Things to Do in Franklin, NC - Franklin Attractions
Things to Do in Franklin
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
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55 places sorted by traveler favorites
Lookouts • Hiking Trails
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Hiking Trails
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Children's Museums • History Museums
Speciality & Gift Shops
Showing results 1-30 of 55
What travelers are saying
- Susan K1 contributionThe view is amazing. The walk from the parking lot is easy. The drive was longer than expected but worth it. The road up is gravel and dusty. Some deep ruts so drive with care.Written October 14, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ben Y1 contributionThank you for a fun first time experiencing gem stone mining! Zack was very through and knowledgeable and went above and beyond our expectations! We can’t wait to visit again.Written November 17, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DodoDidiTampa, FL725 contributionsWe visited and enjoyed a local performance of a Disney’s Descendants show. Theater, ushers, performers were appreciated on opening night of 3 day run. Would definitely return for other shows. A bit tucked away and construction detoured us a bit, but worthwhile in the end. Lovely venue, comfortable and clean seats, wish all theaters were at this level! Thank you for sweet memories for the children-they were very impressed with the long limo in the parking lot!Written March 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Katie S5 contributionsGreat Gem Mine! 15$ per bucket ( kids buckets ) and we found so many fun gems! Great location, easy to find and the employees are great! We will for sure be back again and again!
The best part, is finding out what your gems are after !Written July 22, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Janice Rbillerica, United States14 contributionsVisited Old Cardinal Gem mine on Sunday. We always stop here to see Darcel, Isiah and Morgan. Both of the kids were there and entertaining as always. It was nice to see them and we got some nice gemstones.Written September 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 429michaeloOoltewah, TN86 contributionsAfter arriving with a level of excitement like that of a child looking forward to finding buried treasure, the good and patient people at Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine, elevated our sense of anticipation through an education of the work and process that would give us a chance to reach for our dreams. The process was akin to work but the rewards were very satisfactory. This experience is bucket list worthy and the place is perfect!Written June 28, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael JMoore2 contributionsGreat place to relax. Good beertener,s.
Strong selection of flagship beer with numerous new brews rotating in and out.
The food truck is solid good food all around.Written August 14, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ashtb03139 contributionsThe path to the waterfall is short and not terrible. There are some narrow spots with young kids you just want to hold onto them. The waterfall is big so the hike is definitely worth it.Written July 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Karen W49 contributionsThis is a tiny museum nestled in an old jail. The staff is incredible and their tours a lot of fun. Be sure to see the fluorescent rock room. Definitely a must do in Franklin. The only downsides are a really narrow staircase (understandable given the prior use of the building) and the limited opening hours. Highly recommend you check the hours they are open when planning your trip. This is not by any stretch of the imagination a slick place, but very interesting.Written May 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- journalmytripsGeorgia638 contributionsWhen driving through Franklin on past road trips we had often seen the sign for this museum. So curiosity lead us here on this trip. I would describe this site as a shop and a museum. The shop has a large selection of goods including bookmarks, books, mugs, cookies and especially information on which clan your ancestors might have belonged to. The museum is on two levels and includes quite a bit of historical information. There are mannequins dressed in various clothing. The lower level features a weaving loom and tartan squares of the various clans both ancient and modern. There is also an interesting video featuring how a tartan is woven. If you know someone with a Scottish name but cannot find their clan just ask about it in the store area and someone can research it for you. The length of your visit depends on your interest.Written November 6, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jmpncsuRaleigh, NC4,409 contributionsWe took our dog for a hike to Pickens Nose while visiting Franklin. The trailhead can be accessed from Coweeta Hydrologic Lab or from Standing Indian, but both are a pretty long drive on a gravel road. They're in good condition and driveable in most 2WD vehicles. From the trailhead Pickens Nose Trail leads about 3/4 a mile to the overlook. Along the way are some side paths that lead out to some beautiful overlooks. But the best views are from the end, looking south into Southern Nantahala Wilderness and Georgia. The "nose" is not at the end of the trail, but about 500 feet before the end on the right. Great hike with amazing views.Written January 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Eric G34 contributionsGreat palce to vist and to find stones. It can get a little muddy when it rains. One lane road in and out so be careful driving in and out.Written May 30, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brad T5 contributionsGoing gem mining is something you can't do just anywhere, and Franklin, NC is the gem capitol of the world! The staff is very knowledgeable, and you might find several valuable gems on your trip!Written August 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JJ4HisgloryVirginia Beach, VA32 contributionsWe live locally, but decided to see what overlooked treasures we might find here. We found a couple of waterfalls we have not yet visited. We learned new things... like the Tartan Museum is the only one in the US and the Franklin Mineral Museum is free. This place was incredibly well-kept, with reasonable souvenirs, preserved canned food, and clean bathrooms.Written June 21, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael KSmyrna, GA559 contributionsThis was our first hike while visiting Franklin over Memorial Day weekend and it was a pretty good workout. We did the hike from Wallace Branch to William's pulpit. It gets pretty steep right before you get to William's pulpit. There is a small sign on your right when you get to the overlook and we actually missed it because we were watching our dog and not paying attention. IF you go by it, the climb gets a lot steeper. We doubled back eventually and enjoyed the amazing view from the ridge. Worth the short hike and the exercise.Written May 26, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Franklin
- The top attractions to visit in Franklin are:
- Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
- Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
- Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
- Rose Creek Mine
- Old Cardinal Gem Mine
- The best outdoor activities in Franklin according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all outdoor activities in Franklin on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Franklin with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Rose Creek Mine
- Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
- Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
- Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
- Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Franklin Attractions Information
| Attractions | 56 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 3,277 |
| Attraction Photos | 1,244 |
| Local Time | Wednesday 6:56 PM |