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More about Franklin North Carolina: 
 

Smoky Mountain Host Visitor Center - The friendly and knowledgeable staff members are ready to assist you with all your travel needs. Spend some time in the gift shop, featuring a wide variety of merchandise including gifts from local artisans.4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC

 
 
 
 
Did you know the last surrender of Confederate forces east of the Mississippi took place in Franklin and that the idea for the Thomas Legion was conceived in Franklin? Learn more about Franklin's unique connection to the Civil War
 
 
Franklin is the County Seat of Macon County 
In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the land that is now Franklin “Nikwasi” or “center of activity” 
Franklin is home to an active Gem and Mineral Society, which
operates a charming museum in a 19th Century jailhouse in downtown Franklin NC
In 2005 Franklin celebrated its 150th Anniversary 
 
 
Mining for rubies and sapphires began in Macon County in 1870. 
 
Little Tennessee Land Trust conserving the waters, forests, farms and heritage of the Upper Little Tennessee and the Hiwassee River Valley 
 
 
 
Franklin NC
Cabins, vacation rentals and visitor guide
                               Florida's Carolina Connection
Franklin Resource Links:
Current Franklin Weather
Franklin Chamber
Town of Franklin
Cities near Franklin: 
Highlands Nantahala,  Cowee, Oak Grove
Franklin North Carolina is a center of history, heritage and the NC mountain way of life. Franklin celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2005 and continues to honor it's heritage while embracing the future. Nestled in North Carolina’s southernmost  mountains, the foothills of the Great Smokies, the Franklin area offers both a slower pace and a abundance of things to do. The area is famous for is rural beauty, but not isolated with access to major highways US 23/441 and US 64, and major interstates I-40, I-26 and I-85. Atlanta, Georgia is just 127 miles to the south, while Asheville is 65 miles to the east.
 
ACCOMMODATIONS
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Franklin NC Cabin and Vacation Rentals
Franklin NC cabin rental Rivendell.jpg (40276 bytes) Rivendell Cabins  offer 3 Cabins, mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, DLS, dishwasher, washer/dryer, central heat/ac, satellite TV, phone, VCR & movies, porch with seating, full kitchens, linens, everything included- just bring your clothes & food. $100-$130 nt, $475-$675 wk
   Specials Page     Read our Cabin Blog      
Military_Discounts_Offered  
Luxury Timber Fraom rentals with MORE than the comforst of home Timber Frame Rentals  are 2 luxury vacation rental homes located between Franklin & Highlands.  The Pond House sleeps up to 6 with views of the mountains from almost every room.  The Cottage sleeps up to 10 and sits in the woods along a natural spring fed stream. Inside & outdoor fireplaces, upscale furnishings, quiet, peaceful location but close to all activities. All the comforts of home and then some!  $200 - $325 night, $1300 - $2100 week 
 
great panaramic views of the foothills from this cozy Franklin cabin Cozy Cabin with panoramic views - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Overlooks  the Iotla Valley and the distant Blue Ridge Mountains from the deck with rockers, swing, gas grill and ceiling fans Fireplace with wood provided.   $75 night, $490 week. Check availability
 
you'll love the beautiful views of the Smokies Mountain vacation home with beautiful view of the Smokies - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8. Lots of deck, grill, stone fireplace and plenty or room for a family with children. $75 night, $525 - $700 week.
                    Get details and availability
 
Riverfront vacation rental in Franklin NC September Special at Franklin Cabin - $525 per week.  2 bedrooms, 1 bath sleeps up to 5. Riverfront rental with trout fishing, well-maintained swimming hole., tubing. 3 decks to enjoy the rushing river. Internet, gas grill, wood stove.  Check availability
 
