Best Things to do in Franklin NC: Franklin, also known as the “Gem Capital of the World” is a town situated in North Carolina, US. The town is a popular destination these days as it is located in the Appalachian Mountains. It is located within the Nantahala National Forest in the United States. Hikers and the people who love outdoor activities should definitely visit here.
Franklin is a town, famous for its beautiful surroundings and attractions and other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and others. There is also a downtown area in the town. The area has various stores and shops, along with restaurants and many other attractions that define the history and culture of the town. There are various things to do in Franklin NC and a huge number tourists come to this town every year.
Franklin town also hosts various events and festivals such as; music fests, art and craft fest, etc. annually to attract more visitors. Visitors can do a lot of things in Franklin. Due to these factors, the town has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in North Carolina, United States.
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Things to do in Franklin NC
Franklin is a town in North Carolina, United States. The town is a beautiful place as it is located in the Appalachian Mountains. Each year many visitors visit here to enjoy its beautiful surroundings and participate in the events. Below mentioned are the list of things to do in Franklin NC by the visitors
1. Gem Mining
Franklin is famous for various activities and Gem Mining is one of them. It is a popular and enjoyable activity for visitors as well as for the locals and visitors. Visitors can do the activity at various places within the town such as-
- Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine which is located near Franklin. Visitors can find valuable gems through dirt such as; sapphires, rubies, garnets, etc. and more.
- Rose Creek Mine where they provide necessary equipment such as; buckets and people can mine for gems in their flume area. Gem identification is also done here.
- Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine is situated about 30 minutes from the town. People here can also find some valuable gems such as; sapphires, rubies and other gemstones.
- Jackson Hole Gem Mine is a family-friendly location that allows people for all ages to do the activity of gem mining.
- Other places which include; Old Cardinal Gem Mine, Sheffield Mine, and Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, etc.
2. Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is a place or a facility for modern art that hosts various events and festivals in Franklin NC. The facility is so huge that it has a seating capacity of approximately 1,500 guests at once.
The facility hosts various events and performances such as; concerts, dance shows, theatrical productions, cultural presentations, comedy acts, etc and many more throughout the year. The locals as well as renowned artists perform here. The facility arranges many youth-oriented workshops and educational programs as well.
This facility is easily accessible by each individual and provides facilities such as wheelchair-accessible seating at their venue. Visitors must visit here and learn about the town’s history and culture.
3. Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting is a popular activity in Franklin, North Carolina. Rating enthusiasts can enjoy Whitewater rafting while they stay in the town. There are many rafting opportunities within a reasonable distance available at various rivers which are mentioned below-
- Nantahala River- The Nantahala River is located near the town and is one of the popular destinations for whitewater rafting. It provides guided trips and is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
- Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)- this place is a bit farther from the town but is a famous place for whitewater rafting with friends and family.
- Pigeon River- the Pigeon river is also very famous but a bit arthur from the town. The river is divided into two parts where the upper section is for experienced raters and the lower section is for beginners.
- Rafting Companies- there are several rafting companies which provide the equipment necessary for the whitewater rafting in Franklin NC by charging a minimal amount for the equipment, guided trips and safety instruction.
4. Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is a hiking trail near Franklin, NC. The Trail is one of the more famous hiking trails which leads to various viewpoints explored by the hikers. Various viewpoints such as; Wayah Bald, which is one of the most beautiful and iconic spots near Franklin, Wesser Bald Lookout Tower, and others.
There are various trailheads and access points which are easily accessible by the hikers. The trail has various Outdoor gear shops that provide maps, equipment, etc. for the hikers. Hikers can enjoy the scenic beauty during their hike with lush green forests and explore the diverse ecosystems of the town.
5. Historic Downtown Franklin
Historic Downtown in Franklin NC, is a charming neighborhood in the town, which is famous for its various antique shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. The visitors visit here to learn and explore more about the town’s history and cultural beliefs. The area is covered with historic buildings and a relaxed environment.
There are several antique shops and boutiques here where the visitors can find various handmade crafts, clothing and jewellery, etc. items. There are various cafes, bars and restaurants which provide authentic local cuisine. The visitors can also find some old bakeries and coffee shops here as well.
The downtown area also hosts various events and festivals during some special days throughout the year celebrating the town’s local history and holidays. Visitors can visit here to enjoy such festivals and local cuisine during their vacation to have a more relaxed environment that can be enjoyed with friends and family.
6. Outdoor Adventure at Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest is one of the most famous places, located near Franklin, North Carolina. This national forest is famous for outdoor activities such as; hiking, swimming, fishing, etc. visitors can do a lot of activities here to make their vacation more enjoyable. This forest have various activities such as;
- Hiking Trails- The forest has various hiking trails which lead to various beautiful viewpoints. Such as; Bartram Trail, Nantahala Gorge, Appalachian Trail, etc.
