Forge a Smoky Mountain Path in Franklin

A charming community nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains, Franklin offers a wealth of recreational activities that are sure to appease even the most discerning outdoor enthusiast.

Franklin’s unbeatable location within the Nantahala National Forest means that around every corner there is an opportunity for adventure. You could spend one day exploring the miles of hiking trails either on foot or via horseback and the very next you could set out on a whitewater rafting or kayaking excursion down the Nantahala River.

Beyond all of the activities that await in the forest, there are also some pretty spectacular sights. The virgin hardwood forests of the Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Area, the breathtaking beauty of Whitewater Falls (the highest falls in the east), and the natural wonders of the Tsali Recreation Area all create an environment you will want to explore again and again.

While Franklin is certainly teeming with a rich selection of hiking trails, the convenience of the Appalachian Trail may be too much for you to pass up. Making its way from Georgia to Maine just a few miles west of most Franklin vacation rentals, you can experience the stunning views of the Nantahala section, complete with lush forest growth and flowering shrubs, on a trail you’ve only dreamed of tackling.

If you want to take a day off from the more physically-demanding activities, that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and let your vacation pass you by. The Franklin Golf Course and the Mill Creek Resort and Country Club offer challenging rounds of golf set to the backdrop of a picture-perfect mountain landscape. Quite honestly, what else could you ask for on a North Carolina Mountains getaway?