Summer is a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors and soak up the sunshine. If you're looking for an unforgettable summer adventure, look no further than Franklin and Nantahala in North Carolina. These two destinations offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration, from hiking and kayaking to swimming and gem mining.

Franklin and Nantahala occupy a spectacular corner of the southern Appalachians — a landscape of deep gorges, rushing rivers, ancient mountains, and forests that have been growing undisturbed for centuries. The combination of the Nantahala National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and the region's unique geological heritage makes this one of the most rewarding summer destinations in the Southeast.

Franklin, North Carolina holds the remarkable distinction of being the Gem Capital of the World. The region's geology has produced an extraordinary variety of precious and semi-precious stones — rubies, sapphires, garnets, emeralds, and the rare rhodolite garnet found almost exclusively in this area.

Dozens of gem mines in the Franklin area offer fee-mining experiences where visitors can sift through buckets of gem-bearing ore and keep what they find. It's a uniquely satisfying activity for families and gem enthusiasts alike, and the thrill of finding a genuine ruby or sapphire never gets old.

How It Works: Most mines offer "sluice mining" — you purchase a bucket of gem-bearing ore (called "dirt"), carry it to a sluice trough, and wash the dirt away to reveal the gems. The ore is guaranteed to contain gems; the question is what you'll find.

Top Gem Mines:

• Sheffield Mine — one of the oldest and most respected mines in the area, with a reputation for producing exceptional rubies and sapphires
• Mason Mountain Mine — a large operation with multiple sluice troughs and a gem shop that offers cutting and setting services
• Cowee Valley Ruby Mine — located in the heart of the Cowee Valley, the historic center of the region's gem mining industry

What You Might Find:

• Rubies — the most prized find; Franklin rubies are genuine corundum, the same mineral as the world's finest rubies
• Sapphires — blue, yellow, pink, and colorless sapphires are all found in the Franklin area
• Rhodolite garnet — a rare variety of garnet found almost exclusively in the Franklin area, with a beautiful rose-red color
• Emeralds — less common but found in the area; the nearby Hiddenite area is famous for its emeralds
• Kyanite, moonstone, and other minerals — the region's geology produces a remarkable variety of minerals

After the Mine: Most mines have gem shops that offer cutting, polishing, and setting services. Turning your rough gem find into a piece of jewelry is a memorable souvenir of the Franklin experience.

Franklin's downtown is a charming small-town commercial district with gem shops, restaurants, and galleries that cater to both locals and visitors. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum — housed in a historic jail building — offers excellent exhibits on the region's geological heritage and is a worthwhile stop before heading to the mines.

Where to Eat in Franklin:

• The Frog & Owl Kitchen — a beloved local restaurant with creative farm-to-table cuisine and a beautiful outdoor patio
• Bourbon Street Grille — a lively restaurant with a wide-ranging menu and a full bar
• Lazy Hiker Brewing — a craft brewery with excellent beers and a welcoming atmosphere, popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts

The Nantahala River is one of the Southeast's premier whitewater destinations. The river's consistent Class II-III rapids are accessible to beginners while still providing excitement for experienced paddlers. The Nantahala Gorge — a dramatic canyon carved by the river through the mountains — is one of the most beautiful settings for whitewater paddling in the country.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) — located in the heart of the gorge — is one of the most celebrated outdoor centers in the country. Founded in 1972, the NOC has been introducing people to whitewater paddling for more than 50 years, and its guides are among the most experienced in the Southeast.

Rafting Options:

• Guided raft trips — the most popular option for first-timers; experienced guides navigate the rapids while you enjoy the ride
• Self-guided raft rentals — for those with some paddling experience who want to navigate the river at their own pace
• Kayak instruction — the NOC offers kayak instruction for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced

The River: The Nantahala runs 8 miles through the gorge, with the most exciting section in the lower gorge near the NOC. The river's cold, clear water (fed by releases from Nantahala Lake) makes it a refreshing escape from summer heat, and the gorge's steep walls and lush vegetation create a beautiful setting for a day on the water.

Nantahala Falls: The Class III Nantahala Falls at the end of the gorge is the highlight of the run — a dramatic rapid that provides a satisfying conclusion to the river trip.

