Franklin, North Carolina

Franklin, North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor adventures and attractions. There are plenty of must-visit spots, such as Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and Whitewater Falls. You can go camping, fishing, hiking, and biking in these areas. There are also scenic drives, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, and plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. The local museums, such as the Macon County History Museum, are also worth a visit. For the more adventurous, there are whitewater rafting and kayaking, rock climbing, and zip lining options. No matter what you choose, you're sure to find something top-notch in and around Franklin.

Top Spots in and near Franklin

Statesville, North Carolina
Hike the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman

4.4

5 mi / 75 ft gain

From the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run route.
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UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens, North Carolina
Walk through The Botanical Gardens in Asheville

0.5 mi

Just a little under 2 miles away from downtown Asheville, NC, you'll find the beautiful Botanical Gardens. If you're looking for the perfect place to walk around, explore, and go at your own pace...look no further. The entire wooded property is roughly 10 acres, but you can wander along the sho...
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Catawba, North Carolina
Visit Murray's Mill

4.5

The Murray's Mill Historic District features Murray's Mill (constructed in 1913) with its 28 ft. waterwheel, a general store constructed in the 1890's, Wheathouse Exhibit gallery, and the John Murray House. Free and open to the public to visit, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs...
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Asheboro, North Carolina
Drive the Uwharrie Scenic Road

This peaceful drive begins at the intersection of US 64 & NC 49 in Asheboro, North Carolina. Follow NC 49 along the the Carolina slate belt southwest toward Concord. Along this 50 mile drive, you'll take in amazing views of the Uwharrie National Forest, so have your camera ready!
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Mount Gilead, North Carolina
Dutchman's Creek Trail, Uwharrie NF

3.8

11.31 mi / 1407 ft gain

This hike starts with mellow terrain changes allowing you to get a feel for the trail. For the first 5 miles you will have one or two steep inclines that take a toll on the calf muscles. The remaining 6 miles include a more difficult terrain including a section of the hike called Hallucination Hi...
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Hiddenite, United States
Hike The Hollow Rock Trail at Rocky Face Mountain

4.0

2.4 mi / 514 ft gain

From the parking lot, head northwest to find the trailhead for Buzzard Roost Loop. Follow that and stay left to meet up with the Hollow Rock Trail. This is a moderate hike with great views of the park. Perfect for a quick escape with the family. For a quick and tasty bite after your hike, hit up ...
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Pinnacle, North Carolina
Hike the Jomeokee Trail at Pilot Mountain SP

4.3

0.8 mi / 100 ft gain

This unique peak, also known as the Big Pinnacle, is in Pilot Mountain State Park. From the main parking area on top of the mountain on Pilot Knob Park Road, you can first view the Big Pinnacle from the overlook attached to the parking lot. The prominent mountain behind the Big Pinnacle is Hang...
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Pinnacle, North Carolina
Rock Climb at Pilot Mountain SP

5.0

Wide assortment of climbing on some of the best granite in the world. The grades range from 5.5 to 5.13 so anyone could find their level. It is a very top rope friendly climbing area. All thanks to the Carolina Climbers Coalition who regularly check and maintain all of the bolts located on all of...
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Walnut Cove, North Carolina
Hike and Rock Climb Moore's Knob

4.3

Looking for a shorter hike with stunning views, or a place to rappel with a backdrop like no other on the East Coast? Look no further than Moore's Knob, located within Hanging Rock State Park. Just North of Winston-Salem, Moore's Knob is one of the many wonders of the Sauratown Mountains. At 2579...
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Walnut Cove, North Carolina
Hike the Sauratown Trail

22 mi / 800 ft gain

You can through-hike or section hike. I did it from Tory's Den to the Corridor Trail Parking Lot in about 10 hours. Check the Sauratown Trail Association's website before traveling. It is a bridle and hiking trail so the hiking is fairly easy. A lot of it travels beside streams. In other places...
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Danbury, North Carolina
Hanging Rock

4.4

2.45 mi / 515 ft gain

Park in the main parking lot for Hanging Rock State Park, and the trailhead can easily be found in the upper parking lot (furthest away from the main building), and is clearly marked. The trail starts off by descending, but don't be fooled, it quickly turns into a steady climb that will have you ...
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Danbury, North Carolina
Hanging Rock and Cole Gap Mountain Loop

4.5

3.95 mi / 623 ft gain

Beautiful hike through the forest up to an elevation of 2000+ feet for Hanging Rock. The Hanging Rock Trail is 1.3 miles one way. It includes a moderate incline up a well-kept dirt and gravel trail then, turns into steps made of timber, rock, and boulders (330 steps to be more exact!). Well worth...
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Summerfield, North Carolina
Piedmont Trail

5.67 mi / 289 ft gain

Piedmont Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Greensboro, North Carolina.
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Hickory, North Carolina
Geitner Rotary Park Loop

5.0

2.65 mi / 354 ft gain

Geitner Rotary Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Hickory, North Carolina.
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Walnut Cove, North Carolina
Lower Cascade Falls

4.4

0.75 mi / 105 ft gain

A beautiful hike through the forest of Hanging Rock State Park. Trail meanders through pines and hardwoods filled with boulders, mountain laurel, scenic views, and the occasional deer or turkey. The trail begins as gravel and dirt then turns into steps made of wood and stone. Also on the trail is...
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