land, bring your bathing suit, too. Lake Chatuge is a blast to dip into. You could easily spend from sunrise to sunset here. The activities are endless and you just kind of feel like you’re right at home.

Chatuge Dam & Recreation Area

Address: 1056 Chatuge Dam Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904

9. 7. Peacock Performing Arts Center


Touted as big city entertainment in a quiet mountain town, Peacock Performing Arts Center is a quaint little theater offering an array of entertainment options. What’s your fancy? Musicals? Dance troupes? Magic shows? Peacock offers a little something for every taste bud.

How about this? Spend a blissful afternoon amidst the rolling hills of Eagle Ridge Winery. Savor a picturesque meal at the Sequoya Dining Room. Then, head on over to the Peacock Performing Arts Center for any number of spectacular delights. Shows are slated from​ now until December. Whatever you take in, you’ll experience entertainment at its finest.

Peacock Performing Arts Center

Address: 301 Church St, Hayesville, NC 28904

Website: Peacock Performing Arts Center

10. 8. Jackrabbit Mountain Bike & Hiking Trails


Located on a peninsula of Lake Chatuge, the Jackrabbit trail system encompasses nearly 15 miles of machine-constructed singletrack trails. Start out within the three miles of Central Loop, which is the core trail connecting all other trails. Soak in lakeside views and wooded terrain of the elevated Hayesville town in North Carolina. Carefully designed to accommodate all skill levels, this is truly a come one, come all kind of afternoon.

Jackrabbit Mountain Bike & Hiking Trails

Address: 465 Jack Rabbit Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904

Website: Jackrabbit Mountain Bike & Hiking Trails

11. 9. Clay County Historical & Arts Museum


Housed in the Old County Jail Museum which was constructed in 1912 (and operational until 1972), the Clay County Historical & Arts Museum shares a wealth of historical tokens with its visitors. By this point in your trip, you’ll have fallen in love with this picturesque corner of North Carolina. Why not learn everything there is to know about it?

Enjoy old snippets of life, including school house memorabilia, collections of old farm equipment, and Indian artifacts. This is a nice way to reminisce about​ your time in Hayesville before heading back on home.

Clay County Historical & Arts Museum

Address: 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville NC 28904

Hours of Operation: Tue - Sat, from 10 am - 4 pm, Memorial Day - Labor Day

Website: Clay County Historical & Arts Museum

12. 10. Cherokee Homestead Exhibit


For a staggering 10,000 years, the Cherokees and their ancestors have called Western North Carolina home. The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is a lovely little surprise. Here, you’ll wander into a Cherokee summer house, winter house, food storage crib, and more. Two walls depicting public art pass down Cherokee legends. Watch the video below to enjoy a nice sampling of the Cherokee delights that await you here.

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

Address: 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville, NC 28904

Website: Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

Website: Short Documentary on Cherokee Homestead Exhibit

Fall in love with Hayesville

Day by day, you will find yourself falling in love with the charms of Hayesville. Their fertile land provides a wealth of activity from horseback riding, to trail hikes, to vineyard tours. Evenings are well spent on any number of fine dining options, or at the Peacock theatre. Charge up your iPhone, make sure you’re logged into Instagram, and enjoy the very essence of what it means to embark upon the vacation of a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Hayesville, North Carolina


  • What are some fun things to do with kids in Hayesville?

    Fine dining at The Copper Door, enjoying evening entertainment at the Peacock Performing Arts Centre, taking horse riding lessons at the Chunky Gal Stables, and learning to run a cattle farm at the Walnut Hollow Ranch are some things to do with kids in Hayesville.

  • Which attractions in Hayesville are must-visit sites for history enthusiasts?

    Clay County Historical and Arts Museum and the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit are some attractions in Hayesville that are must-visits for history enthusiasts. The Goldhagen Art Glass studio is another attraction if you’re interested in live-viewing the thousand-year-old technique of glass sculpting.

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