FRANKLIN & NANTAHALA NORTH CAROLINA

Winter Adventures in Franklin & Nantahala

When the chill of winter settles over Western North Carolina, Franklin and Nantahala offer a season of beauty and discovery unlike any other. The quiet mountains, frosted forests, and crisp skies create an atmosphere that's both refreshing and serene. For travelers who crave the peace of the mountains without the summer crowds, winter in Franklin and Nantahala is a revelation.

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, including rubies, sapphires, garnets, 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.

The Nantahala National Forest surrounds Franklin and covers more than 530,000 acres of the southern Appalachians. The forest offers exceptional hiking, with trails ranging from easy riverside walks to challenging summit climbs. The Appalachian Trail passes through the forest, and the Nantahala Outdoor Center — located in the Nantahala Gorge — is one of the Southeast's premier whitewater paddling destinations.

Winter brings a special quality to Franklin and Nantahala. The leaf-free trees open up views that are hidden in summer, revealing the dramatic topography of the mountains. Waterfalls freeze into spectacular ice formations, and the occasional snowfall transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland.

For more information, visit exploringwnc.com.