Things To Do

       

Outdoor Attractions

Where Shadows Walk

Two-hour haunted history walking tours begin in late March and run through the end of the year. Tickets are $20 per person (admission is free to children six or under). Private tours and out-of-season tours are also offered. The Where Shadows Walk team has been featured on the Travel Channel’s “Weird Travels” and has earned…

Waterfalls

There are 16 scenic waterfalls in Southwestern North Carolina, including areas of the Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We recommend taking a scenic drive from Buttercup Haven to Highlands via US Highway 64E. There are three falls along the way – Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and…

Gem Mining

Franklin North Carolina is known as the “Gem Mining Capital Of The World” and it’s a great family activity and popular among children in particular. Most gem mines operate from early Spring through late Fall. Be sure to wear old clothes. For a list of locations and gem mining map, click here. Rose Creek Mine…

Bicycling and Mountain Biking

Bring your own bike or rent one from Motion Makers Bike Shop in Sylva. A list of easy, intermediate, and difficult bike trails can be found on the Franklin Chamber website. The Tsali mountain bike trail system attracts thousands of biking enthusiasts to the area every year and offers four loops and 40 miles of nationally…

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Two scenic railway excursions run from Bryson City through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina, providing a day trip for all the family to enjoy. Select from one of two excursions from March to December. The Tuckasegee River excursion runs on Saturdays only in Jan & Feb. Nantahala Gorge is a 4.5-hour round trip into the Nantahala Gorge. It stops at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and…