Just over an hour west of Asheville, NC and two hours north of Atlanta, GA the Franklin and Nantahala communities are tucked away amongst the peaks of the Blue Ridge, Southern Nantahala, and Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re a fan of the great outdoors or the peace and quiet of small-town life, you’ll find everything you need right here in Franklin and Nantahala, NC.
When fall arrives and the temperatures begin to dip, the mountains of Franklin & Nantahala come to life with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges of the changing leaves. Fall is a special season to spend in the mountains. Fog rests below the highest mountain tops adding an ocean-type view in the early morning hours.
For those looking for an easy to moderate scenic hike, Picken’s Nose Trail not only is the trail with the funny name, it offers spectacular eastern sunrise views and spectacular sunset views. At just over 1.5 miles roundtrip, it is a local favorite of photographers hoping to capture the perfect shot.
For those more inclined for a scenic drive without the hike, we have a lot of adventure for you as well. A drive from Franklin up Wayah Road, takes you to the most popular location in the Nantahala Mountains, Wayah Bald Tower. Drive up forest service road 69 and you’ll arrive at the nearly one-mile-high tower that is a short walk up a paved path. From there, 360-degree views await to take your breath away.
Insider’s Tip: Arrive well before sunrise with your camera and a comfy chair and watch from the east facing platform as the sun greets the new day. Take a warm coat, the temperatures can be 10-20 degrees cooler on the mountain.
Another nearby natural wonder is Whiteside Mountain. Located on the Macon and Jackson County line just east of the town of Highlands, Whiteside Mountain is a moderate loop hike that travels up the backside of the mountain and takes you out to a 700-foot vertical drop that you can safely walk along with fantastic views of Whiteside Cove below.
Fall takes on a slower pace in Nantahala. With the visitors of summer now gone, you’re even more likely to find yourself in the blissful quiet of the mountains. If you’re looking to disconnect, refresh, and recharge, the Nantahala Community is ready to welcome you. Cherokee for “Land of the Noon Day Sun”, Nantahala is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Bring your canoe, boat, kayak, or favorite watercraft and head onto the Nantahala Lake and enjoy the mostly undeveloped shoreline that is owned by the National Forest Service. For your stay, rent a mountain top cabin from Cherokee Mountain Cabins and experience the magical sunrises that will leave you speechless or stay Creekside in a cozy Yurt from the folks at Stay Nantahala. For the fly fishermen in the family, the Nantahala River offers world-class flyfishing with easy roadside access. Keep an eye out for whitewater kayakers, as the river is also a favorite of those seeking the thrill of the rapids.
Local Tip: Head west past the lake along Wayah Road to find some fantastic waterfalls. White Oak Creek Falls is a hidden gem along Wayah Road, just before the turnoff onto Old River Road at the confluence of White Oak Creek and the Nantahala River.
Head back to Franklin and take a stroll down Main Street and browse locally owned shops and art galleries or visit one of three museums all within walking distance from town square. The Scottish Tartans Museum & Historical Center located on Main Street has been “educating the public about tartan and Highland Dress as well as, served as a general Scottish Heritage Center for the region” since 1994.
Ready for dinner or how about some world-class entertainment? Check out the line-up at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts to see what’s on the calendar or head to Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. or Currahee Brewing for locally crafted beer and some live music. Franklin is also home to the “classic French neighborhood café”, Caffé Rel, surprisingly located alongside the Hot Spot gas station.
No trip to the Franklin area would be complete if you don’t take the scenic drive along the Cullasaja River Gorge where you will find some of the most scenic waterfalls, including Cullasaja Falls, a 250’ cascade, as well as a local swimming hole called Bust Your Butt Falls. We certainly would recommend passing up on the swimming in the fall though. The star of the show is the 60’ waterfall, Dry Falls, where you can actually walk behind it and stay mostly dry. Finish the gorge with a stop at Bridal Veil Falls which makes for a fantastic waterfall selfie, as it sits roadside just below Highlands, NC.
Discover Nature’s Paradise at www.exploringwnc.com and Get to Know Your Mountain Side, in Franklin and Nantahala, North Carolina!
All photos courtesy of Franklin & Nantahala TD
