3 Days in Franklin, North Carolina
Looking for a Smoky Mountain getaway that won’t break the bank? Franklin, North Carolina is the perfect spot for you. From Main Street shopping to hiking to chasing waterfalls, you’re sure to have a blast no matter how long you stay.
Here’s what to do in Franklin if you’re in town for a few days.
Day One: Experience Downtown Franklin and Gem Mining
Why not get a taste for the heart and soul of Franklin? Main Street is lined with shops; whether you love a cozy bookstore like Books Unlimited or need to gear up for the trails at Outdoor 76, you’ll find just what you need.
We have coffee shops and bakeries galore, and they’re all open for a bite as you roam up and down the sidewalks. Franklin is also home to three different museums, so stop in and get a deeper understanding of the town’s heritage!
For lunch, stop by Motor Company Grill for retro-style burgers and milkshakes, Frogtown Market for a fantastic catfish po boy, or the food truck by the Lazy Hiker for some cold beer and fantastic eats.
Once the afternoon hits, head out to do some gem mining! Gem mining in Franklin NC is great fun for the entire family. Be sure to wear old clothes so you’re not concerned with getting a little muddy—that’s half the fun!
If you’re lucky, you might find a rare star ruby or sapphire when gem mining in Franklin, and many of your gem finds can be crafted into jewelry for a one-of-a-kind souvenir!
For supper, change clothes and head back into town for Root + Barrel on Main Street, or check out Currahee Brewery for a beer by the river.
Day Two: Hit the Trails
Hiking is a favorite activity in Franklin, since we’re so close to some awesome trails! You’ll want to pack a picnic lunch for day two because there’s so much to see.
The Appalachian Trail is only 11 miles from Downtown Franklin, and we’ve had a love affair with the A.T. dating back to the 1940s. Franklin is about 110 miles north of the trail’s start point in Springer Mountain, GA, but you don’t have to hike that far—just follow the path to the nearest summit for breathtaking views!
The Bartram Trail is also accessible from Franklin. Walk in the steps of Philadelphian naturalist William Bartram, who traveled throughout the southeast from 1773 to 1777, by hopping on the trail near the Wayah Ranger Station.
If you want stunning views of the mountains without the strain of a long hike, Wayah Bald Lookout Tower is just what you’re looking for. The Appalachian and Bartram trails both pass by the tower for more adventurous hikers, so anyone can stop and enjoy the overlook and view of the valley below.
For dinner, head back into town for the best barbeque you’ve ever tasted at Fat Buddies or Willie’s. Both are sure to please!
Day Three: Waterfalls, Dinner and a Show
Who said chasing waterfalls was a bad idea? In Franklin, we have some spectacular sites to find roaring falls without the long hike (especially after a busy day two!).
Dry Falls is anything but, and you can see the water from the road; park and hop out for a short walk behind the fall itself for an incredible photo op. There’s also Bridal Veil falls, which is quite literally right beside the road. No leaving the car necessary!
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the sights, head back down the mountain for lunch at Yonder for some locally-sourced, breakfast-style food. The Hungry Hiker burger is to die for!
After that, it’s time to kick it back until showtime at the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts. There’s always something going on at the theatre, from classic country stars to Overlook Theatre Company productions.
For dinner, treat yourself to decadent Italian fare at Café Rel or Lucio’s. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a real treat!
That’s a wrap!
No matter what you do, we’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable time in Franklin, Nc. Our website has all the details on restaurants, activities, and lodging, so be sure to explore the site for more information!
What’s on your list for a 3-day trip to Franklin, North Carolina in the Smoky Mountains?
- Published in About Franklin
Rose Creek Campground & Cabins
Location and Contact Information
140 Terrace Ridge Drive
(585)750-6684
Franklin’s “Hidden Treasure” of Unsurpassed Beauty and Serenity
Secluded within a lush, serene valley surrounded by beautiful mountains and landscapes, Rose Creek Campground and Cabins in Macon County, North Carolina offers a year-round, private retreat setting, unbound by endless adventure.
Only 5 miles from downtown Franklin, our campgrounds provide shaded sites, swimming, bass fishing and gem-mining on the premises. Visitors will enjoy a variety of thrilling nearby mountain activities and local in-town happenings. Families and furry friends are always welcome!
- Published in Hotels and Motels
Franklin, NC Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Celebration March 20– April 22, 2022
First Day of Spring to Earth Day
A.T. Celebration: Come celebrate the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Historic Franklin, NC located 110 trail miles (AT110) north of Springer Mountain, GA, the southern terminus of the A.T. Designated an A.T. Community in 2010 by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Franklin is a logical resupply/rest point between Hiawassee, GA and the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, NC. The A.T. crosses Highway 64 at Winding Stair Gap 10 miles west of Franklin. It is an easy hitch or make use of Macon County Transit’s daily pickups at 9:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm.
