Quick Summary:

  • 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.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Wayah Bald Outlook Tower ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wayah Bald Outlook Tower | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© tanawat/stock.adobe.com

2. Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine

3. The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Category: Activities
The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

4. The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company

5. Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine

Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine

6. Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© assistant/stock.adobe.com

7. The Scottish Tartans Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The Scottish Tartans Museum | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© The Scottish Tartans Museum

8. Currahee Brewing Company

Category: Food & Drink
Currahee Brewing Company | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Currahee Brewing Company

9. Sheffield Mine

Sheffield Mine | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Sheffield Mine

10. Bartram Trail

Category: Activities
Bartram Trail | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Shannon Dunaway/stock.adobe.com

11. The Little Tennessee River Greenway

Category: Activities
The Little Tennessee River Greenway | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Nongnuch Leelaphasuk/stock.adobe.com

12. Macon County Historical Society and Museum

Category: Attractions
Macon County Historical Society and Museum | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Macon County Historical Society and Museum

13. Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine

Category: Shopping
Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine

14. The Factory Franklin

The Factory Franklin | Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina
© The Factory Franklin

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