Franklin, NC

Franklin, NC is a small mountain town surrounded by beautiful streams, waterfalls, mountains, hills and valleys. The people are friendly and organize lots of activities, including festivals and arts and crafts shows. There are plenty of trails for hiking and the views are breathtaking. There is also plenty of fishing, hunting, rafting and kayaking available. The Franklin area is the Gem Capitol of the World, so if you try your hand at mining you are bound to find many beautiful and sometimes very valuable stones.


Franklin, NC is a town in Franklin Township, Macon County, North Carolina, United States, within the Nantahala National Forest. The population was 3,490 as of the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Macon County. Franklin is an official Appalachian Trail friendly destination. The Franklin, North Carolina area is rich in gems and minerals and is known as the "Gem Capital of The World."


Demographics


As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 3,490 people, 1,627 households, and 899 families residing in the town. The population density was 911.2 people per square mile (351.8/km²). There were 1,916 housing units at an average density of 500.2 per square mile (193.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.42% White, 1.98% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population. There were 1,627 households out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.79. In the town the population was spread out with 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 79.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.8 males. The median income for a household in the town was $21,534, and the median income for a family was $30,426. Males had a median income of $25,066 versus $18,472 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,129. About 15.2% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 16.2% of those age 65 or over. [edit] Growth and Cost of Living Franklin is experiencing a rate of population growth that is 12% higher than the national average.[6] Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin is situated one hour from Asheville and two hours from Atlanta, Knoxville or Greenville, South Carolina. Due to its proximity to these urban areas and its rural feel, Franklin is fast becoming a location of choice for those seeking retirement, recreational, permanent, or second homes. The 2008 cost of living index in Franklin: 89.1 (less than average, U.S. average is 100).

Recreation

Hiking

The mountains that surround Franklin are lined with many hiking trails including the famous Appalachian Trail. The AT runs north and south only 10 miles west of Franklin and can be accessed at many locations in the area. Some 40 miles of side trails interlace with the AT in the region as well.
 

Another, lesser known trail also makes its way through area. Bartram Trail, named for American Botanist William Bartram, who documented the native flora and fauna of the area in 1775. Bartram Trail climbs into the hills of the Franklin area, inviting hikers to follow the explorer's footsteps and discover for themselves the exuberant natural world in which he took such delight.

Both the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross over Wayah Bald, one of the best known places in the Franklin area for sightseeing.

Gem Mining

The Franklin area is world famous for its gem mining. Franklin hosts the famous jewelry and gem show, "Macon County Gemboree" twice a year, an event that draws crowds from across the country and around the world. The Cowee Valley north of Franklin lures thousands each year to its mines which yield valuable stones to lucky miners. You'll also find other gem mines located throughout the area. Among the native stones found are ruby, sapphire, and garnets.

Water Falls

Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls is a waterfall in Southwestern North Carolina. The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place." The falls is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja river. The falls is a long cascade over the course of 0.2 miles (.3 km). The height of the falls is given as 200 ft (61 m) in Kevin Adams' book, North Carolina Waterfalls and 250 ft (77.1 m) by NCWaterfalls.com. However, Google Earth gives a height (based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls) of 137 ft (42 m). It is easy to catch a glimpse of the falls as you drive by; however, getting a better view of the falls is not easy. The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on Highway 64 with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. There is only one small pull-off near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle.

Dry Falls

Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot (20.1 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, northwest of Highlands, North Carolina. Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7-mile (14 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the waterflow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the waterflow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also gone by a few other names, including High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 15.7 miles (25.3 km) southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls. The United States Forest Service has made improvements to the parking area and has reopened the public area.

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-foot (20.1 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, southeast of Franklin. With a short curve of roadway located behind the falls, it has the distinction of being the only waterfall in the state that one can drive a vehicle under. Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest. The falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk behind the falls and remain dry when the waterflow is low. During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the waterflow is moderate or high. To avoid this, stay in your vehicle and drive behind the falls. Bridal Veil Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 16.5 miles (26.3 km) southeast of Franklin. Highway 64 originally used the curve of roadway behind the falls exclusively so that all traffic went behind them; however, this caused problems with icing of the roadway during freezing weather, and Hwy. 64 has been re-routed around the front of the falls since. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park and view the falls as well. In 2003, a massive boulder slid off the left side of the falls, blocking that side of the drive-under completely. However, in July 2007, that boulder was removed by a local developer.

Quarry Falls

Quarry Falls is a small waterfall (or perhaps large rapid in high water) located beside US Hwy. 64 southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. Known to locals as "Sliding Rock," it is best known for the large, deep pool at the bottom and is a popular place for swimming during warm weather.

History

Cherokee Influence

Long before the first European settlers arrived to the mountains of southwestern North Carolina, they were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the area that is now Franklin, "Nikwasi" or "center of activity". Nikwasi was an ancient and important Cherokee town. The remains of Nikwasi Mound are still visible in downtown Franklin, marking the location of Nikwasi's townhouse.

While the mound was probably built during the earlier Mississippian Culture, it was the spiritual center of the area. A Council House, or Town House, used for councils, religious ceremonies, and general meetings, was located on top the mound, and the ever-burning sacred fire, which the Cherokee had kept burning since the beginning of their culture, was located there. Thus the mound was a most revered site.

Macon County Veterans Memorial Park

The Veterans Memorial Board of Directors in Macon County are currently constructing a memorial at the county's recreation park in Franklin of the same name, The Macon County Veterans Memorial Park. The purpose of the memorial is to honor the veterans of Macon County that have made incredible sacrifices throughout history to preserve individual freedoms and secure the sovereignty of the United States.

Macon County Airport

The Macon County Airport is located in the Iotla Valley, just north of Franklin, and reports ASOS weather station information as "Franklin" at :00, :20, and :40 past each hour