Clay County Map, North Carolina

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: May 05, 2026 | 06:10 ET

Map of Clay County - Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Clay County Map showing cities, highways, important places and water bodies. Get Where is Clay County located in the map, major cities in Clay county, population, areas, and places of interest.

Map of Clay County, North Carolina

About Clay County, North Carolina

Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It's county seat is Hayesville. As per 2020 census, the population of Clay County is 11309 people and population density is square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 221 sq mi (572 km2). Clay County was established on 1861.

Clay County Facts

ContinentNorth America
CountryUnited States
StateNorth Carolina
County SeatHayesville
Largest City/TownHayesville
Established1861
Total Area221 sq mi (572 sq km)
Land Area215 sq mi (557 sq km)
Water Area6 sq mi (15 sq km)
Population11,089 (Census 2020)
Population Density52 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
Major HighwaysUS-64, NC-69, NC-175
Major RiversHiwassee River, Tusquitee Creek
Neighboring CountiesCherokee County, Macon County, Towns County (GA), Union County (GA)
Famous ForLake Chatuge, mountain scenery, outdoor recreation
Top AttractionsLake Chatuge, Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area, Tusquitee Mountains, Chatuge Dam
Official WebsiteOfficial Website

About Clay County, North Carolina

Clay County is located in the far western part of North Carolina, in the state of the United States, and was established in 1861. The county seat is Hayesville, which is also the largest town. The county lies within the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Georgia border and is known for its scenic beauty, lakes, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Cities and Towns in Clay County, North Carolina

City/TownPopulation (Census 2020)Latitude & Longitude
Hayesville (county seat)46435.0465°N, 83.8171°W
Warne (CDP)25035.0000°N, 83.9000°W
Brasstown (CDP, partly in Cherokee County)30035.0300°N, 83.9600°W
Shooting Creek (CDP)50035.0300°N, 83.7400°W
Tusquittee (CDP)20035.0600°N, 83.7800°W

Golf Courses in Clay County, North Carolina

Golf CourseLocationLatitude & Longitude
Chatuge Shores Golf CourseHayesville35.0400°N, 83.8000°W
Mountain Harbour Golf ClubHayesville area35.0500°N, 83.8200°W

Roads and Highways in Clay County, North Carolina

Clay County is connected by scenic mountain highways that link it to nearby counties and Georgia.

  • US-64 – main east–west route connecting Hayesville to Murphy and Franklin
  • NC-69 – runs north–south linking the county to Georgia and Cherokee County
  • NC-175 – provides access to Lake Chatuge and surrounding communities

Neighboring Counties of Clay County

  • Cherokee County (west)
  • Macon County (east)
  • Towns County, Georgia (south)
  • Union County, Georgia (southwest)

Top Attractions in Clay County, North Carolina

The county offers scenic mountain landscapes and outdoor recreation.

  • Lake Chatuge – popular for boating, fishing, and scenic mountain views
  • Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area – trails for hiking, biking, and camping
  • Tusquitee Mountains – scenic mountain range with outdoor activities
  • Chatuge Dam – historic dam with views of the surrounding lake
  • Fires Creek Recreation Area nearby – waterfalls and hiking trails
  • Hiwassee River – great for fishing and kayaking

Distance from Clay County to Nearby Cities

  • Hayesville to Murphy – 20 mi (32 km)
  • Hayesville to Franklin – 40 mi (64 km)
  • Hayesville to Asheville – 100 mi (161 km)
  • Hayesville to Atlanta, GA – 110 mi (177 km)
  • Hayesville to Chattanooga, TN – 100 mi (161 km)

FAQs about Clay County

Where is Clay County located?

Clay County is located in far western North Carolina near the Georgia border in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What is the population of Clay County?

The population of Clay County is 11,089 according to the 2020 Census.

What is Clay County known for?

Clay County is known for Lake Chatuge, mountain scenery, and outdoor recreation.

What are the major highways in Clay County?

Major highways include US-64, NC-69, and NC-175.

Are there golf courses in Clay County?

Yes, Clay County has golf courses including Chatuge Shores Golf Course and Mountain Harbour Golf Club.