Top Things to Do in Franklin
Things to Do in Franklin
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
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Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Mines
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
Showing results 1-30 of 56
What travellers are saying
- Karen W49 contributionsIt was a crazy ride up the gravel road to the tower and a mildly strenuous walk to the tower, but WOW. The views changed with the clouds drifting by and made it somewhat surreal. I want to come back when the azaleas are in bloom but even with just spring green leaves, it was an amazing experience. A MUST DO!Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Pam M1 contributionExcellent mining experience! Knowledgable, friendly and honest staff. Found a 3 K faceted ruby, star ruby and star sapphire all of which we had them polish / cut. Fun experience regardless. Visited several years ago, and would love to go again.Written 24 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- DodoDidiTampa, FL689 contributionsWe visited and enjoyed a local performance of a Disney’s Descendants show. Theater, ushers, performers were appreciated on opening night of 3 day run. Would definitely return for other shows. A bit tucked away and construction detoured us a bit, but worthwhile in the end. Lovely venue, comfortable and clean seats, wish all theaters were at this level! Thank you for sweet memories for the children-they were very impressed with the long limo in the parking lot!Written 19 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JHK3Kankakee, IL10 contributionsFantastic experience for myself and my two teenagers! Owners were super knowledgeable and they ID’d and labeled all of our finds. We elected to share the $100 bucket and we came away with a HUGE variety of gemstones, well worth the price tag. We plan on coming back and doing the fill your own bucket option, having arrived too late in the day to do it today. This is an absolute “must do” experience!Written 12 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Mike R1 contributionWe were thrilled with the variety and quality of gemstones we found, but the greatest treasure by far is the friendly family that own and operate the Old Cardinal Gem Mine! Morgan and Isaiah are delightful. They both were very attentive and identified every stone. We were extremely impressed with their maturity beyond their years, sense of humor, and extensive knowledge. We plan to go back again later this week.Written 28 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 429michaeloOoltewah, TN77 contributionsAfter arriving with a level of excitement like that of a child looking forward to finding buried treasure, the good and patient people at Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine, elevated our sense of anticipation through an education of the work and process that would give us a chance to reach for our dreams. The process was akin to work but the rewards were very satisfactory. This experience is bucket list worthy and the place is perfect!Written 28 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Jerry CHobe Sound, FL343 contributionsGreat little brewery with a great bar and outside area. Just what we needed during our adventure from Cashiers and Highlands. Several beers to choose from. Nothing extravagant here, just good beer and friendly staff.Written 21 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sonya S2 contributionsGorgeous falls and around 1.5 mile loop. I just wore tennis shoes. Several creeks and muddy wet spots on the trail so I should have worn boots.Written 14 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Karen W49 contributionsThis is a tiny museum nestled in an old jail. The staff is incredible and their tours a lot of fun. Be sure to see the fluorescent rock room. Definitely a must do in Franklin. The only downsides are a really narrow staircase (understandable given the prior use of the building) and the limited opening hours. Highly recommend you check the hours they are open when planning your trip. This is not by any stretch of the imagination a slick place, but very interesting.Written 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- journalmytripsGeorgia613 contributionsWhen driving through Franklin on past road trips we had often seen the sign for this museum. So curiosity lead us here on this trip. I would describe this site as a shop and a museum. The shop has a large selection of goods including bookmarks, books, mugs, cookies and especially information on which clan your ancestors might have belonged to. The museum is on two levels and includes quite a bit of historical information. There are mannequins dressed in various clothing. The lower level features a weaving loom and tartan squares of the various clans both ancient and modern. There is also an interesting video featuring how a tartan is woven. If you know someone with a Scottish name but cannot find their clan just ask about it in the store area and someone can research it for you. The length of your visit depends on your interest.Written 6 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jmpncsuRaleigh, NC4,361 contributionsWe took our dog for a hike to Pickens Nose while visiting Franklin. The trailhead can be accessed from Coweeta Hydrologic Lab or from Standing Indian, but both are a pretty long drive on a gravel road. They're in good condition and driveable in most 2WD vehicles. From the trailhead Pickens Nose Trail leads about 3/4 a mile to the overlook. Along the way are some side paths that lead out to some beautiful overlooks. But the best views are from the end, looking south into Southern Nantahala Wilderness and Georgia. The "nose" is not at the end of the trail, but about 500 feet before the end on the right. Great hike with amazing views.Written 26 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Eric G33 contributionsGreat palce to vist and to find stones. It can get a little muddy when it rains. One lane road in and out so be careful driving in and out.Written 30 May 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- sharonriley6525Conway, SC2 contributionsI have been going to Cowee Ruby Gem mine since I was a little girl. My mom wanted to go years ago and this was a must to stop on my moms list. My mom has had lots of gems cut and set from Cowee. After I got married I got my husband hooked on gem mining and we go there on our trips. And I have even bought boxes of gem dirt ordered for my mom as her later years she couldn’t travel. I lost my mom April 28,2020 and I inherited all her beautiful rocks that I will be putting in a lighted curio cabinet as a loving tribute to my moms love of gem stones. I love the gems we get from Cowee, my husband has had several stones cut and set for me. These stones have more value than anything because we found these stones together. This a definite must stop and great value and stones that you get.Written 29 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Steve BArcadia, FL181 contributionsThis stop is very well landscaped, and not crowded. Building very clean with an excellent gift shop. The staff were very knowledgeable about the area, and gave good directions and a map.Written 28 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Michael KSmyrna, GA559 contributionsThis was our first hike while visiting Franklin over Memorial Day weekend and it was a pretty good workout. We did the hike from Wallace Branch to William's pulpit. It gets pretty steep right before you get to William's pulpit. There is a small sign on your right when you get to the overlook and we actually missed it because we were watching our dog and not paying attention. IF you go by it, the climb gets a lot steeper. We doubled back eventually and enjoyed the amazing view from the ridge. Worth the short hike and the exercise.Written 26 May 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Franklin
- The top attractions to visit in Franklin are:
- Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
- Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
- Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
- Rose Creek Mine
- Old Cardinal Gem Mine
- The best outdoor activities in Franklin according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Franklin on Tripadvisor
- The most popular things to do in Franklin with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Rose Creek Mine
- Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
- Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
- Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
- Mason's Ruby & Sapphire Mine