  |
CommunitiesRabun County has six incorporated cities that provide various municipal services to residents. Also, there are several unincorporated areas and communities such as Chechero, Lakemont, Persimmon, Pine Mountain, Rabun Gap, Satolah, Wiley, and Wolf Fork Valley. Each area has its own history, heritage and ambiance to explore and experience.
City of ClaytonClayton is a classically beautiful mountain enclave and old rail town with a main street lined with unique shops, galleries, dining and lodging. The community has done a wonderful job of preserving its architectural heritage, balancing its older structures splendidly with its more recent development.Clayton, the county seat, was incorporated December 13, 1823, as Claytonsville, named for Judge Augustin S. Clayton, a prominent jurist and congressman. The name was later shortened to Clayton. The Bartram Trail, a National Recreational Trail created over 200 years ago by Quaker William Bartram, is located in Clayton and draws a great number of outdoor enthusiasts every year. Another popular attraction is the Chattooga River and surrounding scenery which was made popular through the movie Deliverance. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Clayton has an estimate population of 2,081 people. The city experienced a population increase of 25.2% between 1990 and 2000. Clayton City Hall 99 North Church Street Clayton, GA 30525 (706) 782-4512 Town of TigerTiger, located three miles south of Clayton, was incorporated in 1904, and today is home to approximately 321 people. Although legend has it that Tiger was name after Cherokee Chief Tiger Tail, the name and that of nearby Tiger Mountain more likely came from the wildcats roaming the area many years ago. Tiger is home to the Rabun County High School, Middle School, and Elementary School, and an old fashion drive-in movie theatre, senior center, and assisted living center named Traces of Tiger.Tiger offers a variety of outdoor recreation choices including numerous hiking trails with views of waterfalls. Tiger Town Hall 3010 Old 441 South Tiger, GA 30576 (706) 490-1322 City of DillardThe City of Dillard was incorporated in 1906. John Dillard and his family moved to the area in 1794 after being awarded a land grant of 250 acres for service in the Revolutionary War. John's son, James Dillard, became Justice of the Peace for the county and was elected to the state house in 1824.The Dillard family flourished during this time, establishing many of the early businesses in the area, including a way station for stagecoaches, a boarding house, and post office. In 1890, the postal service picked Dillard as the official name of the town's post office. By 1905, Dillard had a blacksmith shop, livery stable, cobbler, open air market, church, school, two general merchandise stores and two boarding houses. The railroad came to Dillard in 1907, connecting it to the world. Arthur Dillard, the great-grandson of John Dillard, operated a general store and his wife, Carrie, opened a boarding house which later became The Dillard House. Today, The Dillard House is operated by Carrie's grandson, John Dillard, and is one of the South's most well known restaurants. Andrew Jackson Ritchie, who founded the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, was another direct descendant of the Dillards. Located just south of the Georgia/North Carolina boarder, Dillard has become well known for its growing number of antique, craft, and specialty shops which make Dillard a favorite stop for mountain visitors, as well as a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, Dillard's population is estimated at 232 residents. Dillard City Hall 892 Franklin Street Dillard, GA 30537 (706) 746-5891 Town of Mountain CityMountain City is a uniquely situated recreation and retirement haven. The city is located on the Blue Ridge Divide at the head of the Little Tennessee River. Just a short drive from Mountain City on Highway 28 is Black Rock Mountain State Park, the highest state park in Georgia. With its scenic forest, quaint cabins, and hiking trails, it is the recreational jewel of the area.Rabun County's most famous publication is the nationally acclaimed Foxfire series, a collection of oral history gathered by local high school students. The Foxfire Museum houses exhibits relating to Appalachian life and documents the birth of the Foxfire Magazine and book series. Mountain City residents and visitors enjoy antiquing, local auctions houses, and the many outdoor recreational opportunities. An estimated 803 people live in Mountain City. Mountain City Town Hall P.O. Box 493 Mountain City, GA 30562 (706) 746-3513 City of Sky ValleyGeorgia adopted the charter for Sky Valley in March of 1978. The resort, which originated in 1969, became the southernmost ski resort community in the U.S. Formerly a cattle ranch, the nearly 2,500-acres site consists of a valley bounded by the Georgia/North Carolina state line and by various mountains ridges, some of which reach 4,200 feet.Sky Valley is located in the northeast corner of Georgia on State Highway 246, five miles east of Dillard and Highway 441. Sky Valley consists of privately owned single family and condominium developments, and a time share facility. An estimated 900 people live in this resort community. In addition, Sky Valley's resort features golf, swimming, tennis, hiking, fishing, and beautiful waterfalls. Sky Valley City Hall 3444 Highway 246 Dillard, GA 30537 (706) 746-2204 City of Tallulah FallsIncorporated in 1884, the City of Tallulah Falls lies partially in Rabun County and partially in Habersham County. However, a large part of the population, about 200 people, lives in Rabun County.One of the most spectacular canyons in the eastern United State, Tallulah Gorge, is the jewel of the city. At three miles long and 600 feet deep, visitors can hike rim trails to several overlooks or can hike to the gorge floor (with free permit). A suspension bridge, located 80 feel above the rocky bottom, provides spectacular views of the river and waterfalls, and offers great photography opportunities. Tallulah Falls City Hall P.O. Box 56 Tallulah Falls, GA 30573 (706) 754-6040 |
 |