River front vacation rental in Franklin Vacation home on the Little Tennessee River - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 10. Wonderful river to mountains view with rolling foothills 6 acre landscape. Fireplace, hot tub, oversize deck with gas grill, outdoor firepit. Tube, swim or fish in the river. $165 night, $985 week.           See pictures and details
 
view from the deck of this Franklin chalet-like rental   Smoky Mountain Chalet with breath-taking view - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 10. Wrap-around deck with amazing vista. Fireplace, pool table, hot tub. 5 miles across the GA border and 9 miles to Franklin.  $165 night, $985 week. Check availability and details
 
extra privacy with separate 1 bed 1 bath downstairs Two homes in one - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 8. Two bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs in a lovely studio unit for extra privacy. Wood stove, gas grill, HDTD, WIFI. Quiet mountain setting only 10 minutes to Franklin. $!30 - $!50 night, $700 - $800 week.
                 Check Current Special rates.
3 master suites and mountain view Mountain log home rental above Cowee Valley - 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, sleeps 10. Wrap-around porch with mountain views. 3 master suites, hot tub, fireplace, game room with foosball, WIFI 5 TVs. On site hiking trails. 
                              Get details
Special offered - click link below for details
log cabin on the Little Tennessee River Log cabin rental on the river - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 6.  Swim, fish, raft or canoe right from your backyard. HDTV, Internet, picnic table and charcoal grill.  $85 - $110 night, $500 - $550 week.
                       get more information
 
get back to nature on 200 acres near Franklin 200 acre private paradise - 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, sleeps 4. Million dollar view of mountains, pastures, clouds, streams and forest. Gazebo picnic area with BBQ. Ten miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or ATVs.  $750 - $950 week.   Learn more
 
Stunning mountain views Vacation rental with stunning mountain views - 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, sleeps up to 13. All the modern conveniences, fireplace, Internet, grill and easy paved access. Located between Franklin and Dillsboro close to gem mining and rafting.   Check availability
Bring the gang to this LARGE vacation rental Super-sized mountain retreat - 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, sleeps up to 15. Mountain views, wrap-around deck and covered porch, 2 fireplaces, gas grill, WIFI, Pet Friendly. Located on  12 private acres in Cowee Valley. $225-$325 night, $1400-$2150 week.  Military_Discounts_Offered
             See rental photos and availability
 
Mountain Cabin with 47 mile view
view from one of 4 decks with theis mountain top cabin rental
3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8. Timberframe cabin loaded with rustic elegance and 4 spacious decks. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, onsite creek, jacuzzi, gas grill, HGTV, WIFI. Four wheel drive, SUVs. $250 night, $1100 - $!300 week.
                  Learn more
Franklin cottage with a view
wonderful view from the proch of this Franklin cottage
2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Spotlessly clean and cozy with a view you won't want to leave. Spacious enough for 2 couples. $600 week.
 Check availability and rental rates
Rustic Cowee Valley Cabin
Log cabin rental in Cowee Valley 1 bedroom, 1 bath sleeps 4. Getaway to an authentic rustic Cabin with a view of Cowee Valley, Pet friendly. wood stove. Property adjoins the Nantahala National Forest. 20 minutes to downtown Franklin. $75 night, $490 week  .Learn more
A Mountain Swiss Chalet(1)
Angel Mountain Cabin(1)
Aunt Dobson's Farmhouse (1)
Bates Cabins (8)
BearPaw Cabin (1)
Big Bear Log Cabins (2)
Carolina Mountaintop Homes (3)
Carolina Vacation Home (1)
Chestnut Creek Cabin (1)
Colbert's Vacation Homes (1)
Corrieglen Cottages (2)
Dave's Place Vacation Cottage (3)
The Listening Point Cabin (1)
Longview Cottages (2+)
Mill Creek Resort & Country Club
Mini Niagara Falls (1)
Oak Grove Cabins (4+)
Ole Gregory Mine House (1)
Primrose Cottage  (1)
Realty World Desoto Trail
Rest in the Mountains, LLC (50)
Rivendell Cabin (3)
River Bear Cabin (1)
River Run Cabins (3)
Sita Spell Cabin (1)
Sleepy Hollow Cottages (8)
Smokey Mountains Getaways
Taylor's Mountainside A-Frame
The Hideaway (5)
Timber Frame Rentals   (2)
Turnstone Cabins (4)
Wayah Creek Cottages
Whispering Pines Deluxe Rentals
 
Franklin NC Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, Lodges
 
Historic Blaine House Bed and Breakfast   Blaine House Bed and Breakfast -  a Franklin favorite and 100 year old restored home. 5 guest rooms with private baths, antiques and original artwork. Free WIFI and gourmet breakfast. Specials offered/   Learn more...
Buttonwood Inn with deck overlooking the Franklin golf course The Buttonwood Inn Bed and Breakfast - 3 guest rooms with private baths, antiques, collectibles and quilts. Quiet country charm in a woodsy setting.  
              Check for current specials
 