We’re big fans of the A.T. around here. Franklin was the first of 49 towns along the 2192.0 (2019) mile Trail to be designated an A.T. Community. Members of the Franklin based Nantahala Hiking Club (NHC) work with the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to maintain 58.5 gorgeous miles of the A.T. to include 10 shelters with privies, 9 group camp sites and 26 scenic viewpoints.
Tourists are invited to come and explore the Appalachian Trail through local hikes, documentaries and more or sit and talk with A.T. thru-hikers before they press on towards their goal of Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
#AT110: Help us promote Franklin’s unique location at Mile 110 by tagging photos you take while in town.
Hiker Services: In addition to Franklin’s two Outfitters, Three Eagles Outfitters and Outdoor 76, there are many more services for hikers making a stop in Franklin. Come on down for a night or two of good food, local craft beer, and a warm welcome as you continue your journey north.
Free Hiker Breakfast: The First Baptist Church of Franklin, NC provides a free breakfast to A.T. hikers daily from March 15 – April 15 at 7:15am. All the pancakes and bacon you can eat. Van pickup available. In addition to the breakfast, the church offers to take a photo of each hiker and mail it to a friend or love one along with a note written by the hiker, leaving hikers with a full belly and fond Franklin memories. For more information call 828-369-9559. 69 Iotla St, Franklin, NC 28734
Hiker Shuttle: In addition to private party shuttles, Macon County Transit will provide a Monday through Friday shuttle, March 7 – May 27, for hikes at an affordable $5.00 fare per boarding. Hikers will be picked up at Winding Stair Gap and Rock Gap at the designated times below. In hikers need transportation back to the trail, they can call Macon County Transit at (828) 349-2222.
Departs Franklin: 9:00am, 12:00pm, 3:00pm
Winding Stairs Gap Pick-up: 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm
Rock Gap Pick-up: 9:45am, 12:45pm, 3:45pm
For more information go to atmile110.com.
2022 Franklin AT110 Celebration
March 20 – First Day of Spring
March 26 (5pm) – “Hiker Bash” at Currahee Brewing Co.
Featuring live music, food trucks on site & brews of course! For up-to-date information, call 828.634.0078 or visit Currahee Brewing Co. on Facebook. 100 Lakeside Drive. Franklin. NC. 28734
April 1 – 2 – “28th Anniversary Hiker Fest” at Three Eagle’s Outfitters
Featuring hiker demos, in-store specials and giveaways! Hiker happy hour on Saturday 3pm-6pm with brews, views and grub! For up-to-date information, call 828.524.9061 or visit Three Eagles Outfitters on Facebook. 78 Siler Road. Franklin. NC. 28734
April 2 (noon – 2pm) – Nantahala Hiking Club’s “Thru-Hiker Chowdown” at Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
The volunteers of our local hiking club will be serving a free lunch to any and all thru-hikers! It’s a great opportunity for thru-hikers and NHC Club members to mingle! For up-to-date information, call 828.349.2337 or visit Nantahala Hiking Club or Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. on Facebook. 188 West Main Street. Franklin. NC 28734
April 8 (5pm)– Outdoor 76 “Food, Flix & Brews”
A celebration of spring with food, beer and film. As always, gear advice will be available, and now offering laundry services. For up-to-date information, call 828.349.7676 or visit Outdoor 76on Facebook. 35 East Main Steet. Franklin. NC. 28734
April 9 (3pm) – “Hiker Hunger Games” and “Gooder Grove’s Groovy Gathering” at Gooder Grove Hostel
Hikers are invited to compete in this fun-filled, faux hiker “Olympics” featuring individual, duo and trail family competitors. Competitors will participate in events such as trekking pole javelin toss, the bear bag hang, and the cat-hole digging contest, in pursuit of the ultimate hiker trash bragging rights! Following the games a congregation of comradery will commences at Gooder’s Grove Hostel. For up-to-date information, call 828.332.0228 or visit Gooder’s Grove Hostel and Retreat on Facebook. 130 Hayes Circle. Franklin. NC. 28734
April 15 (6pm) – “AT110 Fest” at The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub
Come and enjoy live music, craft beer, specialty coffees, freebies, and eats. In addition to live music, Rathskeller will be hosting a “Hiker Open-Mic”, instruments will be available for hikers to share their musical talents! Rathskeller will be partnering with Mainspring Conservation Trust to raise funds for local public lands. For up-to-date information, call 828.369.6796 or visit The Rathskeller on Facebook. 58 Stewart Street. Franklin. NC. 28734
April 22 (6pm) (Earth Day) – “Outdoor Music Jam & Gear Exchange” at Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
Come and enjoy live music, craft beer and food outside in The Yard. There will be a gear exchange that hikers and locals are welcomed to participate in as well! For up-to-date information, call 828.349.2337 or visit Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. on Facebook. 188 West Main Street. Franklin. NC 28734
For more information on any of these events, please follow Franklin ATmile110 on Facebook or Instagram.
