Franklin, North Carolina
Encyclopedia
Franklin is a town in Franklin Township, Macon County
, North Carolina
, United States
, within the Nantahala National Forest
. The population was 3,490 as of the 2000 census. It is the county seat
of Macon County
. Franklin is an official Appalachian Trail friendly destination. The Franklin, North Carolina area is rich in gems and minerals and is known as the "Gem Capital of The World."
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²), of which, 3.8 square miles (9.8 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.78%) is water.
The Cullasaja River
from Highlands
flows into the Little Tennessee River
in Franklin.
of 2000, there were 3,490 people, 1,627 households, and 899 families residing in the town. The population density
was 911.2 people per square mile (351.8/km²). There were 1,916 housing units at an average density of 500.2 per square mile (193.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.42% White, 1.98% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races
, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population.
There were 1,627 households out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples
living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.79.
In the town the population was spread out with 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 79.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $21,534, and the median income for a family was $30,426. Males had a median income of $25,066 versus $18,472 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $15,129. About 15.2% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 16.2% of those age 65 or over.
and two hours from Atlanta
, Knoxville
or Greenville, South Carolina
. Due to its proximity to these urban areas and its rural feel, Franklin is fast becoming a location of choice for those seeking retirement, recreational, permanent, or second homes.
The 2008 cost of living index in Franklin: 89.1 (less than average, U.S. average is 100).
In the summer Franklin experiences temperatures in the lower 80's while during the winter temperatures rarely fall below the upper 20's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 84.50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 24.00 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation in Franklin is 54.47 inches and rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 5.76 Inches.
. The AT runs north and south only 10 miles west of Franklin and can be accessed at many locations in the area. Some 40 miles of side trails interlace with the AT in the region as well.
Another, lesser known trail also makes its way through area. Bartram Trail
, named for American Botanist William Bartram
, who documented the native flora and fauna of the area in 1775. Bartram Trail climbs into the hills of the Franklin area, inviting hikers to follow the explorer's footsteps and discover for themselves the exuberant natural world in which he took such delight.
Both the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross over Wayah Bald
, one of the best known places in the Franklin area for sightseeing.
, sapphire
, and garnet
s.
in Southwestern North Carolina
. The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River
in the Nantahala National Forest
and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place." The falls is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja river. The falls is a long cascade over the course of 0.2 mile (0.321868 km). The height of the falls is given as 200 ft (61 m) in Kevin Adams' book, North Carolina Waterfalls and 250 ft (77.1 m) by NCWaterfalls.com. However, Google Earth gives a height (based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls) of 137 ft (42 m). It is easy to catch a glimpse of the falls as you drive by; however, getting a better view of the falls is not easy. The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on Highway 64 with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. There is only one small pull-off near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle.
located in the Nantahala National Forest
, northwest of Highlands, North Carolina
. Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River
through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7 miles (14 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls
. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the waterflow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the waterflow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also gone by a few other names, including High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 15.7 miles (25.3 km) southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls. The United States Forest Service
has made improvements to the parking area and has reopened the public area.
located in the Nantahala National Forest
, southeast of Franklin. With a short curve of roadway located behind the falls, it has the distinction of being the only waterfall in the state that one can drive a vehicle under. Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River
through the Nantahala National Forest. The falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk behind the falls and remain dry when the waterflow is low. During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the waterflow is moderate or high. To avoid this, stay in your vehicle and drive behind the falls. Bridal Veil Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 16.5 miles (26.6 km) southeast of Franklin. Highway 64 originally used the curve of roadway behind the falls exclusively so that all traffic went behind them; however, this caused problems with icing
of the roadway during freezing weather, and Hwy. 64 has been re-routed around the front of the falls since. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park and view the falls as well. In 2003, a massive boulder slid off the left side of the falls, blocking that side of the drive-under completely. However, in July 2007, that boulder was removed by a local developer.
(or perhaps large rapid in high water) located beside US Hwy. 64 southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. Known to locals as "Sliding Rock," it is best known for the large, deep pool at the bottom and is a popular place for swimming during warm weather.
settlers arrived to the mountains of southwestern North Carolina, they were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the area that is now Franklin, "Nikwasi" or "center of activity". Nikwasi
was an ancient and important Cherokee
town. The remains of Nikwasi Mound are still visible in downtown Franklin, marking the location of Nikwasi's townhouse.
