Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Clay County
is filled with breathtaking scenery; its lush forests and rich farmland are set off with crystal clear lakes, rivers and streams.
The county is one of the smallest in North Carolina; it contains 220 square miles, and has a population
of 8,500. The
climate in the area is mild year 'round, with warm days and cool evenings in summer, and an occasional light dusting of
snow in the winter. The autumn colors rival those of New England. Of
the 136,902 acres in Clay County, 110,096 acres (80%) are forested - and of this, 64,200 acres are protected by the U.S. Forest
Service and open to the public for recreational activities. There are over 50 miles of maintained trails, including the Appalachian
Trail, for hiking and backpacking. Both public and private facilities exist for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and golfing.
