This can be a quick stop for some photos, or an afternoon spent wandering the trails!
The Franklin Ghost Town trailhead is just a large muddy lot, surrounded by no trespassing signs. When you pull in you will see signs for a $5 day use fee, just fill out the form and drop it in the box. There are two trails that leave the lot, one heads down to the river and is probably a mile round trip. There is lots to explore down there and the views of the river are amazing. In the summer it can be a nice place to cool off, and kayakers can be seen year round!
At the far end of the lot is a yellow gate, the trail past that leads up and around the hills, and the remnants of mining operations can be found along that route. It’s all vehicle path walking and very easy.
If you’re looking for more riverside trails walk alongside the road towards the river and you will come to the tall bridge with a cool view of the river and waterfalls below. On the far side of the bridge is a green cabin with a sign “Green River Resort”, there isn’t much here but a gate to the left of the cabin will lead you to a path that takes you under the bridge and down to the river. There are some cool soaking pools, one even sits behind the waterfall. There is another fee box at that entrance ($5).