While the mound was probably built during the earlier Mississippian Culture, it was the spiritual center of the area. A Council House, or Town House, used for councils, religious ceremonies, and general meetings, was located on top the mound, and the ever-burning sacred fire, which the Cherokee had kept burning since the beginning of their culture, was located there. Thus the mound was a most revered site.
are currently constructing a memorial at the county's recreation park in Franklin of the same name, The Macon County Veterans Memorial Park. The purpose of the memorial is to honor the veterans of Macon County that have made incredible sacrifices throughout history to preserve individual freedoms and secure the sovereignty of the United States
.
is located in the Iotla Valley, just north of Franklin, and reports ASOS weather station
information as "Franklin" at :00, :20, and :40 past each hour. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/obhistory/K1A5.html
Macon County, North Carolina
- Geographic features :Of the in Macon County, are federal lands that lie within the Nantahala National Forest and are administered by the United States Forest Service. Of the of USFS land, lie in the Highlands Ranger District and the remaining lie in the Wayah Ranger District...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, within the Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest
The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." The name is appropriate as, in some spots, the sun only reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the...
. The population was 3,490 as of the 2000 census. It is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Macon County
Macon County, North Carolina
- Geographic features :Of the in Macon County, are federal lands that lie within the Nantahala National Forest and are administered by the United States Forest Service. Of the of USFS land, lie in the Highlands Ranger District and the remaining lie in the Wayah Ranger District...
. Franklin is an official Appalachian Trail friendly destination. The Franklin, North Carolina area is rich in gems and minerals and is known as the "Gem Capital of The World."
Geography
Franklin is located at 35°10′52"N 83°22′54"W (35.181144, -83.381685).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 3.9 square miles (10.1 km²), of which, 3.8 square miles (9.8 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.78%) is water.
The Cullasaja River
Cullasaja River
The Cullasaja River is a short river located entirely in Macon County, North Carolina. It is a tributary of the Little Tennessee River , into which it flows near the county seat of Franklin. It originates to the southeast, near Highlands, the county's only other town...
from Highlands
Highlands, North Carolina
Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, it lies mostly in southeastern Macon County and slightly in southwestern Jackson County, in the Highlands and...
flows into the Little Tennessee River
Little Tennessee River
The Little Tennessee River is a tributary of the Tennessee River, approximately 135 miles long, in the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States.-Geography:...
in Franklin.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 3,490 people, 1,627 households, and 899 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 911.2 people per square mile (351.8/km²). There were 1,916 housing units at an average density of 500.2 per square mile (193.2/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 95.42% White, 1.98% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population.
There were 1,627 households out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.79.
In the town the population was spread out with 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 79.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.8 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $21,534, and the median income for a family was $30,426. Males had a median income of $25,066 versus $18,472 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $15,129. About 15.2% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 16.2% of those age 65 or over.
Growth and Cost of Living
Franklin is experiencing a rate of population growth that is 12% higher than the national average. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Franklin is situated one hour from AshevilleAsheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a city in and the county seat of Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 11th largest city in North Carolina. The City is home to the United States National Climatic Data Center , which is the world's largest active...
and two hours from Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
, Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Founded in 1786, Knoxville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Tennessee, U.S.A., behind Memphis and Nashville, and is the county seat of Knox County. It is the largest city in East Tennessee, and the second-largest city in the Appalachia region...
or Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina
-Law and government:The city of Greenville adopted the Council-Manager form of municipal government in 1976.-History:The area was part of the Cherokee Nation's protected grounds after the Treaty of 1763, which ended the French and Indian War. No White man was allowed to enter, though some families...
. Due to its proximity to these urban areas and its rural feel, Franklin is fast becoming a location of choice for those seeking retirement, recreational, permanent, or second homes.
The 2008 cost of living index in Franklin: 89.1 (less than average, U.S. average is 100).
Climate
| Monthly normal and record high and low temperatures | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon. | Avg. High |
Avg. Low |
Avg. | Rec. High |
Rec. Low |
| Jan | 48 °F | 24 °F | 36 °F | 78 °F | -15 °F |
| Feb | 53 °F | 26 °F | 39 °F | 78 °F | -5 °F |
| Mar | 60 °F | 32 °F | 46 °F | 85 °F | -5 °F |
| Apr | 69 °F | 39 °F | 54 °F | 91 °F | 17 °F |
| May | 76 °F | 49 °F | 62 °F | 91 °F | 25 °F |
| Jun | 81 °F | 57 °F | 69 °F | 97 °F | 34 °F |
| Jul | 85 °F | 62 °F | 73 °F | 101 °F | 45 °F |
| Aug | 83 °F | 61 °F | 72 °F | 99 °F | 40 °F |
| Sep | 78 °F | 55 °F | 67 °F | 98 °F | 27 °F |
| Oct | 69 °F | 42 °F | 56 °F | 91 °F | 15 °F |
| Nov | 60 °F | 33 °F | 46 °F | 82 °F | 3 °F |
| Dec | 50 °F | 26 °F | 38 °F | 78 °F | -8 °F |
In the summer Franklin experiences temperatures in the lower 80's while during the winter temperatures rarely fall below the upper 20's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 84.50 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 24.00 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation in Franklin is 54.47 inches and rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 5.76 Inches.
