![]() Pickin’ on the Square fills summer Saturday evenings with music, from gospel to rock 'n’ roll. Historic downtown Franklin hosts events year-round, including Winter Wonderland and All American 4th of July. Kids will enjoy face painting and roving street performers. Kneel behind the starting blocks at the top of Phillips Street and give your pumpkin a push. The pumpkin pie-eating competition will test your appetite, and the world-famous Pumpkin Roll will rank your squash-handling skills. Purchase pumpkins, find your favorite fair food, and browse regional arts and crafts along Main Street. It has celebrated fall and family for more than 20 years, and you’re invited to join the fun downtown the fourth Saturday in October. The crown jewel of Franklin’s calendar is PumpkinFest. The "Gem Capital of the World" (photo: Town of Franklin TDA) You can see plenty at Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum, where admission is free, and exhibits showcase cool finds such as a 2.25-pound ruby and rocks that glow when you flip a light switch. ![]() But don’t despair if you come up empty-handed. It’s a fun process (though filled with dirt, so dress appropriately), and you keep the gems you find. Purchase a bucket of soil and take it to the metal box known as a sluice, where you’ll use water and a screen to separate gems from soil. You can still find its precious colored variations – rubies and sapphires – at more than 10 local mines. But those aren’t the only things you’ll uncover in the “Gem Capital of the World.”įranklin’s gem mining heritage started almost 150 years ago, when corundum, second only to diamond in hardness, was dug up for industrial use. It’s a colorful destination, especially in autumn, when the birches, oaks and other deciduous trees on surrounding hills turn vibrant hues. In the heart of the Nantahala National Forest is the North Carolina mountain town of Franklin. This highway winds it's way through some shops and restaurants in Cherokee, then eventually crosses into the national park, just a few miles outside of Cherokee, NC.Franklin: Ghost Tours, Gem Mines and Scenic Smoky Mountains Highway 441 North towards Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Local Directionsįrom downtown Cherokee, NC pick up U.S. Also, be aware that the speed limit in the National Park is 45 miles per hour. You could get very sick if you decide to drink it. ![]() NOTE: Even though the crystal clear waters of the park's streams look drinkable, please refrain from doing so. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks/picnic supplies. We strongly recommend spending the entire day along this route. These places are just a sampling of what is featured along this fabulous stretch of highway in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Curves, vistas, never-ending views, hiking trails, Appalachian Trail, mile-high gaps, backcountry camping, wild trout fly fishing, front country camping, horseback riding, picnics and more! Below, we highlight a few of our favorite points of interest for you to consider while on your Smoky Mountain vacation. There is so much to do along this iconic stretch of Appalachian highway. ![]() Highway 441 is hands down one our favorite scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Restrooms available at Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Mingus Mill, Collins Creek Picnic Area, Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, Chimneys Picnic Area and Sugarlands Visitor Center.A multitude of outdoor opportunities for the entire family like picnics, hiking and swimming.Only major highway that connects both North Carolina & Tennessee sides of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers fantastic fall foliage views.
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