-
Why is Franklin, NC known as the “gem mining capital of the world”?
- Thousands of years ago, the movement of glaciers and ancient rivers left a rich deposit of precious gemstones buried in the soil around Franklin, NC.
- Today, people visit from near and far to mine for rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones.
-
Where can visitors go gem mining in Franklin?
- There are several gem mining operations in the area that offer visitors the chance to have fun and find a beautiful gemstone to take home.
-
What other activities are available in Franklin, NC?
- Visitors can explore unique museums, catch a concert or show at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, or visit local craft breweries.
-
What outdoor activities can be enjoyed in Franklin?
- Outdoor enthusiasts can pull on their hiking boots and hit the Bartram Trail or take a less strenuous walk along the Little Tennessee River Greenway.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Wayah Bald Outlook Tower
Located in the Nantahala National Forest, the Wayah Bald Outlook Tower is a must-visit attraction for all nature lovers. The lookout point is reached via a short hike from the summit parking area. Here you can climb up to the top of a 1937 stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day you should be able to see the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee to the north and the rolling hills of Georgia to the south. There are several other hiking trails in the area and you can bring along a picnic to enjoy at a small on-site picnic area.
Address: Wayah Bald Outlook Tower, Wayah Bald Outlook Tower, Nantahala National Forest, Franklin, NC 278734
2. Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine
The Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine boasts natural mineral bearing deposits left behind by the movements of ancient glaciers and rivers. The mine offers visitors the chance to spend some fun time searching for their very own hoard of precious stones. Your visit will start with an introduction at the Mine Office, where you will be shown samples of what the gemstones look like in their raw state. Hereafter you will be issued with the necessary tools of the trade and shown how to thoroughly clean the mined ore and possibly find a precious stone or two. This is a fun (but somewhat strenuous) activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Address: Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine, Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine, 41 Cherokee Mine Road, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-349-2941
3. The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts has been entertaining Franklin residents and visitors since opening in 2009. The center focuses on producing family entertainment in many genres including live performance theatre, music concerts, musicals and comedy shows. The theater can seat 1503 audience members over two tiers and has 12 VIP boxes. State-of-the-art lighting and sound facilities ensure that each and every production is a hit. Besides featuring a regular calendar of entertainment, the center also host special events like their Christmas with Family and Friends Dinner Show and their live drive-through nativity show, the Bethlehem Experience. Check their website for details of upcoming productions.
Address: The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-524-1598
4. The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
Thirsty visitors will find The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company in the former premises of the Franklin Town Hall and Fire department, where they have been hand-crafting artisan brews since 2015. Endeavoring to create a relaxing space where the community can meet and chill, the premises include an indoor taproom, outdoor patio area, disc golf and an outdoor event space. If you happen to be hiking the famous Appalachian trail, they are just a short hike away, hence the name. Beers on tap include Trail Mate Golden Ale, Slack Pack IPA, Trail Candy and Wesser Evil Porter, to name but a few. An on-site food truck takes care of the hunger.
Address: The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company, The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company, 188 W. Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-349-2337
5. Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine
Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine has offered visitors the chance to dig for their own gemstones since 1950. For a modest fee, visitors can spend a few hours finding out just how challenging it is to harvest precious gemstones. You will be instructed on the basics of gemstone mining during an orientation session before setting off with a spade and a bucket to find your own precious stones in a designated area. Once you have dug up a bucket of ore you will need to spend some time rinsing and separating the rocks from the gems. Whatever you find at the end of the session is yours to take home.
Address: 6961 Upper Burningtown Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-369-9742
6. Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
Located in what used to be the Macon County jail, the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a good place to learn all about minerals and gemstones before you visit one of the local gemstone mining operations. The museum showcases a large collection of minerals and gemstones from all over the world, including historical pieces, fossils and more. Here you can learn about the natural processes responsible for the creation of precious stones and how to identify gemstones in their raw state. Visitors can marvel at the transformation which occurs when precious stones are cut, polished and turned into stunning pieces of jewelry.
Address: Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, Old Macon County Jail, 25 Phillips Street, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-369-7831, Facebook
7. The Scottish Tartans Museum
The Scottish Tartans Museumwas established by the Scottish Tartans Society (in Scotland) to research and showcase the history of Scottish Highland Dress in all parts of the world. This unusual and interesting museum is essential viewing for anyone with family links to Scotland or for those interested in learning about Scottish heritage and traditions. Amazingly, there are over 600 different tartan samples on display and kilts which date back to 1800. In addition, the museum’s computer database has over 11,000 tartan samples on record for researchers to admire. The museum attends many Scottish Festival and Highland Games each year to provide tartan info to visitors.
Address: The Scottish Tartans Museum, 86 E. Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-524-7472
8. Currahee Brewing Company
Scenically located along the edge of the Tennessee River, the Currahee Brewing Company encompasses a brew room production facility, a tap room and Beer Garden overlooking the river. There is also an outdoor music stage, a food truck and a canoe and kayak launch area. The name of the brewery comes from the Cherokee Indian word for “stand alone”, which is exactly what the brewers expect their fine craft beers to do. The brewery produces a range of European-inspired canned and on-tap brews including the Garand IPA, der Betrunken (Pilsner), Mountain Blonde and the Blush Creek. Food is available from the neighboring Smokejack BBQ restaurant.
Address: Currahee Brewing Company, 100 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-634-0078
9. Sheffield Mine
Once owned by Tiffany’s, the Sheffield Mine is one of the oldest Franklin mines still in operation. There are still plenty of rubies and sapphires to be found by avid gemologists who take the time to carefully separate the gems from the centuries-old clay in which they are buried. Visitors will be briefed on how to recognize a gemstone – many of which are caked with clay and granite and unremarkable to the un-trained eye. Each “prospector” gets a bucket of gem-bearing clay which has been excavated from the mine and then it is up to you to get on with the job of cleaning and sorting the stones. Everything you find in your bucket is yours to take home with you.
Address: Sheffield Mine, 385 Sheffield Farms Road, Franklin, NC 28734, Phone: 828-369-8383
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and vibrant wildflowers in bloom.
The Franklin Terrace Bed and Breakfast – A cozy and historic inn with Southern charm.
Visit the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum – Learn about the region’s rich gem mining history.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, ideal for hiking and exploring waterfalls.
The Franklin Inn – A comfortable stay close to downtown and outdoor attractions.
Explore the Nantahala National Forest – Enjoy hiking, fishing, and scenic drives.
Fall (September-November) – Cool air and breathtaking fall foliage in the mountains.
The Lazy Bear Lodge – A rustic retreat with stunning mountain views.
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway – Experience some of the best fall colors in North Carolina.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet season with occasional snowfall, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Carolina Motel – A warm and welcoming stay near Franklin’s winter attractions.
Go gem mining indoors – Many gem mines in Franklin offer heated indoor mining experiences.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: