Things to do in Franklin, North Carolina (NC): The Best Outdoor Activities

December 25, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

Franklin is a town in Franklin Township, Macon County, North Carolina, United States, within the Nantahala National Forest. The population was 3,845 as of the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County. Franklin is an official Appalachian Trail-friendly destination. The Franklin area is rich in gems and minerals and is known locally as the "Gem Capital of The World."
Restaurants in Franklin

1. Pickens Nose

Forest Roads 67 & 83, Franklin, NC
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Pickens Nose

Reviewed By jdl50cc

The views from the end of this short hike are breathtaking. However, this hike, as short as it is, would more properly be classified as "Moderate," not "Easy." There is a relatively steep climb over uneven terrain with tricky footing, which disqualifies the "Easy" classification. Nonetheless, it is worth every step. Tip: Enter Nantahala National Forest from I-64 in the North, not from Otto in the South. The former is a little longer but the road is easily navigable and beautiful. The road from Otto is windy and bumpy, and has one or two spots where high clearance is recommended. We had a 4WD truck so it presented no problem for us, but we took the northern route out and it was much more pleasant.

2. Bartram Trail

Franklin, NC 28734 http://ncbartramtrail.org/hike-the-trail/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Bartram Trail

Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey, United States

The entire Bartram trail is actually the recreation of 115 miles (185 km) trail created by the 18th-century naturalist William Bartram’s journey from North Georgia mountains into North Carolina. The section near Franklin is beautiful and pleasant to walk, easy enough for nearly everybody to walk. There are 79 miles of Bartram trail in North Carolina. Nowadays Bartam Trail tentacles extend to Alabama and Florida so in a sense it could compete for hikers' attention with the Appalachian Trail.

3. Little Tennessee River Greenway

573 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734-2649 +1 828-369-8488 [email protected] http://www.littletennessee.org
Excellent
62%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Little Tennessee River Greenway

Reviewed By kaloja - Mount Juliet, United States

This is a very nice greenway along the Little Tennessee River. It is paved and has several parking areas. There are a few playgrounds along the route. There are plenty of benches to rest and just look at the river. There are also several bridges and one is a very nice covered bridge. There are some shady sections and some are sunny.

4. Mill Creek Country Club

341 Country Club Dr, Franklin, NC 28734-7738 828-524-GOLF http://www.thegolfclubatmillcreek.com
Excellent
44%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 16 reviews

Mill Creek Country Club

MILL CREEK RESORT AND COUNTRY CLUB is one of the best kept secrets in the Smoky Mountains and now you are in on the secret. Here in the mountains of North Carolina you will enjoy hospitality at its best with deluxe accommodations, breathtaking views, an 18 hole championship golf course and amazing tennis facilities! Whether you golf or just want to get out of the summer heat, we have what you are looking for in a cool mountain getaway. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the colors of the season, fall at Mill Creek is spectacular. We are a year round resort. When you are ready for a vacation, we are ready to make it memorable.

5. Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp & Safaris

81 Bennett Rd, Franklin, NC 28734-8884 +1 828-369-5295 http://www.fishcamp.biz/index.html
Excellent
64%
Good
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Terrible
36%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 11 reviews

Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp & Safaris

Reviewed By Elvisdog23

GSMFC is top notch. The owners are beyond accommodating. We've come here the last 3 seasons & never had any issues. Beautiful manicured grounds. Super dog friendly. Enjoy every minute of R&R

6. Franklin Golf Course

255 1st Fairway Dr, Franklin, NC 28734-3100 +1 828-524-2288 [email protected] http://www.FranklinGolfCourse.com
Excellent
11%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
22%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 9 reviews

Franklin Golf Course

Franklin Golf Course has been a family tradition since 1923. Our convenient location, beautiful views, challenging course, and family atmosphere make Franklin Golf Course a great choice for golfers of all ages and skill levels. 9 holes, par 36, 2933 yards in length, putting green, swimming, driving range, pro shop, snack bar, club repair, public welcome, memberships available, 8 AM until dusk.

7. Alarka Expeditions

Alarka Expeditions

Alarka Expeditions is a Franklin, NC based eco-tourism business that has been operating since June, 2017. Owners Brent and Angela Martin have almost fifty years of experience between them in leading nature based outings and workshops. They offer a wide range of outdoor experiences, including birding, botany, cultural and natural history, Little Tennessee river trips, and more.

8. Turning Stones Fly Fishing, LLC Day Tours

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 38 reviews

Turning Stones Fly Fishing, LLC Day Tours

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