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Recreation |
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Return to Southern Mountains area MAP - Return to area Community LIST Communities on this page:
Cashiers area FacilitiesNote: telephone area code is 828
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Cashiers area CampgroundsNote: telephone area code is 828
other Cashiers area Recreation Facilities
Privately owned/operated facilities:
Cashiers area Recreation Facilities Directory Return to Cashiers - Return to area MAP - Return to area Community LIST
Cashiers area Recreation Facilities Directory Return to Cashiers - Return to area MAP - Return to area Community LIST
Franklin area FacilitiesNote: telephone area code is 828
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Franklin
area BOAT RAMPS
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| Property | Franklin except as noted |
828+except as noted |
| Cartoogechaye Creek Campground | 678 Murphy Hwy | 524-8553 |
| Cullasaja River Campground | 801 Highlands Rd | 524-2559 |
| Fort Cannon Campground | 199 Lopes Cir | 524-6988 |
| Kountry Kampground | 655 Georgia Hwy | 524-4339 |
| Mi Mountain Campground | 29 Kirkland Rd | 524-6155 |
| Morrison Campground & Apts | 29 Bates Branch Rd | 524-4783 |
| Mountain Springs Campground | 189 Lake Ledford Rd | 524-0469 |
| Old Corundum Millsite Campground | 80 Nickajack Rd | 524-4663 |
| Rainbow Springs Campground | Old Highway 64 | 524-6376 |
| Rose Creek Mine & Campground | 28 Lyle Downs | 524-3225 |
| Standing Indian Campground | W Old Murphy Rd | 369-0442 |
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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| Property | Franklin except as noted |
828+except as noted |
| Country Woods RV Park | 2887 Georgia Road | 524-4339 |
| Downtown RV Campground | 160 Palmer St | 369-2125 |
| Holly Springs Campground & RV Park | 101 Weaver Cabe | 524-7410 |
| Pines RV Park | 490 Old Murphy Rd | 524-4490 |
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Hiking Trails in the Franklin Area (general note)
The Franklin area is rich in a variety of hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine) passes just a few miles West of Franklin, and can be accessed at many places. The Bartram Trail also passes through Franklin, going East-West, and offers many highlights. There is a wide variety of trails offering hikes of different lengths in the Cowee, Fishhawk, and Nantahala Mountains.
Much of the information about trails in the Franklin-Highlands area
has been contributed by Marty Martinez of Franklin NC
For more information about trails in this area, contact the the Forest Service, Wayah District (828-524-6441)
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Albert Mountain Fire Tower, Rock Gap
Follow US 64 West past Winding Stair Gap (big rock cut in mountain) and about a mile further, turn left at sign for Standing Indian Campground and Appalachian Trail. About 2 miles up this road is sign for campground - turn right (FS 67) Continue on FS 67 past Rock Gap, taking left fork at road into Standing Indian Campground, continuing past Backcountry Parking Area on gravel road about 9 miles to it's end at a parking lot behind the mountain (there are good views of the fire tower as you approach on the road). The trail is blue-blazed, and follows a gated old road out of parking lot. After about 0.3 mi. you'll reach the white-blazed Appalachian Trail - turn RIGHT (uphill). Climb up the ridge on the Appalachian Trail, to the tower at top of mountain. Here are spectacular views of the Little Tennessee valley, the Fishhawk and Cowee mountains, and the Coweeta valley just below. Total walk about one mile (round trip). The fire tower is another national historic site.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Laurel Falls Trail, Rock Gap
Follow US 64 West past Winding Stair Gap (big rock cut in mountain) and about a mile further, turn left at sign for Standing Indian Campground and Appalachian Trail. About 2 miles up this road is sign for campground - turn right (FS 67) Continue on FS 67 past Rock Gap, taking left fork at road into Standing Indian Campground, continuing past Backcountry Parking Area on gravel road about 5 miles to sign and trailhead. The 0.5 mile trail goes down to Mooney creek and crosses on footbridge, then turns right and follows creek, then up Laurel Creek to pretty waterfall. The junction of creeks passed on the way in is the beginning of the Nantahala River.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Mooney Falls Trail, Rock Gap
Follow US 64 West past Winding Stair Gap (big
rock cut in mountain) and about a mile further, turn left at sign for Standing Indian
Campground and Appalachian Trail. About 2 miles up this road is sign for campground - turn
right (FS 67) Continue on FS 67 past Rock Gap, taking left fork at road into Standing
Indian Campground, continuing past Backcountry Parking Area on gravel road about 5.7 miles
to to small parking area at sign and trailhead. The 0.5 mile trail descends alongside
Mooney Falls, getting very steep in places. In the winter (when there are no leaves on the
trees), a good overall view of the falls can be seen from the road just down from the
parking area.
Note - the trail has been been rerouted in a few places but is well marked.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Park Creek - Park Ridge Loops, Rainbow Springs
Both Park Creek Trail and Park Ridge Trail start
at Park Gap and end at the Backcountry parking area near Standing Indian Campground. Near
the middle of these trails is a short 'connector' trail between the two. Thus you can make
two different 5 mile loops, or one 10 mile loop starting at either end.