- Water Activities- there are numerous opportunities to do water activities in the forest such as; kayaking, fishing, boating, rafting, etc. Visitors can enjoy themselves here with their friends and family.
- Scenic Drives- The forest is beautifully covered with lush green environment scenic byways and drives which lead to breathtaking views such as; the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway or the Cherohala Skyway, etc.
- Camping and Picnicking- the forests allow visitors to do some friends and family-friendly activities such as; camping and picnicking and provide a relaxed environment to be enjoyed. They can do RV camping and overnight stays as well.
- Mountain Biking- The hiking trails are biking-friendly. Biking enthusiasts can hire a bike here and enjoy mountain biking as well.
- Fishing and Boating- Apart from hiking, biking or picnicking, the visitors can als enjoy water activities, such as fishing and boating here as well.
- Fall Foliage- During the all season, visitors can also enjoy the foliage here as well. The visitors can enjoy hunting in several areas and take pictures at various places as well.
7. Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a museum in the town. His museum is dedicated to showcase the town’s history and cultural beliefs along with the gems and minerals available in the town. The museum is located in the downtown area and is easily accessible by people.
The various gems, fossils, minerals and artifacts are showcased here. The museum also allows the visitors for the hands-on experience i..e, to touch the gems by their own hands and explore them as well. There are guides and staff which are available to provide the basic knowledge of the place.
The museum also has a git shop where visitors can buy jewellery, books and other items on their way back home. The museum also hosts some events and festivals or educational programs for entertainment purposes. Visitors must visit the museum to know more about the town’s rich history and beliefs.
8. Macon County Historical Society Museum
The Macon County Historical Society Museum is also a museum showcasing valuable artefacts, repository of local history, etc. in the town of Franklin, NC. The museum is situated in the main town and is easily accessible by the locals as well as by the visitors.
The museum is dedicated to showcases various artifacts, documents, photographs and memorabilia representing the history and heritage of Macon County. Visitors can see and learn about the Macon County’s residents, their clothes, tools used by them and other objects as well.
The museum often hosts some events, cultural programs, educational programs, and lectures for knowledge purposes. There are Knowledgeable staff or volunteers which provide various details about the place and artifacts. Visitors might also find some material for research purposes such as; books, archives, and study material as well.
Overall the place is good for learning more about the town’s rich history and beliefs through the museum.
9. Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company is a craft brewery company which is located in the downtown area in the town of Franklin, North Carolina. The brewing company is easily accessible and allows visitors as well as locals to explore.
The visitors are offered for a diverse selection of craft beers brewed on-site and can enjoy fresh and locally brewed beers in the Taproom. These include; IPAs, stouts, ales, lagers, and seasonal brews.
10. Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Nantahala National Forest in Franklin NC and considered the best things to do in Franklin NC. The waterfall is almost 250-foot in height and is located nearby the town along the river named as Cullasaja River. The waterfall is famous and one of the most visited sites by the visitors in the town.
The waterfall is beautiful and offers various picturesque sights to its visitors. The nature lovers and photography enthusiasts can visit here and enjoy with their friends and family and click many photographs for the memories. As the waterfall is easily accessible through the roadside, people can enjoy beautiful scenes of the water flow. Visitors should include the Cullasaja Falls visit during their vacation in Franklin, NC
11. Pickin’ on the Square
“Pickin’ on the Square” is a famous community event hosted by the locals in Franklin, NC. The events take place in the downtown area of the town which is accessible by any individual either its a visitor or a local. The events are usually held on Saturday evenings from the month of May through October.
Various events such as; live music and community gatherings are done through this event. These events are great for the visitors’ entertainment and also allows them to socialise with the locals to have a pleasant stay with their friends and family.
Visitors wanting to attend the festivals must plan their visit according to the schedule of the “Pickin’ on the Square” event.
12. Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center is a place providing various outdoor and kid-friendly adventurous activities for entertainment purposes.it is located near the town of Franklin, NC and is one of the main attractions is the town for the visitors as well as for the locals.
During the winter months, the visitors can enjoy snow tubing here. They also provide the artificial experience of snow tubing during the off-season. The visitors can do other activities such as; gem mining, and trout fishing and can play mini-gold here as well. This place offers various Things to do in Franklin NC. The place also provides various Scenic Views as it is surrounded by mountains. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful views while doing some outdoor fun activities with their friends and family.
Visitors must schedule their vacation according to their seasonal offerings to enjoy with their friends and family in Franklin, NC. The other facilities such as; the picnic areas, restrooms, snack bar or concessions are also available here.
13. Franklin Golf Course
The Franklin Golf Course is located in the western North Carolina mountains in Frank;lin, NC. It is also known as The Golf Club at Mill Creek. It is a 18-hole semi-private golf course especially designed for professional players. The area is covered with mountains and lush greens which makes it a perfect place for nature lovers as well.
