Fishing,
Skiing,
Hiking,
Hunting,
Rafting,
Tartan Museum,
Gem Mining,
Golfing,
Tennis,
Camping,
WNC AREA INFORMATION
In Franklin "Pickin' on The Square" When weather permits.
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains in the western part of North Carolina. is an
area of God's Country where the elevation is around 4000' so that in the summer time you
can enjoy the coolness of the area. Our National
Parks are laced with trails that guide you to some of the beautiful water falls, with
thousands of acres of national forest., which is the home of hundreds of miles of streams
with clear cool mountain water. While the banks are covered with wild Mountain Laurel and
other foliage. There are four enjoyable seasons, each one has it own beauty. This colorful region has much to offer, something for everyone. Hiking, hunting, fishing, white water rafting are some of the activities one can enjoy. Or, If you are so inclined
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Fishing ...............................................Rivers and Streams in Western NC
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Skiing ............................................... Ski Lodges Western NC
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Hiking ...............................................National Forests or Local Hiking.
This is information you can hike with.
Hiking Information in the National Forest
If Local Hiking is to your liking, then take a look at this Information.
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Hunting
Numerous game species such as deer, turkey, bear, squirrel, grouse, raccoon, and wild boar are hunted in the Nantahala National Forest, Hunting seasons are variously scheduled by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, starting in September and lasting into late February. An agreement between the U.S. Forest Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission designates all National Forest as "Game Lands".
To Hunt in the Nantahala National Forest, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission requires: a hunting license, a game lands use permit, and big game stickers for hunting deer, turkey, bear and wild boar. Hunting Licenses may be purchased at most discount stores and at a few other sports-oriented places. Salesclerks can help you decide which license(s) you need to purchase.
Each hunter has a personal responsibility to be familiar with the regulations and dates governing their particular hunting activities.
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Rafting This activity is guaranteed to put a happy face on you.
In the late Spring and all through the Summer white water rafting along the Nantahala River draws kayakers, rafters and spectators from all parts of the country. Last year, the Nantahala River has drawn Olympic hopefuls as they practiced to compete in the 1996 Olympics. But for the amateur white water rafters, the Nantahala River host many guided or non-guided rafting expeditions down the river.
For Additional information on white water rafting contact Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Call 828-524-3161 or 800-336-7829
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The Tartan Museum.................................on Main St. in Franklin, NC invites you to visit our
Tartan Museum
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Mining
It has been said "Thars Gems in them thir mountains! :- ) " and a lot of folks are searching for them.
The possibility of finding one is real. However the majority of stones found are not of great commercial value, from time to time one is found that is of value. One can reasonably expect to find in the area mines, gems such as rubies, sapphires, rhodolites, garnets, quartz.
The mines currently in business are listed below. Use area code 828:
The Cowee Gift Shop & Mining, 895 Bryson City Rd.,524-4570
The Cowee Lapidary, 168 Ruby Mine Rd. , 524-2321
The Gold City Gem Mine & Amusement, 600 Sylva Hwy. , 369-3905
The Gem City Mine, 44 East Main st., U.S. 441 North, 524-3967
The Great American Mining Adventure, 600 Sylva Hwy., 369-5212
The Highlands Gem Shop, Highlands, 524-2767
The Sheffield Mine, 106 Leatherman Gap Rd., 369-8383
The Jackson Hole Mine, Route 1- Box 358 Hwy. 64 East, Highlands. 524-5850
The Jones Ruby Mine, 52 Lloyd Tallent Rd., 524-5946
The Mason Ruby & Sapphire Mine, 583 Upper Burningtown Rd., 369-9742
The Moonstone Gem Mine, 308 Lower Burningtown Rd., 524-7764
The Old Cardinal Mine, 22 Mason Branch Rd., 369-7534
The Rocky Face Gem Mine, 30 Sanderstown Rd., 524-3148
The Rose Creek Mine & Campground, 28 Lyle Downs Rd., 524-3225
For Additional information on Gem mining in Macon Co. contact Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Call 828-524-3161 or 800-336-7829
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Golfing .....................................................Macon County Golf Courses
Macon County is home to eight golf courses. Of these, four are public courses and four are private clubs.
The public ones are:
** Mill Creek Golf Club (524-GOLF) Have 18 holds, par 72, Championship golf course. The only 18 hold in the Franklin area.
** Holly Springs (369-8711) This is a 9 hold par 36, Tee times are accepted, but not required
** Parker Meadows (369-8008) This too is a 9 hold course but only par 29. The Executive course has sever par-3 holds and two par 4’s. It’s a walking course, pull carts are allowed and available. Also available is Macon County’s only public driving range.
** Franklin Lodge and Golf Course (524 -2288) Is another 9 hold par 36. Established in 1923, is Franklin’s oldest golf course.
These are Privately owned golf clubs
** Cullasaja Club (524 -4104) This a 18 holds, just East of Highlands and was designed by Arnold Palmer.
** Highlands Falls Country Club (526-4101) 18 holds, This is on U.S. 64, near Highlands.
** Highlands Country Club (phone # not available at this time, sorry. )Located on Hwy. 106 in Highlands, Bobby Jones founded this club in the 1930’s.
** Wildcat Cliffs Country Club (526-2165) 18 holds. Located on Whiteside Rd., out side Highlands NC.
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Tennis......................................................Macon County Rec.Park
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Camping ............................................Public and Private campgrounds
Macon Co. offers both public and privately-owned camping
** The U.S. Forest Service maintained camping sites. Daily camping fees are charged for these camp sites. The U.S. Forest Service’s Wayah Ranger District’s office will furnish additional information, and can be contacted at 828-524-6441)
The U.S. Forest Service:
** Standing Indian Campground has 84 campsites, flush toilets and showers. Trailer hookups are not available
** Appletree Group Campground is another site that is available to the public
** Vanhook Glade Campground has 21 family camping units. No electrical or sewer hookups. Are available on a first-come first-served bases.
Privately operated Campgrounds
Use area code 828
** Cartoogechaye Creek Campground (828-524 -8553)
** Cullasaja River Campground (524 - 2559) or (1 - 800 - 843 - 2795)
** Downtown RV Campground, (369-2125)
** Fort Cannon Campground, (524-6988)
** High Country Haven (524-4783)
** Holly Springs Campground and RV Park, (524-7410)
** Kountry Kampground, (524-4339)
** Mi Mountain Campground, (524-6155)
** Old Corundum Millsite Campground, (524-4663)
** The Pine RV Park, (524-4490)
** Pokey Bear Mountain Resort (369-8876)
** Rainbow Springs Campground, (524-6376)
** Rose Creek Mine & Campground (524-3225)
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I would appreciate Your Questions and Suggestions. The
"FREEDOM IS AS FREEDOM DOES"
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