Location: Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
Countries
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Franklin, North Carolina (NC)
Franklin is a town in Franklin Township, Macon County, North Carolina, United States, within the Nantahala National Forest. The population was 3,845 as of the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County. Franklin is an official Appalachian Trail-friendly destination. The Franklin area is rich in gems and minerals and is known locally as the "Gem Capital of The World."
Restaurants in Franklin
1. Old Cardinal Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
We are a little rustic gem mine in Franklin NC , We welcome you to our gem mine. Thanks Darcel Charles, Morgan & Isaiah
Reviewed By epsharon - Muskego, United States
This place is off the beaten path but don’t let that deter you. Our kids had a blast and Morgan really went above and beyond to make the experience memorable. You have the choice of mining for gems or fossils and different size buckets at different price points. You can take your time and Morgan was able to help us identify our finds and took the time to separate the different gems into zip lock bags and label them for you. You won’t find that level of service from those tourist trap mines. It is family owned and operated. They even offer a service (done by owner) to cut the gem of choice and convert into a jewelry piece which they will mail to you or you can pick up later in week if staying in area. This was definitely a highlight so far of our vacation and that is after staying in the Gatlinburg area and doing a bunch of fun stuff already.
2. Pickens Nose
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By jdl50cc
The views from the end of this short hike are breathtaking. However, this hike, as short as it is, would more properly be classified as "Moderate," not "Easy." There is a relatively steep climb over uneven terrain with tricky footing, which disqualifies the "Easy" classification. Nonetheless, it is worth every step. Tip: Enter Nantahala National Forest from I-64 in the North, not from Otto in the South. The former is a little longer but the road is easily navigable and beautiful. The road from Otto is windy and bumpy, and has one or two spots where high clearance is recommended. We had a 4WD truck so it presented no problem for us, but we took the northern route out and it was much more pleasant.
3. Mason's Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Mason's Sapphire Mine is an all-natural, dig your own sapphire mine that has been in operation since 1942 in Franklin NC. We also offer enriched buckets so everyone can find something to love! Masons mine is a safe, fun, and unique experience to add to your family trip! We will open for the Season March 19th 2020
Reviewed By 38marcyp
Amazing place!! My boys have been wanting to gem mine for years and they really wanted to dig the dirt and sluce it. This is the place. We got to fill our buckets all day and look for gems. Our biggest haul was 1-3g sapphire and 1-6g sapphire which are currently being turned into necklaces. I highly recommend this place. We had a blast. Also staff was very helpful and friendly
4. Airing of the Quilts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
5. Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is Macon County's ONLY 100% Unsalted Gem Mine, located in the heart of the beautiful Cowee Valley of North Carlolina's Smoky Mountains. NOTE: Cherokee Mine is currently CLOSED for the season, and will re-open on 01 May 2020.
Reviewed By bigc2207 - Miami, United States
We had a good time gem mining here. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and they double-check your gravel to make sure you don't miss anything. We found several nice pieces for our collection, and one or two we might get cut. Overall it was a nice day out.
6. Rose Creek Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Mlatherton - Spencer, United States
This gem mine offers you many options. You can fill your bucket with dirt from the mine or purchase salted buckets. We tried both and were happy with the experience. Their sluice table overlooked a marsh filled with beautiful plants, dragonflies and an abundance of singing birds enjoying the bird feeders. Soooo very peaceful! The owners were friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming.
7. Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Fitness-Ring - Crawfordville, United States
I grew up in a family that collects gem so my expectations are very high when it comes to gem mining. I researched the mines near Maggie Valley but most of them don’t give you the local dirt to mine for native gems from the area. The one I went to closer to Maggie Valley didn’t have any of the local gems to mine. But Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine was the real deal!! I have a 6 and 8 year old. We bought 2 super buckets for the family. We had a blast! And found so many precious gems! They also can cut and mount the gems for you. I was so impressed with the staffs’ knowledge and they helped you decipher between rock and gem! This place is definitely worth the time and money spent! I would suggest this place over the other mines in the surrounding areas!
8. Wilson Lick Ranger Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By DodoDidi - Tampa, United States
Off the beaten path, this long and winding road leads you to times past. The preserved and signed site gives you a glimpse to the past and what the settlers here endured to create a living in this remote and beautiful part of the Appalachian mountains, At the end of the road, there is a stone tower that provide a panoramic view and label of the vistas that are seen in a number of counties. The Bartram and Appalachian trails intersect here and the paved portions provide access to many types of wheeled vehicles. Definitely a picnic spot, garbage/ refuse and facilities (primitive) are available if needed.
9. Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By CZiegler04 - Wingate, United States
We found ourselves visiting the Wayah Bald Lookout Tower quite by accident Sunday afternoon. We were searching for the Rufus Morgan Falls (which we NEVER found) and decided to take a slight detour. We drove and drove and drove some more, but the view was worth the drive. It was peaceful and so beautiful, and the abundant wildflowers in the area were buzzing with bees. The drive is actually less than five miles, and the gravel road is in excellent condition. The curving climb makes it seem much longer than it is, but don’t let that deter you. It’s free, and there’s hiking if you’re interested.
10. Sheffield Mine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 148 reviews
Sift through the dirt to find rubies or other minerals.
Reviewed By Dcro2000
We hoped this would be an interesting experience for our 9-year-old son, and we weren't disappointed. I was especially impressed by the patience and attention of the proprietor, who genuinely took the time to coach our son through the process even as he was helping others. For 15 bucks, he got three buckets of dirt to sift through on the flume. We went with a native bucket first, which was a good choice. He had to work hard to sift and wash away mud, following a specific procedure. It takes effort. He found several small rubies, again with the help of the proprietor with identification. We followed this with two rainbow buckets, which were a lot of fun--my son was stoked to find colorful gems from around the world. There were quite a few large ones "seeded" in these buckets. Overall, a cool way to spend a couple hours. From the conversation around us, this place is clearly frequented by actual "rock hounds" who do this kind of thing as a hobby. Thanks!