Franklin motel with pool and playfround  Carolina Motel - Guest rooms with cable TV, WIFI, phones. Outdoor swimming pool, play area. Complimentary breakfast and morning coffee. Family owned and operated.   
              Check rates and availability
Comfort Inn in downtown Franklin Comfort Inn Franklin - 60 guest rooms with king or two queens, WIFI, newspaper. Indoor pool and spa tub, fitness center, businesses services. Complimentary breakfast included.
              Check rates and availability
 
Colonial Inn offers affordability   Colonial Inn  - Affordable Franklin lodging with seasonal outdoor pool and free WIFI. 42 guest rooms, guest laundry, fax/copy services. Pet Friendly. Rates begin at $56.  Check rates and availability
 
The Heritage Inn
Oakhill Country Inn
 
Franklin Campgrounds, RV Parks, Camping
 
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine
Natural North Carolina MineOne of the last native gemstone *ONLY* mines open to the public, and our buckets contains a virtual treasure trove of naturally occurring North Carolina gemstones, including: Rubies, Sapphires, Garnets, Moonstone, Rhodolite, Rutile and Sillimanite. These gems are native to Cowee Valley, and many found are of facet quality. Read more...
Cartoogechaye Creek Campground
Cullasaja River RV Park
Country Woods RV Park
Franklin RV Park and Campground
Hurricane Primitive Campground
The Great Outdoors RV Park
Great Smoky Mountains Fish Camp
Old Corundum Millsite Campground
Old Mill Campground
Pines RV Park and Cabins
Primitive Outback, Inc.
River Vista RV Resort
Rosecreek Campground & Cabins
 
