Clayton: Trails, History and Art

Clayton offers a range of reasons to visit and stay in a hotel: paved trails, historic buildings, public art and cultural attractions. Two trails can be compared by length: Sam's Branch Greenway is 1.25 miles long, while the Clayton River Walk on the Neuse is four miles long. The difference can help you gauge the scope of a route when planning your day; no walking time is specified.

Trails and Public Art

Sam's Branch Greenway is a paved, 10-foot-wide multi-use trail that is 1.25 miles long. The Greenway includes a public art project featuring local artists and schoolchildren. It brings together a trail and an artistic element, without limiting the path to art.

The Clayton River Walk on the Neuse is four miles long, 10 feet wide and paved. It runs parallel to the Neuse River and passes under Covered Bridge Road. The trail is also part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the East Coast Greenway. Along with its connection to the river, this places it within two named trail systems.

Both trails are paved and 10 feet wide, but they differ considerably in length: Sam's Branch Greenway is 1.25 miles long, while the River Walk is four miles long. Their described features also have different emphases: the Greenway includes an art project, while the River Walk highlights the Neuse River and its place in the two trail systems.

Historic District and Culture

The Clayton Historic District includes parts of the downtown business district as well as residential neighborhoods north and south of the railroad tracks. The district encompasses nearly 300 historic homes and buildings. In 2010, the National Park Service added it to the National Register of Historic Places. Its reach across both commercial and residential areas makes the district more than a single historic building.

The Clayton Sculpture Trail is a free, self-guided sculpture trail featuring sculptures each year. If you would like to include art in your trip without a guided tour, this self-guided trail is a destination in its own right. If you are planning a visit around a particular presentation, check the current dates.

The Clayton Center is a performing arts venue with 600 seats. It may host nationally touring artists or presentations. If an event is the reason for your trip, check the date in advance.

Downtown, Market and Local Offerings

Downtown Clayton has a farmers market on Saturdays and annual street festivals. Both add recurring downtown activities to longer outings. If a street festival is a deciding factor in your trip, check the event date in advance.

The Station Market is a North Carolina specialty food and grocery store specializing in small-batch products. Under one roof, it supports more than 125 small businesses from North Carolina and across the United States. The mix of vendors may change, so if you are interested in particular products, it is worth checking the current selection.

The Station is a 100-year-old historic landmark in downtown Clayton that has been converted into a multi-tenant experience venue. It primarily features local businesses offering food, drinks, products and community wellness services. Since tenant offerings may change, it is best to check on specific interests before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Middlesex, Four Oaks, Kenly, Smithfield

For the regional travel overview: Johnston.