Hiking
The mountains that surround Franklin are lined with many hiking trails including the famous Appalachian TrailAppalachian Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is approximately long...
. The AT runs north and south only 10 miles west of Franklin and can be accessed at many locations in the area. Some 40 miles of side trails interlace with the AT in the region as well.
Another, lesser known trail also makes its way through area. Bartram Trail
Bartram Trail
The Bartram Trail follows the approximate route of 18th-century naturalist William Bartram’s southern journey from March, 1773 to January, 1777. Bartram explored much of the territory which is now the states of North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and...
, named for American Botanist William Bartram
William Bartram
William Bartram was an American naturalist. The son of Ann and John Bartram, William Bartram and his twin sister Elizabeth were born in Kingsessing, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. As a boy, he accompanied his father on many of his travels, to the Catskill Mountains, the New Jersey Pine Barrens,...
, who documented the native flora and fauna of the area in 1775. Bartram Trail climbs into the hills of the Franklin area, inviting hikers to follow the explorer's footsteps and discover for themselves the exuberant natural world in which he took such delight.
Both the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail cross over Wayah Bald
Wayah Bald
Wayah Bald is a high-altitude treeless open area in Nantahala National Forest, near Franklin, North Carolina. The Wayah Bald Observation Tower is located at the area's highest point ; the stone observation tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 for fire detection.The...
, one of the best known places in the Franklin area for sightseeing.
Gem Mining
The Franklin area is world famous for its gem mining. Franklin hosts the famous jewelry and gem show, "Macon County Gemboree" twice a year, an event that draws crowds from across the country and around the world. The Cowee Valley north of Franklin lures thousands each year to its mines which yield valuable stones to lucky miners. You'll also find other gem mines located throughout the area. Among the native stones found are rubyRuby
A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum . The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires...
, sapphire
Sapphire
Sapphire is a gemstone variety of the mineral corundum, an aluminium oxide , when it is a color other than red or dark pink; in which case the gem would instead be called a ruby, considered to be a different gemstone. Trace amounts of other elements such as iron, titanium, or chromium can give...
, and garnet
Garnet
The garnet group includes a group of minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as gemstones and abrasives. The name "garnet" may come from either the Middle English word gernet meaning 'dark red', or the Latin granatus , possibly a reference to the Punica granatum , a plant with red seeds...
s.
Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls is a waterfallWaterfall
A waterfall is a place where flowing water rapidly drops in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff.-Formation:Waterfalls are commonly formed when a river is young. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens...
in Southwestern North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
. The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River
Cullasaja River
The Cullasaja River is a short river located entirely in Macon County, North Carolina. It is a tributary of the Little Tennessee River , into which it flows near the county seat of Franklin. It originates to the southeast, near Highlands, the county's only other town...
in the Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest
The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." The name is appropriate as, in some spots, the sun only reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the...
and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is a two-lane highway in North Carolina, which travels through the Nantahala National Forest in Macon and Swain County, North Carolina counties. The first part of this byway follows the combined route of U.S...
. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place." The falls is the last major waterfall on the Cullasaja river. The falls is a long cascade over the course of 0.2 mile (0.321868 km). The height of the falls is given as 200 ft (61 m) in Kevin Adams' book, North Carolina Waterfalls and 250 ft (77.1 m) by NCWaterfalls.com. However, Google Earth gives a height (based on the elevation of the water at the top of the falls and the elevation of the plunge pool at the bottom of the falls) of 137 ft (42 m). It is easy to catch a glimpse of the falls as you drive by; however, getting a better view of the falls is not easy. The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on Highway 64 with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road. There is only one small pull-off near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle.
Dry Falls
Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is a 65-foot (20.1 m) waterfallWaterfall
A waterfall is a place where flowing water rapidly drops in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff.-Formation:Waterfalls are commonly formed when a river is young. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens...
located in the Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest
The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." The name is appropriate as, in some spots, the sun only reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the...
, northwest of Highlands, North Carolina
Highlands, North Carolina
Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, it lies mostly in southeastern Macon County and slightly in southwestern Jackson County, in the Highlands and...
. Dry Falls flows on the Cullasaja River
Cullasaja River
The Cullasaja River is a short river located entirely in Macon County, North Carolina. It is a tributary of the Little Tennessee River , into which it flows near the county seat of Franklin. It originates to the southeast, near Highlands, the county's only other town...
through the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of a series of waterfalls on a 8.7 miles (14 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls
Cullasaja Falls is a waterfall in Southwestern North Carolina. The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place."-Geology:The falls is the last major...
