Hidden In The Blue Ridge Mountains Lies A Timeless North Carolina Town With A Storied Past

Nestled in the foothills of the Smokies and smack dab in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies Franklin, North Carolina, an Appalachian gem packed with history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm. While it may not have the name recognition of arts and music hub Asheville or the hard-working city of Raleigh, Franklin has a rich past that makes it the perfect destination for history buffs.

The area was once a territory of the Cherokee people and later became a hub for early settlers, gold prospectors, and the railroad industry. Today, it's a favorite for outdoorsy types, history lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful mountain escape. Franklin embraces its roots, with landmarks like the Macon County Historical Museum showcasing artifacts from its early days. It's known as the "Gem Capital of the World" with ruby, sapphire, and garnet in abundance. Franklin is also deeply connected to its Scottish heritage, with more Scots-Irish descendants living in North Carolina than anywhere else in the U.S. The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Scottish history of the town.

Today, Franklin's downtown is home to charming boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and more. The Little Tennessee River Greenway is the perfect place for a stroll or picnic (It's great for birding, too!), and music lovers may want to attend the town's annual festival celebrating its musical heritage. For some spooky historical fun, check out one of the local ghost tours through providers like Franklin Walking Tours. With so much to offer, Franklin is an excellent East Coast town for history buffs to add to their bucket lists.

Franklin gets its name from Jesse Franklin, one of the town's first organizers in 1820. But its history stretches back centuries, first as part of Cherokee land before European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. The Spanish were the first European explorers to visit the region before that, with many on a quest for gold. There's not much evidence of these explorers remaining today, although some artifacts have been found along the Little Tennessee River.

A Native American structure called Nikwasi Mound still exists in Franklin today — it was once an important center of Cherokee life dating back to at least the 1500s, although it's believed to be thousands of years old. Sadly, the town later became a stop along the Cherokee Trail of Tears. In 2019, the mound was returned back to the tribe when ownership was transferred to a nonprofit run by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Check out our complete guide to Indigenous travel ahead of your visit.

As the Carolina Gold Rush took off in the 19th century, Franklin became a bustling town for prospectors who flooded in hoping to strike it rich. While the gold fever eventually died down, Franklin's reputation as a mining hub is still strong today, thanks to its abundance of gems and minerals. There are several mines around town where visitors can even dig for their own treasures. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is housed in an old 19th-century jail, and features exhibits along with educational tours — visitors won't want to miss seeing the giant 2.25-pound ruby on display. By the early 20th century, Franklin became a logging and railroad town, serving as the end of the line for the Tallulah Falls Railway. The Disney film "The Great Locomotive Chase" was also shot here later in 1955.

Franklin is about a two-and-a-half hour drive from Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and Knoxville, Tennessee, which all have airports you could fly into. It's a small town big on camping, so consider booking a cabin or campsite if you're staying for a bit. There are also some hotels and Airbnbs available around the area. McTernan Manor is a swanky boutique spot for history buffs — it's housed in a historic home dating back to 1888.

Spring and fall have the best weather for hiking, with the mountains bursting with wildflowers in spring and plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities in autumn. Summer is warm but not too hot, thanks to the area's higher elevation, and winters are perfect for a snowy, quiet escape. Outdoor lovers shouldn't miss Wayah Bald Lookout Tower for breathtaking views from more than 5,000 feet up or hitting up a section hike on the Appalachian Trail, which passes right through town. If waterfalls are on your list, a short drive will take you to Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, where you can walk behind the cascading water.

When it comes to dining, Franklin won't leave you hungry. Stop by Caffé Rel for a surprisingly gourmet meal in an unassuming gas station backdrop, or grab a burger at Motor Company Grill, a nostalgic 1950s-style diner. Craft beer lovers should check out Currahee Brewing Company, a riverside spot with great beer — it even has a kayak put-in and take-out (although we recommend saving the beer for after your river adventure). Whether you're staying for a weekend or just passing through, Franklin offers a unique blend of history, nature, and small-town hospitality in the Blue Ridge region.