To reach the Park Gap trail head follow US-64 west from Franklin past Rainbow Springs and
the Clay County line (small sign). Turn left onto FS-71. Park Gap is on FS-71 about 2.5
miles from US-64. (Both trails are marked here by signs).
To reach the Standing Indian Backcountry parking area from Franklin follow US-64 West past
Winding Stair Gap (big rock cut in mountain) and about a mile further, turn left at sign
for Standing Indian Campground and Appalachian Trail. About 2 miles up this road is a sign
for the campground. Turn right on FS-67 and continue on FS-67, past Rock Gap, taking the
left fork at the road into Standing Indian Campground and the Backcountry Parking Area.
You can start and end your hike here. As their names imply, the Park Ridge trail stays
high on the ridges and the Park Creek trail follows Park Creek, then the Nantahala River.
These are interesting, little-used trails through very pretty country.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Rufus Morgan Trail, Franklin
From Franklin, drive four miles West on US 64 and turn right at Wayah Bald direction sign. Take first left onto Wayah Road (state road 1310), go about 6.5 miles. Turn left onto gravel FS road 388 (often closed in Winter months), go about 2 miles to sign and parking area for Rufus Morgan Trail. Trail entrance is in parking area. This 1 mile loop trail is blue blazed, and is easy to follow. About half-way, a side trail to right leads to the base of a nice waterfall. Spring wildflowers, and mature hardwood forest make this a pleasant short hike.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Shot Pouch Trail, Franklin
From Franklin, drive four miles West on US 64 and turn right at Wayah Bald direction sign. Take first left onto Wayah Road (state road 1310) Follow state road 1310 past FS388, up winding road to top of hill (Wayah Gap). Turn right at sign for Wayah Bald onto gravel road FS 69. Go 0.9 miles to parking area and sign for Shot Pouch trail. This unblazed, 1.5 mile trail crosses the Appalachian Trail, goes across a grassed wildlife clearing, and continues as a logging road past small waterfall to end at nice view of Franklin valley and Cowee and Fishhawk mountains. Return via same trail.
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Siler Bald, Wayah State Game Refuge
Siler Bald has one of the nicer views in this area. From Franklin follow US-64 west to SR-1310 (the road to Wayah State Game Refuge). Follow 1310 to the Wayah Crest Picnic Area. Access is via the Appalachian Trail from the Wayah Crest picnic area (just across SR-1310 from the road to Wayah Bald). At the upper end of the picnic area you will find the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail. Follow them for 1.6 miles to a clearing, from which you can see the top of the bald. When climbing through the clearing to the bald, please walk in the grass (to prevent footpath gullies which erode the slope). To the north you can see both the observation tower on Wayah Bald, and the television/radio towers on Wine Spring Bald. A portion of Nantahala Lake can be seen to the West and the Franklin area valley to the East. South one can see past Standing Indian Mountain and Albert Mountain into Georgia. Return via the same route.
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Standing Indian Mountain, Rainbow Springs
Take US-64 west from Franklin past Rainbow
Springs and the Clay County line (small sign). Turn left onto FS-71, which is a 5 mile,
moderate, gravel road ending at Deep Gap. At the gap, the Appalachian Trail crosses
through the parking area.
The easier trail is a long, gentle climb up the mountain for 2.5 miles. Go East on the
Appalachian Trail (You'll pass a wilderness registration booth; if you don't, you're not
on the right trail!). You'll pass a trail shelter side-trail on the way. When you reach
the blue-blazed Lower Ridge Trail, turn right - you are near the summit. Follow this trail
to the summit and enjoy the nice Southwesterly views. Standing Indian is the highest
mountain (5500 ft.) South of the Smoky Mountains in this area.
If you want a more vigorous workout, some great views, and a variety of countryside, there
is another, 10 mile, hike just for you. This other trail is marked with blue blazes taking
you to the bridge which crosses the Nantahala River in the campground. There you must
choose which way you want to do the loop; if you want to do your climbing early, turn left
on the Lower Ridge Trail, and follow it all the way to the top of Standing Indian Mountain
(about 4 miles). Then return to the Appalachian Trail and turn left. Follow the
Appalachian Trail down to Deep Gap then find and follow the blue-blazed Kimsey Creek Trail
back to the parking area. If you prefer to do your climbing more gently, and pay for it
with a rugged descent, take the other way around the loop.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Wasilik Poplar Trail, Rock Gap
This trail starts at Rock Gap on the road to Standing Indian Campground. Follow US 64 West past Winding Stair Gap (big rock cut in mountain) and about a mile further, turn left at sign for Standing Indian Campground and Appalachian Trail. About 2 miles up this road is sign for campground - turn right (FS 67) and go 1/2 mile to Rock Gap. The Wasilik trail crosses the Appalachian Trail (which crosses next to the parking area) and then descends for 0.7 miles to the second largest poplar tree known in the US. The return trip can be strenuous for those not accustomed to long climbs, but this enormous tree is worth the trip. Trail is a 1.4 mi round trip.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Take US-64 bypass 1 mile west of Franklin. When you see the "Wayah Forest District" sign turn right onto Pressley Rd. At its end (about 2 miles) is the trailhead. This segment of the Bartram Trail is a little over ten miles. Though it can be fairly difficult, you'll find it a very rewarding hike to the top of the 5,200 foot Wayah Bald. Bartram Trail meets the Appalachian Trail here and there is a road which circles the peak. Thus you can expect to see a few other folks. There is also a small observation tower on the bald. This national historic landmark offers panoramic views of many mountain ranges and two valleys. From the tower, one can see the main ridge of the Smoky Mountains to the North, the Balsams and the Cowees to the East, and the Tusquittee and Slickrock ranges to the West. If you are traveling with a group and one of you would rather drive to the top you have a convenient way to avoid the round trip.
