Things To Do in Franklin, NC
Cartoogechaye Creek Campground, Franklin NC
Things to do on your visit!
Right down the road from us, our hometown of Franklin offers the perfect mix of mountain adventure and local charm. You can spend your days hunting for native gemstones at local gem mines, browsing the regional history exhibits at our downtown museums, or catching a world-class concert or musical at the beautiful Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.
When you get hungry, Franklin boasts a fantastic local food scene with everything from cozy hometown diners, bakeries, local coffee and donut shops, wood-fired pizzerias to great local breweries. Plus, if you are staying with us over the weekend, you can head into town on Saturday morning to stroll through the vibrant farmers market: Located right outside downtown, featuring fresh local produce, mountain crafts, and baked treats perfect for restocking the camper kitchen.
For a complete list of attractions, events, and things to do during your stay, visit the link below.
Up for a Hike?
Franklin has long been a favorite destination for hikers, offering easy access to some of the most beautiful trails in the Smoky Mountains, with trails for every skill level just minutes from the campground. From scenic waterfall hikes and mountain overlooks to challenging backcountry adventures, there's no shortage of ways to explore the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
One of our family's favorite hikes is Pickens Nose, where a short trek rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely nature walk or an unforgettable summit view, Franklin has a trail waiting for you. Explore our favorite hiking trails and discover why so many campers come to experience the mountains firsthand.
Franklin Chamber of Commerce Hiking Guide- https://franklin-chamber.com/hiking/
The Complete Interactive Map: https://www.alltrails.com/ (Search for Franklin, NC)
For Casual Walkers and Bikers: https://www.traillink.com/city/franklin-nc-trails/
No Hiking Required Waterfalls
These are located just a short drive down US-64 in the beautiful Cullasaja Gorge. Campers can see them right from or next to the road.
Dry Falls (75 Feet): This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a must-visit. A short, fully accessible paved path leads from the parking lot down and directly behind the massive curtain of roaring water. It’s an incredible experience, and the cool mountain mist feels amazing on a hot summer day.
Bridal Veil Falls (120 Feet): Located just a mile past Dry Falls, this elegant, wispy waterfall drops right alongside the highway over a massive rock ledge. It is incredibly photogenic and a very easy, quick pull-off stop
Cullasaja Falls (250 Feet): One of the most dramatic and powerful cascading waterfalls in Western North Carolina. It drops down a massive gorge and can be viewed safely from the roadside pull-offs as you drive by.
Beautiful Waterfall Hikes
For guests who want to lace up their hiking boots and stretch their legs in the woods.
Rufus Morgan Falls (1-Mile Loop): A very easy, kid-friendly forest trail that rewards you with a beautiful, hidden 60-foot waterfall surrounded by lush green valley ferns and rhododendrons.
Glen Falls (2-Mile Round Trip): For those looking for a moderate hike, this trail winds down into a beautiful canyon to showcase three distinct, massive tiers of waterfalls dropping over 600 feet in total. The trail has stairs and viewing platforms to give you incredible views of the rushing water.
Franklin Chamber of Commerce Waterfalls Guide https://franklin-chamber.com/waterfalls/
Gem Capital of the World
Do you wonder why there are so many gem mines down the road?
Years and years of unique geological heat and pressure under the Appalachian chain created a massive, rare pocket of corundum minerals right beneath Macon County. In the late 1800s, famous global jewelry companies like Tiffany & Co. actually came to Franklin to mine for commercial gemstones. While they eventually moved on, they left behind a paradise for rockhounds, where anyone can still dig up native rubies, sapphires, garnets, and moonstones today. Check out one of our many gem mines in the area!
Cherokee, NC
Cartoogechaye Creek Campground is just a short drive away!
Cherokee, NC, offers a beautiful mix of rich cultural history and mountain fun where you can explore the living-history exhibits at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, take in the famous Unto These Hills outdoor drama under the stars, or spot local elk herds grazing in the valley fields. For those looking for a different kind of excitement, it is also home to world-class trout fishingstreams, the scenic Fire Mountain hiking trails, and the popular Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Bryson City, NC
The Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Nestled at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this charming mountain town offers something for everyone from scenic train rides and whitewater rafting to hiking, fishing, shopping, and local dining.