Franklin Restaurants, Entertainment
downtown Franklin restaurant with exceptional food  Caffe Rel   - Whether you call this special place a "diamond in the rough"  or say "you can't judge a book by its cover", just about everyone agrees it's one of the best places to eat in Western North Carolina - and that's saying a lot. You'll find a variety of upscale dishes from homemade Blue Crab Bisque, to French Pot Roast, to Charleston Shrimp and grits. There is also a good selection of lighter fair such as Asian salad and homemade soups. 459 E Main Street, downtown Franklin NC.  Read reviews
Authentic award-winning NC Barbecue Cash's Smokehouse Barbecue  - "Falls off the bone" ribs and homecooked barbecue - Pulled Pork, Ribs, Chicken & Brisket and homemade sides. Primarily take-out with patio tables and catering.  1281 Georgia Road, Whistle Stop Mall, Franklin NC          Learn more... 
Big Mamas Pizza House  1517 Bryson City Road   Franklin, NC (828) 369-6063
Boone Thai Restaurant 553 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC (828) 524-1111
The Boiler Room  1024 Georgia Road Franklin, NC (828) 349-888
Caffe Rel   457 East Main Street  Franklin, NC  (828) 369-94
Cody's Original Roadhouse  319 Carolina Mtn Dr.   Franklin, NC (828) 369-8156
Cash's Smokehouse BBQ  1281 Georgia Road   Franklin, NC (828) 524-8386
Cajun Connection   549 Highlands Rd., Franklin NC
Dooley's Deli  1256 East Main Street  Franklin, NC  (828) 349-3004
Fat Buddies  311 Westgate Plaza   Franklin, NC (828) 349-4743
Fatz Cafe of Franklin  107 Sawmill Village Lane, Franklin, NC
Frog and Owl Mountain Bistro & Wine Bar 46 E. Main St   (828) 349-4112
Gazebo Creekside Cafe'  44 Heritage Hollow Drive   Franklin, NC 
Hidden Gem Cafe'   24 Iotla Street, Franklin, NC  
Hot Tommy Dogs  1159 East Main Street   Franklin, NC  (828) 421-8552
Jer's Kitchen   Whistle Stop Mall, 1281 Georgia Road, Franklin NC
Lucio's Italian Restaurant  313 Highlands Rd   Franklin, NC  (828) 369-6670
Monte Alban, Inc.  2648 Georgia Rd   Franklin, NC  (828) 349-4484
Motor Company Grill  86 W Main Street   Franklin, NC  (828) 524-0099
Mulligans Bar & Grille   579 Depot Street, Franklin, NC
Peking Gourmet  4527 Hwy. 441  Holly Springs Plaza  Franklin (828) 524-8879
Peppermint Patti's Ice Cream & Sweets 17 E. Palmer St. (828)524-9966
The Pizza Factor  1024 Georgia Road   Franklin, NC  (828) 349-8888
The Restaurant at Mill Creek Resort and Country Club 345 Country Club Drive  
Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor  236 Cunningham Rd   Franklin, NC  (828) 524-2371
Stillwater Fish Camp  Whistle Stop Mall,  Franklin, NC  (828) 369-5445
Sunset Restaurant & Curb Service  498 Harrison Ave., Franklin  828) 524-4842
Willys Bar-B-Que  240 Cunningham Rd   Franklin, NC 2(828) 524-0414
Yati's International Bistro  2726 Georgia Road   Franklin, NC  (828) 349-9284
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts - Live music, dance and performances in a 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility. Various genres of performance include country, bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Christian, and more. The stunning architecture, technical facilities, and impeccable acoustics provide the highest professional standards for both the audience and the performers
Franklin Restaurants, Entertainment
People's on the Square Since 1957, Peoples on the Square has provided high quality clothing and shoes, at great prices, for men, women and children. Whether you’re looking for winter coats, business suits or dress, casual or work clothing, People’s can help you look your best. We carry a great selection of athletic, dress and walking shoes, with name brands you know. You’ll easily recognize that quality is our business when you come in and look around. 
Tanner Ladies Factory Outlet   4563 Highway 441 Bypass Franklin, NC
Rose Creek Mine and Gift Shop   Lyle Downs Road, Franklin NC
Franklin Gemstone & Jewelry Warehouse   3002 Georgia Road, Franklin NC
The Gem Factory   3348 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC
Franklin Flea Market   867 Highlands Road. Franklin, NC 
Rosebud Cottage   46 E Main Street, Franklin NC
Gold City Jewelry and Gem Shop   9410 Sylva Road, Franklin, NC
Mountainside Chocolates   8565 Sylva Rd. (Hwy 441), Franklin, NC
Deb's Cats N Quilts   106 W. Palmer St., Franklin, North Carolina 
A Stitch in Time   23 Macon Center Drive, Franklin, NC
Cowee Gift Shop &Mason Mtn Mine (TJ Tocks) 23 Macon Center Drive, Franklin
Ruby City   130 E. Main St., Franklin, NC
Find NC Stores with Online Shopping
 
Franklin NC Real Estate for Sale
Search ALL homes and land for sale
in the Franklin NC MLS
Find more  Homes or NC Land for sale
Events in or near Franklin NC
Dec 2      Winter Wonderland
Dec 17    Ricky Skaggs a Skaggs Family Christmas

                              Ongoing Events:
Saturday evenings  - Pickin' on the Square   Free live music and entertainment in downtown Franklin every Sat. night Memorial Day weekend - Oct. BYO chair and food vendors on site.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts   Live music, dance and performances
for more NC events see the Events Calendar

Click to View Larger Map  of Franklin 
Sports, Outdoor Activities
Franklin Area Hiking - This is an area rich in the variety of hiking trails. This list only covers a few. The Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine) passes just a few miles West of Franklin, and can be accessed at many places. The Bartram Trail also passes through Franklin, going East-West, and offers many highlights.

A wide variety of trails offers hikes of different lengths in the Cowee, Fishhawk, and Nantahala Mountains.
Short Hiking Trails:
Rufus Morgan Trail, Shot Pouch Trail, Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, Wasilik Poplar Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, Mooney Falls Trail, Albert Mountain Firetower, Whiteside Mountain. Medium Length Hiking Trails: Standing Indian Mountain from Deep Gap, Whiterock Mountain via Bartram Trail, Park Creek - Park Ridge Loops, Wesser Bald Observation Tower, Siler Bald.
Longer Trails:
Yellow Mountain Trail, Standing Indian Mountain Long Loops. For more information: Forest Service, Wayah District
 
Franklin area Gem Mining   The "Gem Capital of the World" began with ruby and sapphire mining in 1870.  Corundum and other minerals were mined Commercially for use as abrasives, followed by Mining Companies hoping to find the source of the rubies found in the corundum mines. By the early 1900s the mining companies departed leaving the any furtuer mining efforts to rockhounds,  gem enthusiasts and tourists.

