Driving Directions to Franklin, NC
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Welcome To the Franklin & Nantahala Areas of Macon County We extend a sincere invitation to “enjoy the beauty and discover the life” that awaits you in the beautiful mountains of Southwestern Contents North Carolina. Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Franklin Sampler ......................................... Page 5 Mountains, this area is truly Mother Nature’s playground where Driving Directions........................................ Page 6 Discover Our History................................... Page 7 the sights and sounds of nature surround you. The Franklin and Where To Stay .............................................. Page 8-9 Nantahala communities offer you a refreshing change of pace and Nantahala......................................................Page 13-17 a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of ThingsTo Do the tranquil mountains. Come to a place where beautiful scenery, Greenway ................................................. Page 18 hiking, fishing, history and Southern hospitality are a way of life. Canopy Tours/ Zip Lines ......................... Page 19 Whether just for a visit or for the rest of your life, you will find that Waterfalls. ................................................ Page 20-21 Welcome Center ...................................... Page 22 you are welcome here in “Nature’s Playground”. Cowee Heritage Center............................ Page 23 Visit us at Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce on Facebook. Annual Events........................ .................. Page 24-25 Subscribe to receive our weekly blog at www.VisitFranklinNC.com. Hiking ........................................................ Page 26-27 Contributing Writers: Linda Harbuck, Bill VanHorn, Eric Haggart, Nantahala National Forest Map........ ...... Page 28-29 George Powell, and Gregg Clark Fly Fishing ................................................ Page 30 Photography: Ralph Preston, Linda Mathias, Bruce Harwood, Appalachian Trail. .................................... Page 34 Deep Creek Arts , Michelle Hedden, and Eric Haggart of WNC Gem Mining .............................................. Page 36-38 Aerial Imagery. Day Trips............................ ...................... Page 39 Content & Proofing: Diane Baldwin, Norma Marks, Barbara Price, North Carolina Wildflowers............... ..... Page 42 Kathy Vanteeckelenburgh & Linda Harbuck Wayah Bald......................... ..................... Page 43 Cover Photo by Eric Haggart of WNC Aerial Imagery Moonshine 28 ........................................... Page 44 Design & Layout: Cindy Cavender Haunted History Tour .............................. Page 45 Cover Design: Eric Haggart of WNC Aerial Imagery Where to Eat................................................. Page 46 Relocation & Services FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Geography & Climate .............................. Page 48 Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce A Great Place to Live ............................... Page 49 Macon County Facts & Stats .................. Page 50-51 98 Hyatt Road, Franklin, NC 28734 Macon County Schools & Library. ......... Page 52 1-800-336-7829 (toll free) Business Directory ...................................... Page 67-77 VisitFranklinNC.com VisitNantahalaNC.com Our small mountain town and surrounding area is just full of surprises FRANKLIN waiting to be discovered. Here is just a sample of what makes Franklin, NC truly unique. sampler Gem Mining Little Tennessee River Waterfalls Gem mining is still one of the most Greenway Western North Carolina is the home popular activities in the Franklin area. For a great change of pace, take a to many beautiful waterfalls. A guide Mining for precious stones began in stoll or a bike ride along the Little to 16 scenic waterfalls is listed on the 1870. Ruby and sapphire are still the Tennessee River Greenway. This chamber’s website and on pages 20- most sought after today, Tiffany’s and four-mile, 13-foot-wide trail winds its 21 of this guide. other companies showed an interest in way through Franklin along the Little the area in the 1890’s hoping to find Tennessee River. See Greenway map The Factory & Jump the source of the rubies found in the on page 18 in this guide. corundum mines. The search ended Factory in the early part of the 20th century. Try your hand at any of the seven gem Canoeing, Tubing, Located south of Franklin on Highway mines in our area. See page 36 for 441, The Factory is Western North more info. Rafting, Kayaking Carolina’s award winning destination Canoeing, tubing, and kayaking for family friendly entertainment. on the Cullasaja, Little Tennessee Enjoy hours of fun for kids of all ages. Smoky Mountain and Nantahala Rivers offer a great The Factory features over 100 arcade way to cool off on a warm day or games, mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, Center for the enjoy the scenic beauty of the and now a new feature, the Jump Performing Arts area from a different point of view. Factory - a trampoline park. Plus, Several canoe and tube put-ins there’s even an area with fun just for This 1,500 seat, state-of-the-art facility are located throughout the area. the little kids. Hungry? Be sure to stop presents the finest in performing arts The Nantahala River is famous for it’s by the Pizza factory. Open Monday - in our area. Performances include whitewater rafting. Several outfitters Saturday. 