Location: Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
What to do and see in Franklin, North Carolina (NC): The Best Free Things to do
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. Outdoor 76
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By brente554 - Nashville, United States
This store has a very good selection of high quality backpacking gear and they are the one's to go to if you need a new pair of hiking shoe's. The staff is always very friendly and super helpful. This has become my first and preferred stop when needing some new gear
2. Pickens Nose
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
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.
3. Smoky Mountain Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
NC visitor center on Hwy 441N coming into NC from GA. Country Store in same facilities as public restrooms.
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
This rest area is much nicer than the ones along the interstate highways. The restrooms have upscale wood and glass walls, like a mountain lodge. The visitor info center has helpful guides, lots of brochures, and a very nice gift center with some local products. I got a beautiful recycled paper birthday card for less than $4. Outside there are several picnic tables under shady trees. This is a great place to stretch the legs.
4. Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Housed in the Historic 1850 Macon County Jail, the museum has approximately 6000 items on display in 8 separate rooms on two floors. The displays cover the history of mining in Western North Carolina, fossils, Indian artifacts, fluorescent minerals and gems and specimens from all 50 States of the USA and various countries of the world.
Reviewed By ooooopplll
Interesting museum in antique Jail Good variety of minerals and fossils Nice gift shop and reasonable prices
5. Wilson Lick Ranger Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By DodoDidi - Tampa, United States
Off the beaten path, this long and winding road leads you to times past. The preserved and signed site gives you a glimpse to the past and what the settlers here endured to create a living in this remote and beautiful part of the Appalachian mountains, At the end of the road, there is a stone tower that provide a panoramic view and label of the vistas that are seen in a number of counties. The Bartram and Appalachian trails intersect here and the paved portions provide access to many types of wheeled vehicles. Definitely a picnic spot, garbage/ refuse and facilities (primitive) are available if needed.
6. Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By CZiegler04 - Wingate, United States
We found ourselves visiting the Wayah Bald Lookout Tower quite by accident Sunday afternoon. We were searching for the Rufus Morgan Falls (which we NEVER found) and decided to take a slight detour. We drove and drove and drove some more, but the view was worth the drive. It was peaceful and so beautiful, and the abundant wildflowers in the area were buzzing with bees. The drive is actually less than five miles, and the gravel road is in excellent condition. The curving climb makes it seem much longer than it is, but don’t let that deter you. It’s free, and there’s hiking if you’re interested.
7. Attic Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
8. Ruby City Gems & Minerals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm. NC's largest Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Store & Museum.Franklin NC's largest and oldest Jewelry store & one stop crystal shop est. 1958. Largest selection of 14k & sterling silver, diamond & gemstone jewelry. Loose gemstones & Diamonds. 1000's of healing stones, rough and natural gems for cutting polishing & collecting. Gem carvings and home decor. "Real" Gem cutting and jewelry making services, ring sizing and repair all done onsite by experts with over 40 years experience. Rock Tumblers & grit, Gem cutting equipment and supplies. Fossils, Specimens, Gold panning & gem mining equipment, gem buckets and bags. MUSEUM of local gems as well as around the globe. World's largest Sapphire, shrunken head, largest privately held pre-columbian artifact collecting in the USA. Cool black light glow in the dark room. Very Educational!
Reviewed By cornsilk64 - Tiger, United States
Although we were super excited to get our rock tumbler, I think our favorite part of discovering Ruby City Gems & Minerals was the Museum. SO AMAZING!!! Staff was exceptional! VERY HELPFUL and welcoming. My goddaughter is 15 and rocks, minerals and crystals are her jam. We started our Saturday adventure here at RCGM and talked about it the entire day! Thanks RCGM for helping us make fun memories!
9. Watauga Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
10. Franklin NC Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By tthom2p
These Farmers get out here every Saturday morning, rain, snow or sunshine. Big farms to small farms with specialized products, homemade pies, breads, muffins, fresh eggs, farm raised lamb,shiitake mushrooms. Great selection, something for everyone.
