Franklin and Nantahala—Land of the Noon Day Sun—are your gateway to adventure in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Celebrate the season in this mountain town — no matter what time of year you visit.
Take a scenic drive through stunning fall colors, look for waterfalls, go fishing in crystal-clear water, and explore kid-friendly hikes in these two mountain communities within Nantahala National Forest.
Within Nantahala National Forest, just off the Appalachian Trail, Franklin welcomes travelers with outdoor adventures and small-town charm.
This small town is a destination for gem enthusiasts, history buffs, and Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, which gives residents plenty of chances to share their beloved mountain home.
Split-rail fences don’t shout “keep out.” They lean, they shift, they invite. And in western North Carolina, they remind us that some lines are meant to hold, not harden.
Each May, spring climbs nearly 3,000 feet to the seat of Alleghany County. Here, as the rhododendrons blush, a beloved mountain town welcomes visitors with its food, art, and flourish of color and creativity.
Brief but delicious, soft-shell crab season is cherished by diners as well as the folks who work around the clock to put these native pinchers on our plates.
When it comes to poultry, the best is raised close to home.