1024 Georgia Road. passion plays, musical productions, are available for guided trips and TheFactory.bz 828-349-8888 professional drama troupes, dance rentals in the area. and choral festivals, recitals, and See listings for rafting on page 75. various genres including country, Cycling bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Hiking Enjoy all types of cycling in Christian, and more. The stunning these beautiful mountains. Visit architecture, technical facilities, and This area is rich in a variety of hiking the chamber’s website at impeccable acoustics provide the trails. The Appalachian Trail passes VisitFranklinNC.com for road bike highest professional standards for both just a few miles west of Franklin and routes and mountain bike trails, as well the audience and performers. With the can be accessed at many places. The as, suggestions for motorcycle trips. main focus on family entertainment, Bartram Trail also passes through See Bicycle Shop listing on page 69. this is a place to come and enjoy a Franklin, going east and west, and good time. offers many highlights. There is a www.GreatMountainMusic.com wide variety of trails offering hikes 828-524-1528 of different lengths listed on the chamber’s website and on page 26-27 of this guide. VisitFranklinNC.com 5 Driving Directions to Franklin, NC From Asheville: Take I-40 West to Exit 27 (23 South/74 West). Stay on 23/74 to Exit 81 (U.S. 441/23 South). Approximately 18 miles to Franklin from this exit. Approximately 65 miles. From Atlanta: Follow I-85 North to I-985. Left on I-985 which becomes 23/365 North. 23/365 becomes 23/441 North. Follow straight into Franklin. Approximately 125 miles. From Greenville, SC: Take I-85 South to Exit 19 (Clemson). Follow 76 West to Clayton, Georgia. Take U.S. 441 North straight to Franklin. Approximately 110 miles. From Knoxville, TN: Interstate: I-40 East to Exit 20 (Hwy 276 South). Stay south on 276 until reaching 23/74 South. Follow to Exit 81 (U.S. 441/23 South). Approximately 18 miles to Franklin from this exit. Approximately 130 miles. Scenic: Take U.S. 441 South from Knoxville to Sevierville (approximately 25 miles). Remain on 441 South to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. Take by-pass around Gatlinburg. Remain on 441 South through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Cherokee. Stay on 441 South to Franklin (35 miles from Cherokee). Approximately 110 miles. 6 VisitFranklinNC.com Discover Scottish Tartans Our History Museum The Franklin Gem & Mineral As the only one of its kind in the United States, this museum is a Museum direct extension of the Scottish Located in Franklin’s historic “Old Jail” on Phillips Street Tartans Society in Scotland. The across from the Macon County Courthouse, this museum museum not only displays Scottish has thousands of specimens on display including a local ruby Tartans, but covers various aspects weighing 2 pounds! There are six rooms dedicated to the of the Scottish experience - culture, history, dress, migration cataloging and preservation of gem and mineral specimens and military. Visitors are invited to view their family tartan, from around the world, as well as, North Carolina and of connect with their clan, and learn about the history of Highland course Macon County - home to the famous Cowee Valley dress. The gift shop is open to the public. Admission to the where rubies and sapphires have been found for over 100 Museum: $4 plus tax adults, 12 - 7 years old - $2 plus tax and years! Admission is Free. Open May - October 6 and under free. Open year round. Tuesday - Saturday 10 25 Phillips Street ♦ 828-369-7831 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.fgmm.org 86 East Main Street ♦ 828-524-7472 www.scottishtartan.org Wilderness Taxidermy Let your next adventure begin with a visit to Wilderness Taxidermy located on Highlands Road in Franklin. Their state Macon County Historical Museum of the art wildlife museum houses a collection of animals from Located on Main Street in downtown Franklin, this museum throughout the world. Do not miss your opportunity to see is housed in the J. R. Pendergrass building which is listed on quality taxidermy in a beautiful setting, The facility is open the National Registery of