The Nantahala River is also an excellent trout fishery. The cold, clear water supports healthy populations of brown trout and rainbow trout, and the river's varied character — from fast riffles to deep pools — provides excellent fishing throughout the season.

Fly Fishing Outfitters: Several guide services in the Franklin area offer guided fly fishing trips on the Nantahala and its tributaries. Nantahala Fly Fishing Company is the most established operator.

The Nantahala National Forest surrounds Franklin and covers more than 530,000 acres of the southern Appalachians. The forest offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, from easy riverside walks to challenging summit climbs.

The Appalachian Trail passes through the Nantahala National Forest, and the section near Franklin is one of the most scenic in the southern Appalachians. The trail crosses the Nantahala Gorge at the NOC — a popular access point for day hikers — and climbs to the summit of Wayah Bald (5,342 feet), where a historic stone observation tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Wayah Bald Trail: A 4.4-mile round trip from the Wayah Bald parking area to the summit, with excellent views and a beautiful wildflower display in spring and early summer.

Nantahala Gorge Trail: A 4-mile trail that follows the river through the gorge, with excellent views of the rapids and the surrounding cliffs.

The Bartram Trail — named for the 18th-century naturalist William Bartram — offers a less-traveled alternative to the AT with exceptional wildflower displays in spring and summer. The trail winds through the Nantahala National Forest for 115 miles, passing through some of the most botanically diverse landscapes in the eastern United States.

The Franklin area is home to numerous waterfalls, accessible via short hikes from the road:

• Rufus Morgan Falls (0.6 miles round trip) — a beautiful 60-foot waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest
• Bridal Veil Falls (roadside) — a waterfall that flows directly over the road, allowing visitors to drive through the falls
• Dry Falls (0.2 miles) — a 75-foot waterfall that visitors can walk behind without getting wet

The Nantahala River and its tributaries offer numerous excellent swimming holes — cold, clear pools in beautiful natural settings.

Best Swimming Holes:

• Nantahala River at the NOC — the pool below Nantahala Falls is a popular swimming spot, with the added entertainment of watching rafters navigate the falls
• Wayah Creek — a tributary of the Nantahala with several excellent swimming holes accessible via short trails
• Cullasaja River — the river that flows through Franklin has several swimming holes in the gorge below the town

Best Time to Visit: June through August for the full summer experience — warm weather, high water in the rivers, and all activities available. July and August are the busiest months; June offers a slightly less crowded experience.

Water Levels: The Nantahala River's flow is controlled by releases from Nantahala Lake, ensuring consistent water levels throughout the summer. Check the NOC website for current release schedules.

Heat: Franklin sits at 2,100 feet elevation, which keeps summer temperatures comfortable — typically 10–15°F cooler than the surrounding lowlands. The Nantahala Gorge is even cooler, thanks to the cold water and the shade of the surrounding cliffs.

Getting There: Franklin is located in the far western corner of North Carolina, about 70 miles southwest of Asheville via US-23/74. The nearest major airport is Asheville Regional Airport.

Where to Stay:

• The Franklin Terrace — a beautifully restored historic inn in downtown Franklin
• Vacation rentals — numerous mountain cabins and riverside rentals are available through Airbnb and VRBO
• Camping — the Nantahala National Forest has several campgrounds, including the popular Wayah Campground near the AT

Do I need experience to raft the Nantahala? No — the Nantahala's Class II-III rapids are accessible to complete beginners. Guided raft trips are available for those who want an experienced guide.

What is the best gem mine in Franklin? Sheffield Mine and Mason Mountain Mine are both highly regarded. Sheffield is known for producing exceptional rubies; Mason Mountain offers a larger operation with more amenities.

Can I keep the gems I find? Yes — at fee-mining operations, you keep everything you find. The mines provide the buckets, the sluice troughs, and the expertise to identify your finds.

Is Franklin good for families? Absolutely — gem mining is one of the best family activities in the Southeast, and the Nantahala's guided raft trips are suitable for children as young as 7.

For more information, visit exploringwnc.com. Also explore our guide to Franklin in winter — mountains, gems, and serenity and Cherokee County NC's mountain lakes.