. Dry Falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk up under the falls and remain relatively dry when the waterflow is low, hence its name. Visitors will get wet if the waterflow is high. The falls has been called Dry Falls for a long time, but has also gone by a few other names, including High Falls, Pitcher Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. Dry Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 15.7 miles (25.3 km) southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park before walking the short path with stairs to the falls. The United States Forest Service
United States Forest Service
The United States Forest Service is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture that administers the nation's 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands, which encompass...
has made improvements to the parking area and has reopened the public area.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-foot (20.1 m) waterfallWaterfall
A waterfall is a place where flowing water rapidly drops in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff.-Formation:Waterfalls are commonly formed when a river is young. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens...
located in the Nantahala National Forest
Nantahala National Forest
The Nantahala National Forest, established in 1920, is a national forest located in the American state of North Carolina. The word "Nantahala" is a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun." The name is appropriate as, in some spots, the sun only reaches the floors of the deep gorges of the...
, southeast of Franklin. With a short curve of roadway located behind the falls, it has the distinction of being the only waterfall in the state that one can drive a vehicle under. Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River
Cullasaja River
The Cullasaja River is a short river located entirely in Macon County, North Carolina. It is a tributary of the Little Tennessee River , into which it flows near the county seat of Franklin. It originates to the southeast, near Highlands, the county's only other town...
through the Nantahala National Forest. The falls flows over an overhanging bluff that allows visitors to walk behind the falls and remain dry when the waterflow is low. During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the waterflow is moderate or high. To avoid this, stay in your vehicle and drive behind the falls. Bridal Veil Falls is located on the side of U.S. Highway 64 16.5 miles (26.6 km) southeast of Franklin. Highway 64 originally used the curve of roadway behind the falls exclusively so that all traffic went behind them; however, this caused problems with icing
Ice
Ice is water frozen into the solid state. Usually ice is the phase known as ice Ih, which is the most abundant of the varying solid phases on the Earth's surface. It can appear transparent or opaque bluish-white color, depending on the presence of impurities or air inclusions...
of the roadway during freezing weather, and Hwy. 64 has been re-routed around the front of the falls since. There is a parking area on the side of the road, where visitors can park and view the falls as well. In 2003, a massive boulder slid off the left side of the falls, blocking that side of the drive-under completely. However, in July 2007, that boulder was removed by a local developer.
Quarry Falls
Quarry Falls is a small waterfallWaterfall
A waterfall is a place where flowing water rapidly drops in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff.-Formation:Waterfalls are commonly formed when a river is young. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens...
(or perhaps large rapid in high water) located beside US Hwy. 64 southeast of Franklin, North Carolina. Known to locals as "Sliding Rock," it is best known for the large, deep pool at the bottom and is a popular place for swimming during warm weather.
Cherokee Influence
Long before the first EuropeanEuropean ethnic groups
The ethnic groups in Europe are the various ethnic groups that reside in the nations of Europe. European ethnology is the field of anthropology focusing on Europe....
settlers arrived to the mountains of southwestern North Carolina, they were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the area that is now Franklin, "Nikwasi" or "center of activity". Nikwasi
Nikwasi
Nikwasi was an important Cherokee town located on the Little Tennessee River at the site of present-day Franklin, North Carolina....
was an ancient and important Cherokee
Cherokee
The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
town. The remains of Nikwasi Mound are still visible in downtown Franklin, marking the location of Nikwasi's townhouse.
While the mound was probably built during the earlier Mississippian Culture, it was the spiritual center of the area. A Council House, or Town House, used for councils, religious ceremonies, and general meetings, was located on top the mound, and the ever-burning sacred fire, which the Cherokee had kept burning since the beginning of their culture, was located there. Thus the mound was a most revered site.
Macon County Veterans Memorial Park
The Veterans Memorial Board of Directors in Macon CountyMacon County, North Carolina
- Geographic features :Of the in Macon County, are federal lands that lie within the Nantahala National Forest and are administered by the United States Forest Service. Of the of USFS land, lie in the Highlands Ranger District and the remaining lie in the Wayah Ranger District...
are currently constructing a memorial at the county's recreation park in Franklin of the same name, The Macon County Veterans Memorial Park. The purpose of the memorial is to honor the veterans of Macon County that have made incredible sacrifices throughout history to preserve individual freedoms and secure the sovereignty of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Macon County Airport
The Macon County AirportMacon County Airport
Macon County Airport is the municipal airport in Macon County, North Carolina. It is located in the Iotla Valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, 3 miles northwest of the county seat of Franklin and just southeast of the Iotla community, all within Franklin township.- Facilities :New terminal building...
is located in the Iotla Valley, just north of Franklin, and reports ASOS weather station
Weather station
A weather station is a facility, either on land or sea, with instruments and equipment for observing atmospheric conditions to provide information for weather forecasts and to study the weather and climate. The measurements taken include temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed, wind...
information as "Franklin" at :00, :20, and :40 past each hour. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/data/obhistory/K1A5.html