Macon County Public Library’s “Walking with Spring” series of programs complements Franklin’s AT 110 Trail Days Celebration.
All programs are held in the Meeting Room of MCPL at 149 Siler Farm Rd. and are free and open to the public. Please call the library at 828-524-3600 or email Kristina Moe at [email protected] to register, confirm times and for more information.
March 26th, 3-5pm. – Nantahala Hiking Club co-founder Sally Kessler Memorial Art Reception
March 30, 5:15 p.m. – Yoga for Hikers (and everyone else) with yoga teacher Jennifer McIntee please sign up at beyondbendingyoga.com/schedule/
April 6, 6:00 p.m. – Fundamentals of Footwear with professional bootfitter Kev Martin
April 13, 6:00 p.m. – Grandma Emma Gatewood Returns with storyteller/AT hiker Nancy Reeder
April 20, 6:00 p.m. – Are You BearWise? How to co-exist safely with bears, with N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Ashley Hobbs
- Published in Play
How I saw the total eclipse of the sun on my birthday in Franklin, North Carolina.
How I saw the total eclipse of the sun on my birthday in Franklin, North Carolina.
By Terry Rader, Freelance Writer
We felt blessed to get away and devote a couple of days to experience a natural phenomenon that occurred on Monday, August 21, 2017.
Three of us traveled west across North Carolina from our homes in Greensboro and Kernersville to Franklin with Chaco, Sara Neal’s beloved Jack Russell terrier. At the cabin, on Goodview Trail (that’s right), we met our gracious hosts Pamela and Alan Steinbeck. They got us settled in and made us feel right at home. We took time to play behind the beautiful Dry Falls Waterfall and to visit Highlands, NC on the day prior to the eclipse. The friendly officer we saw at Dry Falls said that they were prepared for a gridlock. I shared a story of my friends who were texting me from Yellowstone Park. They were advised to stock up on cash as the ATMs could run dry and that Costco had already run out of bottled water. We laughed as I recounted the truck hauling two ATM machines that passed us on the way there.
Once back at our cabin, we settled in and had a great dinner of homemade meatloaf, turnip greens and potatoes on a second story deck with a full clear view of nothing except sky. I told my friend, Cindy Edwards, that she did a great job of finding the cabin. We felt like we were suspended between heaven and earth. We certainly believed we had just about the best view and we were planning to stay put.
The next morning, Cindy and I headed out for a walk along the winding hills amongst the trees. We spoke of how excited we were for being in the path of the eclipse. Cindy had asked me to choose my preferred location for my birthday. I chose Western North Carolina over Charleston, South Carolina. I was born in the mountains many years ago, raised in the city and am now ready to return to where my heart is most happy.
We arrived back at the Cabin to a bounty of buttery scrambled eggs and leftover greens. We prepared a beautiful table to express our gratitude to a mystery unfolding before us. We were outside, just as hundreds of thousands of other people were, to witness the sun and the moon coming together in a spectacular union.
Through safe and special lenses under a clear, cloudless sky, we gasped in unison as the moon kissed the sun on the cheek. As they began to merge, I felt that as humans, we were only getting a glimpse of the full spectrum of what was actually happening. Standing on the two-story deck below the direct path of what was to be the total eclipse of the sun, it was hot, almost white-hot. As each minute ticked by, the air changed while we studied this mystical merging. I felt about as small as I have ever felt, yet more aware. At my leg, a large bee was buzzing and a little blue lizard whisked past my toes. All of nature began to take note. As the moon began to crescent the sun, we saw the dappling shadows on the driveway below as earth’s canvas turned into sacred geometry, projecting perfect patterns. The scene around us became even more surreal.
As the moon moved in and the sun gave way, powerless, surrendering to her encroaching peace, her offer to rest, nature began cheering them on! We stood in awe as the temperatures plummeted ten degrees cooler and Sara exclaimed that it felt like it does just before a storm. I agreed in recognizing those positive ions turning the air cool and moist. That was intriguing to me since lightning is attracted to a high concentration of positive ions. It made me wonder just what sort of electrical energy was being dispersed.