Most local "Mines" offer the washing equipment,  instructions and buckets of gem dirt for sale and charge an admission. Check with each mine prior to your visit to determine what type of experiences you can expect and what you need to bring with you - baggies, gloves, etc.  Get a Gem Mine Map
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine
Gold City Gem Mine 
Jackson Hole Trading Post and Gem Mine
Mason Mountain Mine and Cowee Gift Shop
Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
Rose Creek Mine and Gift Shop
Sheffield Mine

Franklin Waterfalls:  Big Laurel Falls - Go 9 miles west on U.S. 64. Turn left on Wallace Franklin waterfalls include Big Laurel FallsGap Road (Old U.S. 64) and go 1.5 miles. Turn right on F.S. Road 67 (toward Standing Indian Campground) and go 7 miles (5 miles past Back Country Information Center). Trail runs along an old railroad grade. After passing over bridge, it splits; right ends at Big Laurel Falls.

Mooney Falls
- follow the directions to Big Laurel Falls, continuing for .7 mile past Big Laurel Falls trailhead. A very short trail descends to Mooney Falls. Roadside parking available.

Rufus Morgan Falls
- This easy one mile loop trail is named after Rufus Morgan, a naturalist who was instrumental in developing the Appalachian Trail. Take U.S. 64 for 3 miles west of Franklin. Turn right at Wayah Bald directional sign. Take first left onto Wayah Road (S.R. 1310). 6.6 Miles and then left of F.S. Road 388. Trail 2.2 miles on right

Franklin Golf Course, driving range,  pool
Mill Creek Golf Club  resort facilities
Tom Hopkins, Fly Fishing Guide
 
 
Franklin area Attractions
T.M.Rickman General Store a part of the 370 acre Cowee/West's Mill National Register Historic District was acquired by the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee in August of 2007. Since then the community has been active with fundraising, making the purchase a reality. 
Scottish Tartans Museum A visit to the Scottish Tartans Museum and Gift Shop in  the Smoky Mountains is a stroll through the history and culture of Scotland.  The 4800 square foot location on Main Street in downtown Franklin NC, showcases a large Museum area as well as an expansive Gift Shop 
The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum Located in Franklin’s historic “Old Jail” on Phillips Street across from the Macon County Courthouse, the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum has thousands of specimens on display including a local ruby weighing 2 ¼ pounds! The museum was founded in 1974. 
Franklin NC Historical Museum.jpg (6788 bytes) Macon County Historical Museum  The Macon County Historical Museum on Main Street in downtown Franklin is housed in the J.R. Pendergrass building which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is an excellent and little altered example of early twentieth century retail store design. 
Find more NC Attractions here
Franklin Art Galleries, Crafts
North Carolina Mountain Made  A retail store and website created for the purpose of marketing the products of local mountain  artists and craftsmen. This site features a wide range of art, crafts, audio and video of mountain music and storytelling, publications (books and magazines), home accessories, and food products. It also showcases the artist or craftsmen of the month as well as providing a calendar of regional events and performances. 
Franklin NC Artist Jon Houglum Fresh_Tracks.jpg (29600 bytes)Jon Houglum, Houglum Fine Art Studio and Gallery Artist Jon Houglum captures the beauty of the Western North Carolina Mountains in his free lance oil paintings and commissioned work in the traditions of the old masters.  He displays a masterful and accurate rendering of wildlife in mountain landscapes that speak to the viewer both emotionally and visually.
Find more NC Artists here

 

 
This site is dedicated in loving memory to Teacher Beth, whose spirit still climbs every mountain Franklin NC cabins, vacation rentals and visitor guide
100s of links for Franklin visitor information including restaurants, attractions, events
Franklin NC map, current weather, art and craft galleries, Franklin shops and attractions


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