The rolling mountains rise to a series of peaks over 5,000 feet high from the valley of the Little Tennessee River, creating spectacular vistas and a richness of natural beauty that have entranced visitors since the 18th Century.

Long before the first settlers arrived the fertile mountains of southwestern North Carolina were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the land that is now Franklin “Nikwasi” or “center of activity”.

The name still holds true today, as Franklin is a center of history, heritage and the mountain way of life. Nestled in North Carolina’s southern mountains, in the foothills of the Great Smokies, the area offers a unique change of pace, a never-ending supply of things to do.

Spectacular waterfalls, fantastic hiking trails, pristine fishing streams and abundant wildlife are among the area’s many natural treasures. Franklin is situated between two popular scenic gorges, the Cullasaja and the Nantahala. In its rush downhill the Cullasaja takes some spectacular spills, creating lower Cullasaja Falls with a drop of 250 feet. Dry Falls is a favorite with visitors who can actually walk behind the roaring 75 foot wall of water.

Franklin is large enough to offer almost everything you need, yet small enough to offer the highest quality of life. While the area is famous for is rural beauty, it is by no means isolated. Franklin is situated along major highways US 23/441 and US 64, with easy access to major interstates I-40, I-26 and I-85. Atlanta, Georgia is just 127 miles to the south, while Knoxville, Tennessee is only 110 miles to the north and Asheville, NC is 65 miles to the east.