The golf course provides various facilities such as; cart entails, pro shop, practice ranges, etc. and various amenities such as; diner, grill rooms, refreshments, etc. as well. There are various events and tournaments hosted by the gold course throughout the year. If you are a gold enthusiast, this place is best for you to showcase your talent and enjoy others.
The place is best for beginners as well as they have professional instructors providing lessons to improve your skills.
14. Local Eateries
There are numerous places where the tourists can enjoy the authentic local cuisine of Franklin, North Carolina. These local eateries offer a variety of diverse cuisines and are filled with restaurants, cafes and bars where the visitors can visit and enjoy the food with their friends and family.
The famous dining spots are mentioned below-
- Café Rel- Café Rel is a famous cosy café that serves delicious authentic cuisine. The cafe is famous for its friendly atmosphere and homemade dishes and they serve various breakfast and lunch options.
- Frogtown Market- Frogtown Market is a famous place in the town. The place has various bakeries along with a market. The bakeries offered fresh baked goods, and sandwiches and the visitors can shop for local handmade goods from the market.
- Root + Barrel Kitchen- The Root + Barrel Kitchen is a restaurant in the town. The restaurant is famous for its authentic Southern cuisine. They offer farm-to-table dining experience and make fresh food directly from a farm.
- Other places- the other places include some of the most famous and authentic restaurants such as; Currahee Brewing Company, Motor Company Grill which is a family-friendly restaurant, El Charro Mexican Grill serves mexican dishes, and Rizzo’s Bakery & Bistro bakery.
Visitors can have the best dining experience in these local eateries during their vacation in Franklin, NC. These eateries are famous for using the fresh and locally sourced ingredients which makes their food really fresh and authentic. Most of these places offered a family and kids-friendly environment as well.
Best time to Visit Franklin, NC
Franklin is a town that is very beautiful. It is covered with mountains and the visitors can enjoy various things here. From enjoying snow tubing to having the best dining experience, this place has something for all. Nowadays, tourists are attracted towards the Franklin town due to various reasons.
The best time to visit Franklin, NC, is based on an individual’s preferences. The season wise breakdown of the best time to visit the Franklin is as follows-
1. Spring season i.e., from the month of March to the month of May
During the Spring season, the town experiences the blooming of flowers and nature. The temperature during the spring season is comfortable and pleasant as compared to the other seasons. The nature lovers must visit the town of Franklin during the spring season as they can enjoy the lush greens while doing outdoor activities such as; hiking, biking, and exploring, etc.
2. Summer season i.e., from the month of June to the month of August
During the Summer season, the weather is warmer and there is humidity in the weather. The outdoor activities are easily available at every place such as; fishing, rafting, tubing, etc.
Summer is the peak season here in Franklin, NC that is why people can experience huge crowds and expensive accommodations and amenities during their visit.
3. Fall Season i.e., from the month of September to the month of November
The Fall season is one of the best times to visit Franklin, NC. visitors can experience the foliage in this season. The Appalachian Mountains look beautiful and mesmerising during the foliage. The weather is comfortable and people can do hiking and other outdoor activities without any hustle due to less crowd.
4. Winter season ie.., from the month of December to the month of February
Winter season in Franklin is also considered as a good time to visit. People can enjoy snow tubing during the winter months. The weather is colder and the visitors can enjoy snowfall as well. The town has fewer crowds due to the winters being the off-season. Those who want a peaceful and relaxed vacation must visit here during the winter season.
Conclusion: Things to do in Franklin NC
Franklin in North Carolina in the United States is a town with a rich history and beliefs. It is located within the Nantahala National Forest in the United States. Hikers and the people who love outdoor activities should definitely visit here.
There is something for everyone to do here. Franklin is a town, famous for its beautiful surroundings and attractions and other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and others.
People here can do various activities such as; gem mining, brewing beers, snow tubing, etc. Overall, Franklin, NC is a great place to visit to enjoy a friends and family-friendly vacation.
FAQs: Things to do in Franklin NC
Q. Does Franklin NC have a downtown?
A. Yes, Franklin, Nc has a neighbourhood known as downtown. The downtown area also hosts various events and festivals during some special days throughout the year celebrating the town;s local history and holidays.
Q. Is Franklin NC a good place to live?
A. Franklin is a small town but people here are friendly. So, it is a good place to live. The town is situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains which makes it one of the best places to live in NC.
Q. Does Franklin NC have a mall?
A. Yes, the town has its own mall named The Whistle Stop Mall. The mall is family-owned which is great for shopping in Franklin, NC. The mall has a snow tubing area, various bars and restaurants and various other unique shops.
Q. What is the nickname for Franklin NC?
A. Franklin, North Carolina, is also known as the “Gem Capital of the World.” The town is a popular destination these days as it is located in the Appalachian Mountains. It is located within the Nantahala National Forest in the United States.