We smiled as we heard the night sounds begin with the evening bird songs and cicada, all singing in harmony. One by one, the solar lights along the driveway blinked on and lit up in the middle of the day-less day. We blinked to refocus our vision as the crisp shadows of the trees and plants below us gave way to a black curtain of soft, lineless separation being drawn. Everything began to fuse and just as it all went pitch black, the dogs in the surrounding homes began to howl in an eerie unison. I could imagine them in my mind’s eye, kneeling, as if in downward dog yoga poses all over the hillside.
I stood in awe as the joy shifted to sadness deep in the core of my soul. It felt as if the dogs were pleading for the sun to return. In this deep darkness, Cindy exclaimed: “Look! What are those lights?” Down below us amongst the ferns and plants along the driveway, there were lights flickering, lights that were not reflected from anything. There were no streetlights and we had turned all of the cabin lights off. They were twinkling off and on in various patterns and shapes, unlike fireflies. Someone said they thought it must be the fairies. Of course, we may never know for certain, but we did all agree that it was magnificently magical to behold.
With smiles on our faces, wonder in our eyes, and childlike hearts, we experienced a mysterious dance of nature in the darkness that blanketed our deck and everything around us. I literally felt my body shift and sway as some sort of electromagnetic wave rushed through me from head to toe. For just a moment, I felt as if I were disconnected from the earth and from my physical form and at the same time, fused into something huge. I felt joined with nature and all life around me. As I gazed up through my safety glasses and saw the total eclipse of the sun, I felt warm wet tears flow down my face. As the sadness began to wash over me, I felt the full absence of the sun and envisioned a dark planet in countless miles of galaxies – a barren disc with no water, no trees, no plants, no animals, no people and my heart felt like it was squeezed tight. I was barely breathing as I felt myself melt into the darkness and all that was black. At that instant, the crowd in the field on the other side of the trees began to cheer and yell a victory cry as if someone had scored the winning touchdown! Children were squealing and men were hooting and women were giggling and talking. We all laughed and for a moment we felt zero separation between each other and the world around us. For just a sliver of time, we were all as one. We were all focused on something breathtakingly beautiful and mesmerizing, fragile and powerful and the joy that emanated from each of us washed over me and through me in waves. As my mind remained blank, and my body motionless, I felt a sense of peace in my heart of feeling fully human and so grateful to be alive.
That is truly the best birthday present I have ever received and as the sun responded proudly to our encore, the moon gave way to the ring of solar fire. The show was a grand success and the crowds applauded her as she took a bow and gradually exited the stage for the sun to return front and center.
We giggled and laughed like children on a playground as we watched the crescent shadows dance upon the ground and the soft shadows return to crisp edges as each solar light along the driveway blinked off. I felt myself breathe a sigh of relief as the sun returned.
While the crowds drove away, we relaxed and stayed put for our last night on Goodview Trail. We had stopped and bought some firewood from a man who used to clean out smokestacks, quite an amazing storyteller and I am sorry I did not get his name. We lit up the cloudy night with a fire and shared our experiences of the eclipse.
The next morning, we packed up and headed into the town of Franklin in search of a newspaper with a photo of the eclipse. We walked inside an interesting store with super friendly folks that directed us to The Macon County News, just a couple doors down, where we could help ourselves to a free newspaper. We went inside and met the owner and editor, Betsey Gooder. She took time out of her busy schedules for a gracious visit and in connecting us to a photographer, Eric Haggart. He had taken some amazing photos with his telescope and was happy to share a digital one with us, trusting us not to spread it around as he planned to sell the images professionally. Talk about true Southern hospitality! I promised Betsey I would send her a story and she recommended Motor Co. Grill diner with a dog-friendly patio. What an amazing diner, with a fun black and white checkered floor, gumball machines as tall as me and other icons, we felt like we were on a Happy Days set. The staff was super-friendly and Chaco was given a bowl of fresh water while the three of us enjoyed tilapia, burgers and fries. We were happy to find a gluten-free menu as well.
Next time, we plan to allow time for a visit to Café Rel. Cindy has eaten there several times and raved about the food and how surprised she was to find a five star restaurant tucked in with a gas station. We left Franklin that day full of good food, appreciation of new friends and lifelong memories of the eclipse. We will absolutely be back.
- Published in About Franklin
Franklin, North Carolina: A Smoky Mountain Adventure – Backroad Planet
Our friends at Backroad Planet recently made a trip to visit Franklin – read about their trip!
- Published in About Franklin