Food Scene
Root and Barrel Kitchen & Bar
77 East Main StreetCool vibe, great food
Sunset Restaurant
498 Harrison AveFood is great, even thought it's in an odd location, next to a gas station. Chef is kind of picky, if there's a line, he may make you wait outside. Don't let that put you off. No credit cards, cash or check only. But, did I mention the food is really good? Get the chocolate cake for dessert! Local's favorite.
98 locals recommend
Caffè Rel
459 E Main StFood is great, even thought it's in an odd location, next to a gas station. Chef is kind of picky, if there's a line, he may make you wait outside. Don't let that put you off. No credit cards, cash or check only. But, did I mention the food is really good? Get the chocolate cake for dessert! Local's favorite.
The food is great, Lucio's has been there a long time. Get the salad with Gorgonzola dressing, they have 3 great home made salad dressings, and their tomato sauce is really great. They have some higher end dishes, or you can also do take-out, they have a good inexpensive takeout special. The owners are a little fussy, so I don't recommend this place for families with small children.
22 locals recommend
Lucio's Restaurant
313 Highlands RdThe food is great, Lucio's has been there a long time. Get the salad with Gorgonzola dressing, they have 3 great home made salad dressings, and their tomato sauce is really great. They have some higher end dishes, or you can also do take-out, they have a good inexpensive takeout special. The owners are a little fussy, so I don't recommend this place for families with small children.
Very good fresh homemade pizza with fresh veggies with traditional and new health food flare tastes. Casual.
Elevations Pizza & Eats
228 NE Main StVery good fresh homemade pizza with fresh veggies with traditional and new health food flare tastes. Casual.
Sightseeing
It's on top of the mountain and so charming! The drive up the mountain is spectacular sight seeing. Don't make the drive up or down the mountain after dark, the road is too dangerous at night, and be extra cautious driving, it's a steep climb and lots of tight corners. Very Fun to drive, (but not if you get car sick.)
227 locals recommend
Highlands
It's on top of the mountain and so charming! The drive up the mountain is spectacular sight seeing. Don't make the drive up or down the mountain after dark, the road is too dangerous at night, and be extra cautious driving, it's a steep climb and lots of tight corners. Very Fun to drive, (but not if you get car sick.)
Thomas the Tank Engine rides in the summer for the kids. You can also take a train ride up to Bryson City, along the way see where the movie "Deliverance" was filmed....I hear banjo music! Take a kayak ride with the kids on the Tuskesegee River.
63 locals recommend
Dillsboro
Thomas the Tank Engine rides in the summer for the kids. You can also take a train ride up to Bryson City, along the way see where the movie "Deliverance" was filmed....I hear banjo music! Take a kayak ride with the kids on the Tuskesegee River.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
573 E Main StTake a stroll on the Greenway, it's beautiful!
Parks & Nature
Wayah Bald
4419 Wayah Bald RdMountain top, stunning views, nature, hiking.
You can rent a pontoon boat and spend a glorious day on this mountain top lake. There are several boat rental places, it's less than an hour's drive from Franklin. Reserve your pontoon boat before you go. Pack a picnic lunch, but there is a marina restaurant across the lake. There is a park with rest rooms where you can have a nice picnic, and there is a playground for the kids, and swimming at the shore. It's a smooth ride, so older folks can enjoy it too. Be aware that this is a deep water lake, experienced boaters only, and keep life jackets on the kids at all times. It's AWESOME!
45 locals recommend
Chatuge Lake
You can rent a pontoon boat and spend a glorious day on this mountain top lake. There are several boat rental places, it's less than an hour's drive from Franklin. Reserve your pontoon boat before you go. Pack a picnic lunch, but there is a marina restaurant across the lake. There is a park with rest rooms where you can have a nice picnic, and there is a playground for the kids, and swimming at the shore. It's a smooth ride, so older folks can enjoy it too. Be aware that this is a deep water lake, experienced boaters only, and keep life jackets on the kids at all times. It's AWESOME!
Awesome walkway under a 200 foot waterfall on the scenic drive to Highlands, NC.
229 locals recommend
Dry Falls
U.S. 64Awesome walkway under a 200 foot waterfall on the scenic drive to Highlands, NC.
A good hike for families approximately 4 miles round trip which takes about 2.5 to 4 hours. Park and take the little bridge over a creek then stop by a nice waterfall then head up the mountain on an easy slope to a good view up at William's Pulpit. Watch the weather and bring water.
28 locals recommend
Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit
1719 Ray Cove RdA good hike for families approximately 4 miles round trip which takes about 2.5 to 4 hours. Park and take the little bridge over a creek then stop by a nice waterfall then head up the mountain on an easy slope to a good view up at William's Pulpit. Watch the weather and bring water.
Quiet park to bring a lunch and picnic at the lake while on your trek to Highlands. Restrooms are available. There is a easy walking path around the lake with nice views. It is often damp so watch your footing on some of the grass and boardwalks.
14 locals recommend
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area
13908 Highlands RoadQuiet park to bring a lunch and picnic at the lake while on your trek to Highlands. Restrooms are available. There is a easy walking path around the lake with nice views. It is often damp so watch your footing on some of the grass and boardwalks.
Just south of the house on US 441 is Primitive Outback where you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the Little Tennessee River that passes by the house at Prentiss Bridge.
7 locals recommend
Primitive Outback, Inc
155 Robin Lynn LnJust south of the house on US 441 is Primitive Outback where you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the Little Tennessee River that passes by the house at Prentiss Bridge.
Looking for a big day on the wider section of the Little Tennessee River. Their store is an adventure in itself. They can provide pack lunches and river pickup.
