Welcome to Franklin, north carolina
Macon County • Nantahala National Forest • Western North Carolina
Franklin, North Carolina
A classic mountain town known for gem mining history, scenic drives, waterfall country, and easy access to the Nantahala National Forest—plus a walkable downtown with events and local charm.
Why people choose Franklin
- Mountain value: Often more home for the money vs. resort towns
- Outdoor access: Nantahala NF, trails, rivers, and scenic overlooks
- Waterfall country: Gorge drives and iconic roadside falls nearby
- Small-town feel: Festivals, “Pickin’ on the Square,” and friendly pace
What it’s like living here
- Four-season living: Comfortable summers, crisp falls, mild winters
- Second-home friendly: Cabins, views, and creek/river pockets
- Easy day trips: Highlands, Sylva, Cherokee, and Lake Nantahala
- Local identity: “Gem Capital” heritage + downtown shops and dining
The Franklin signature
Franklin blends mountain-town practicality with big nature access—waterfalls, forests, scenic byways, and a lively downtown calendar—making it a strong fit for both full-time relocation and second-home living.
Where is Franklin, NC?
Located in Macon County in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Franklin at a glance
Key numbers people ask about when relocating.
Top areas to live in & around Franklin
Click any area to open Google Maps.
Downtown Franklin
Walkable core near shops, parks, events, and dining.
East Franklin
Convenient to schools, services, and quick highway access.
Cartoogechaye
Creek valleys, mountain pockets, and scenic drives.
Cowee
Historic valley area with land options and views.
Otto
South of town—quiet living with easy GA access.
Scaly Mountain
High elevation, cooler temps, and mountain cabins.
Highlands
Upscale mountain town nearby—shops, dining, waterfalls.
Cullasaja Gorge
Scenic corridor between Franklin & Highlands.
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
US-64 scenic route with rivers, overlooks, and falls.
Wayah Bald Area
Iconic tower views and hiking access nearby.
Nantahala NF Edge
Forest adjacency and outdoor-first lifestyle.
Nantahala
River/rafting corridor and mountain solitude.
Lake Nantahala
Lake life, cabins, and summer recreation.
Burningtown
Rural mountain living with privacy and creeks.
Ellijay
Quiet backroads and wooded land options.
Bryson City
Smokies gateway town within a scenic drive.
Sylva
College-town energy, dining, and regional services.
Cherokee
Cultural hub and Smokies access to the north.
Clayton, GA
Convenient shopping/dining day trip just over the line.
Lake Glenville
High-elevation lake country near Cashiers.
Cashiers
Resort market nearby—dining, hiking, luxury pockets.
Top things to do in & around Franklin
Click any card to visit the official website.
Town of Franklin
Official town site + resident resources and updates.
Franklin Events Calendar
Pickin’ on the Square, festivals, and town happenings.
Nantahala National Forest
Trails, rivers, waterfalls, and outdoor access.
Wayah Bald Tower
Iconic views and a short walk to the lookout tower.
Cullasaja Gorge
Scenic byway with multiple waterfalls and pull-offs.
Bartram Trail
National Recreation Trail segments near Franklin.
Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum
Gems, fossils, mining history—inside the old jail.
Smoky Mountain Center
Concerts, theatre, touring shows, and community events.
Visitor Guide
Official Franklin & Nantahala visitor info and guide.
VisitNC Franklin Itinerary
State tourism ideas: gems, ghost tours, scenic drives.
Franklin Area Welcome Center
Official welcome center + relocation/visitor resources.
Nantahala Ranger District
Trail info, permits, maps, and seasonal updates.
Experience Franklin
Local guide to food, outdoors, and seasonal highlights.
Blue Ridge Bartram Conservancy
Trail stewardship, maps, and guided info.
Angel Medical Center
Local full-service hospital and emergency care.
Thinking about moving to Franklin, NC?
Want help figuring out which part of Franklin fits you best—downtown convenience, creek/river settings, view neighborhoods, or a more private Nantahala feel? Reach out anytime and I’ll help you narrow it down quickly.