Area Information

Known As The "Gem Capital of the World" Franklin is situated along major highways US 23/441, US 64 and US 28, with easy access to Interstates I-40, I-26 and I-85. Franklin is 14 miles from the Georgia line, 35 miles from the South Carolina line, and about 45 miles from the Tennessee line. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this quaint town offers a change of pace and a never-ending supply of activities for the entire family. Nature's wonders, history and heritage, as well as other interesting and unique diversions make Franklin truly the home of mountain treasures and simple pleasures.

All public schools in Macon County are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Several private schools are also available. Area colleges include Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College. Up-to-date medical facilities include the Angel Community Hospital, a full-service facility with physicians in most specialty areas. The Macon County Health Center also offers a wide range of public health services. In Franklin, the Appalachian tradition is honored and treasured. Springtime ramp hunts and wintertime tale-swapping; bluegrass music, square dancing and clogging festivals; Sunday School picnics and community covered-dish socials; knife swaps and muzzle-loading gun club activities. Long known as the "Gem Capital of the World," Franklin has many active gem mines. Two gem shows, one in July and one in October, bring rockhounds from across America to Franklin. The Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin encourages an ongoing interest in gemstones and minerals found both locally and around the world. Several annual events take place in Franklin. The July 4th Holiday is a day-long celebration at the Rec Park. Barbecue suppers, contests for children and adults, country music and crafts culminate in a large fireworks display at dark. The Macon County Fair, held in mid-September, is an authentic old-time county fair, complete with clogging, mountain crafts, country music, a farmer's market, livestock shows and agricultural contests. Mid-October brings the Leaf Looker's Clogging Jamboree, which was voted one of the top 100 festivals in NorthCarolina by the Governor's Festival Committee. The Jamboree gives cloggers keen competition and topnotch entertainment for everyone! The Town Fest, also held in mid-October, is a weekend arts and crafts event that also features country and gospel music, food, clogging, and sidewalk sales by downtown merchants. Mountain crafters abound in Macon County, and some of the finest artisans in the world live and work in the Franklin area. In early December, Franklin welcomes the Christmas season to our mountains with the Celebration on the Square. This event features caroling, the re-telling of the Christmas story, hot apple cider, and a visit from Ole St Nick! The Downtown Franklin Merchants sponsor the annual Christmas parade, craft exhibits, and Christmas decorating contest. A manger scene, on Veterans Square downtown, highlights Christmas in Franklin. The Macon County Chorus, comprised of Macon County's most talented vocalists, presents several concerts throughout the year. The Nantahala Players, Franklin's amateur theatre group, presents several productions throughout the season. The Arts Council of Macon County and the Macon County Art Association works to bring various cultural programs to our area, and also assists other organizations such as churches and schools in developing and promoting their own programs. Spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing streams and abundant wildlife are among the area's many natural, mountain treasures. The unspoiled beauty of the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina's largest national forest is a virtual paradise. The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway winds through southern Appalachian hardwood forest, 2 river gorges and rural countryside. Attractions along the route include Cullasaja Gorge, Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, Cable Cove, Cliffside Lake and Van Hook Glade, Wayah Creek, Wayah Bald, Rufus Morgan Trail, Leatherwood Falls, Nantahala Lake, Nantahala River, Nantahala River Gorge, Standing Indian Mountain and more.

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