Franklin
Around Franklin
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Countryside and towns · North Carolina · 38k people
Franklin
Locals say Macon County · “Gem Capital of the World”
Where the mountains sparkle with gems
Sapphire blueDeep forest greenGold
Welcome to Macon County, where the mountains rise steep and the rivers run clear. Whether you're panning for gems, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or just enjoying a slice of apple pie, you'll find a warm community here.
Clubs for Franklin
No clubs for Franklin yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Franklin. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Franklin. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Dry Falls A 75-foot waterfall you can walk behind on the Cullasaja River.
- Bridal Veil Falls Roadside falls with a path that goes under the rock overhang.
- Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum Showcases local gems, minerals, and fossils.
- Scottish Tartans Museum Displays tartans and Scottish heritage in Franklin.
- Wayah Bald A summit with a stone fire tower offering panoramic mountain views.
- Cowee Mound An ancient Cherokee mound and historic site.
- Outdoors Hike the Appalachian Trail
- Outdoors Gem mining
- With kids Gem panning at local mines
- With kids Visiting Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
- Evenings Live music at local venues
- Evenings Stargazing at high elevations
- Locals love Gem mining sites
- Locals love Waterfall hikes
Through the year
- Macon County Apple Festival October Celebrates the apple harvest with crafts, food, and music in downtown Franklin.
- Highlands Food & Wine Festival November A weekend of tastings, chef demos, and wine pairings in Highlands.
- Macon County Gemboree July Gem and mineral show with dealers, displays, and panning for visitors in Franklin.
- Scottish Heritage Festival May Highland games, music, and genealogy events celebrating Scottish roots in Franklin.
Mountain climate with mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The best times to be out are spring for wildflowers and fall for foliage. Best: Spring and fall are the sweet spots – wildflowers in April and May, foliage in October.
Talk like a local
- “holler”
- A small valley or hollow between mountains.
- “crick”
- A creek or small stream.
- “branch”
- A tributary stream.
- “flatlander”
- A person from the lowlands or flat country.
Getaways
- Sylva, NC Visit the historic courthouse and vibrant Main Street.
- Murphy, NC Explore the Cherokee heritage and the Ocoee River.
- Waynesville, NC Stroll the art galleries and enjoy local breweries.
- Brevard, NC Known for waterfalls and the Brevard Music Center.
Local flavour
Rooting for Carolina Panthers (NFL), Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), Western Carolina Catamounts (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Mountain trout Often fresh from local streams
- Apple butter A staple from the region's apple orchards
- Pinto beans and cornbread Classic Appalachian comfort food
- Country ham Cured and often served with biscuits
- Biscuits and gravy Hearty breakfast favorite
Where people go
- Gem mines Public panning for rubies, sapphires, and other stones
- Waterfalls Numerous cascades in the Nantahala Forest
- Apple orchards U-pick farms and the annual Apple Festival
- Appalachian Trail Passes through the county, popular for hiking
- Small-town main streets Quaint shops and local diners in Franklin and Highlands
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Nearby
Every areaSylvaNorth CarolinaMountain air, Cherokee spirit, small-town warmth.MurphyNorth CarolinaWhere the rivers run clear and the mountains stand tall.WaynesvilleNorth CarolinaThe friendliest town in the SmokiesBrevardNorth CarolinaWhere the mountains sing.ToccoaGeorgiaWhere the falls meet the mountain.SenecaSouth CarolinaWhere the mountains meet the lakes, and every day feels like a getaway.CorneliaGeorgiaWhere the mountains meet the apple orchards.SeviervilleTennesseeThe Smokies' front porch
Macon County, NC. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.