Hero - Interior Page Hero Module
Itinerary
Image Aside Copy Module
Rose Creek Gem Mine
Franklin’s gem mining heritage started almost 150 years ago, when corundum, second only to diamond in hardness, was dug up for industrial use. You can still find its precious colored variations — rubies and sapphires — at more than 10 local mines, like Rose Creek Gem Mine. Purchase a bucket of soil and take it to the metal box known as a sluice, where you’ll use water and a screen to separate gems from soil. It’s a fun process (though filled with dirt, so dress appropriately), and you keep the gems you find.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
You can’t be more downtown than Town Hall, and Franklin’s former Town Hall is now home to Lazy Hiker Brewing Company. Its outdoor motif, including a wall-sized Appalachian Trail map, creates a relaxed atmosphere. Hiking boots aren’t required to sip the flagship Slack Pack IPA or savor the coffee notes in Wesser Evil Porter. You’ll find Currahee Brewing Company across town, and you can enjoy a Kawi Coffee Milk Stout or Garand IPA while you take in its river views.
Ghost tour in Franklin
Explore Franklin’s spooky side on a ghost tour through historic downtown. These tours take place on select days throughout fall and include stories of the town's eerie legends and hidden haunts. Or head down to the Macon County Historical Museum, which has displays about its former life as the town’s commerce hub.
Caffe Rel
Franklin’s lodging choices range from country inns to hotels and motels owned by national chains. The restaurants are diverse too. Don’t let Caffe Rel’s location — inside a gas station — dissuade you. Dishes are varied, gourmet and priced right.
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway travels southeast from Franklin, following the Cullasaja River and its waterfalls. Use caution when stopping to view 250-foot-tall Cullasaja Falls because of limited parking on the narrow road. For a safer spot to gaze at colorful leaves or walk with your favorite person, head a bit down the road to easily accessible 80-foot-tall Dry Falls. A paved trail winds behind it, offering a unique view from a surprisingly dry vantage point. You won’t have to step outside your car at Bridal Veil Falls — it flows over the road.
Wayah Bald
Travel the byway in the opposite direction to Wayah Bald and make the short walk to the top of Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, which stands over the intersection of the Appalachian and Bartram hiking trails. The view, which stretches to the Great Smoky Mountains and Georgia, is ablaze with oranges and yellows in fall. Then in early summer, blooming azaleas, rhododendron and wildflowers add pinks, whites and reds to plenty of greens. You’ll pass Wilson Lick Ranger Station historic site on your drive in. Stop and learn about Grady Siler, the region’s first forest ranger, and the home he shared with his wife about a century ago.
PumpkinFest
The crown jewel of Franklin’s calendar is PumpkinFest. It has celebrated fall and family for nearly 30 years, and you’re invited to join the fun downtown. Purchase pumpkins, find your favorite fair food, and browse regional arts and crafts along Main Street. The pumpkin pie-eating competition will test your appetite, and the world-famous Pumpkin Roll will rank your squash-handling skills when you kneel behind the starting blocks at the top of Phillips Street and give your pumpkin a push. Kids will love the face painting and roving street performers.
Downtown Franklin
No matter what time of year you visit, historic downtown Franklin hosts events year-round, including Winter Wonderland and an Independence Day Parade and Celebration. Pickin’ on the Square fills summer Saturday evenings with music, from gospel to rock 'n’ roll. There’s plenty of shopping too. Gear up at Outdoor 76 or browse the works of more than 50 artisans and craftspeople at North Carolina Mountain Made, where you also can purchase a Macon County Quilt Trail driving guide that'll point out homes and barns where giant quilt blocks hang outside.
This article was produced in partnership with the Town of Franklin TDA.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Rose Creek Gem Mine
Stop 2
Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
Stop 3
Ghost tour in Franklin
Stop 4
Caffe Rel
Stop 5
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
Stop 6
Wayah Bald
Stop 7
PumpkinFest
Stop 8