Much information about this segment and other segments of the Bartram Trail are available from the North Carolina Bartram Trail Society, postal address: P.O.Box 144, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775.
More information: Wayah Bald
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Wesser Bald Observation Tower, near Stiles
This 4 mile, moderate hike uses the Appalachian Trail to reach a great viewpoint. There used to be a firetower on Wesser Bald, but it was burned many years ago. Through joint efforts of the FS and Nantahala Hiking Club, the steel frame remaining was converted to an observation tower for the benefit of hikers. To reach the trailhead in Tellico Gap, follow route 28 North out of Franklin. Turn left across the new white concrete "lost bridge" onto Tellico Road (if you cross the Swain County Line you've gone too far). Follow this road as it climbs through scenic Tellico valley, turns to a gravel road, passes Tellico Trout farm, and finally climbs steeply up to the gap. There's a lot of parking space at the gap, and you want to follow the Appalachian Trail (AT) North - (away from the power-line and starting next to the fire-road). The trail is a graded but persistent climb all the way up to the summit. At the summit, there is a short (100 ft.) but not completely obvious side-trail to the right to the tower. From the tower, there are views in all directions - to the North, you see the Smoky Mtns. across Fontana Lake (only bits of the lake are visible), the Balsam Mtns.(with visible parkway) to the NE with the Cowee Mtns. a little nearer. East is the Tellico Valley, and the Little Tennessee River valley. South there is the Nantahala ridge, hiding Wayah Bald, but Winespring Bald shows it's towers. To the West are the Valley River Mtns, the Snowbirds, and the Slickrock Range.
Franklin area Recreation Facilities Directory
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other Highlands area Recreation Facilities
Privately owned/operated facilities:
| Property | Highlands except as noted |
828+except as noted |
| Van Hook Glade Campground | Van Hook Campgrounds | 526-5918 |
Highlands area Recreation Facilities Directory
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| Property | Highlands except as noted |
828+except as noted |
| Highlands RV Park | 1104 Chestnut Street | 526-5985 |
Highlands area Recreation Facilities Directory
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This short segment of the 70+ mile long Bartram Trail is considered by many hikers to be the most rewarding. It also is only a moderately strenuous for the most part with more strenuous, but brief, detours along the way to nearby mountain peaks. Most of the trail is along the ridges which affords the best scenic views. There are several campsites along the trail but the entire segment from Jones Gap to the Cedar Creek trailhead is only about 8½ miles. We recommend turning around at Wolf Rock which makes the total round trip only about 9 miles.
Much information about this segment and other segments of the Bartram Trail are available from the North Carolina Bartram Trail Society, postal address: P.O.Box 144, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775.
More information:
Highlands area Recreation Facilities Directory
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Whiteside Mountain, Highlands
Drive toward Cashiers from Highlands on US-64. Near the county line, watch for the sign for the Whiteside parking area. The 2 mile trail is a loop, and you can go either direction. The center section of the trail follows the top of Whiteside's steep South-facing cliffs, with great views of other rocky mountains in the area.
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Yellow Mountain Trail, Gneiss
This fairly strenuous 9 mile (round trip) hike takes you up three mountains in just under 5 miles, each one offering some views. Yellow Mountain is the highest peak in the Cowee Range and has fabulous views in every direction. From Highlands, follow US 64 toward Cashiers, and turn onto Buck Creek road at about 3 miles. Follow Buck Creek road 2.3 miles to Cole Gap (easy to miss) with limited parking on left side. From Franklin, from US 64 about midway between Franklin and Highlands, turn (left if coming from Franklin; turn right if from Highlands) onto Buck Creek road just where the highway starts up into the hills, and follow it to Cole Gap. The trail climbs Cole Mountain, crosses to Shortoff Mountain, then descends to a junction with a private trail: turn left here, and start the climb of Yellow Mountain. At the summit, there is a combined observation tower and radio building. For views of the Smoky Mountains to the North, follow paths around to the northwest side. Return via same route.
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