7 locals recommend
Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp & Safaris
81 Bennett RdLooking for a big day on the wider section of the Little Tennessee River. Their store is an adventure in itself. They can provide pack lunches and river pickup.
Striking beautiful views on a clear day where you can see 4 states they say. Two trails, the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Bartram Trail intersect at this location. Easy parking and overlook tower. Bathrooms are onsite. The road is an easy drive in a car with some parts a dirt road.
86 locals recommend
Wayah Bald
4419 Wayah Bald RdStriking beautiful views on a clear day where you can see 4 states they say. Two trails, the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Bartram Trail intersect at this location. Easy parking and overlook tower. Bathrooms are onsite. The road is an easy drive in a car with some parts a dirt road.
A bit of an uphill hike either up the sloping trail or take the stairs for the more adventures. GREAT view from the top of the rock, be sure to bring a camera.!
139 locals recommend
Whiteside Mtn Trail
91-170 Deville DrA bit of an uphill hike either up the sloping trail or take the stairs for the more adventures. GREAT view from the top of the rock, be sure to bring a camera.!
Entertainment & Activities
Go rafting on the Tuckasegee River, the Indian name means "slow moving turtle" and this is a great first rafting experience for adventurous younger kids and less ambitious adults. (If you are experienced and looking for REAL whitewater rafting, see my pick on Nantahala Gorge). Depending on their readiness level, I would say good swimmers, minimum age 6 and up.
Get a river guide, wear old clothes and you MUST have water shoes, preferably closed toes. At some point you will be standing in the water, which is not too deep, but the water is rushing and there are rocks, (ok, I busted my toenail once.) The guides are expert, and while this is not a risk free activity, the guidge will fish you out if you fall in or get stuck on a rock.
Wear a swim suit, better yet, board shorts and a quick drying sun shirt, you want something between you and the stinky life jackets! Wear sunscreen. There are several outfitters who will provide you with all the gear, but make reservations before hand. You will get wet and the water is cold!
You'll have a wonderful time, really. Don't bring wallets or valuables on the river, leave them home or lock them in the car, out of sight and park near the outfitter's building.
Bring some snacks and drinks for afterwards, you'll be starving when you get off the river. Bathrooms are pretty rustic. Don't chicken out just because I told you all the downsides, trust me it's great fun.
Tuckasegee
Go rafting on the Tuckasegee River, the Indian name means "slow moving turtle" and this is a great first rafting experience for adventurous younger kids and less ambitious adults. (If you are experienced and looking for REAL whitewater rafting, see my pick on Nantahala Gorge). Depending on their readiness level, I would say good swimmers, minimum age 6 and up.
Get a river guide, wear old clothes and you MUST have water shoes, preferably closed toes. At some point you will be standing in the water, which is not too deep, but the water is rushing and there are rocks, (ok, I busted my toenail once.) The guides are expert, and while this is not a risk free activity, the guidge will fish you out if you fall in or get stuck on a rock.
Wear a swim suit, better yet, board shorts and a quick drying sun shirt, you want something between you and the stinky life jackets! Wear sunscreen. There are several outfitters who will provide you with all the gear, but make reservations before hand. You will get wet and the water is cold!
You'll have a wonderful time, really. Don't bring wallets or valuables on the river, leave them home or lock them in the car, out of sight and park near the outfitter's building.
Bring some snacks and drinks for afterwards, you'll be starving when you get off the river. Bathrooms are pretty rustic. Don't chicken out just because I told you all the downsides, trust me it's great fun.
OK this is the big time white water rafting, only for the physically fit and adventurous. This is where they train for the Olympics. If it's your first time, pay extra for a guide in your raft. You don't want to fall in on this river. The end is a spectacular run, and they'll snap your photo for a great memory.
446 locals recommend
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19OK this is the big time white water rafting, only for the physically fit and adventurous. This is where they train for the Olympics. If it's your first time, pay extra for a guide in your raft. You don't want to fall in on this river. The end is a spectacular run, and they'll snap your photo for a great memory.
OK my adult kids made me put this on here, because they spent many happy hours digging in the dirt for precious gems. I have bags and bags of rocks to prove it. It's only a few bucks, and the bags are "salted" meaning they make sure there are some gems in there. Where you spend the money is if you find something good, having it polished and cut will cost you. That's why we have bags and bags of rocks. :) The kids LOVE IT. They will get dirty, so wear old clothes and old shoes, (you will probably have to throw them out afterwards.) I know, I sound bitter, don't let that put you off because I must say my kids and husband absolutely love gem mining.
Ruby City Gems & Minerals
130 E Main StOK my adult kids made me put this on here, because they spent many happy hours digging in the dirt for precious gems. I have bags and bags of rocks to prove it. It's only a few bucks, and the bags are "salted" meaning they make sure there are some gems in there. Where you spend the money is if you find something good, having it polished and cut will cost you. That's why we have bags and bags of rocks. :) The kids LOVE IT. They will get dirty, so wear old clothes and old shoes, (you will probably have to throw them out afterwards.) I know, I sound bitter, don't let that put you off because I must say my kids and husband absolutely love gem mining.
Shopping
Start your nature adventure reconnaissance by gathering local knowledge at an excellent outdoor outfitter store. Every gear type for Bikes, Hikes, and kayaking is available. They are eager to provide tips on trips and local conditions.
23 locals recommend
Outdoor 76
35 E Main StStart your nature adventure reconnaissance by gathering local knowledge at an excellent outdoor outfitter store. Every gear type for Bikes, Hikes, and kayaking is available. They are eager to provide tips on trips and local conditions.