That’s why we call our area Your Gateway to Adventure!

Tucked away in the mountains of western North Carolina, Franklin & Nantahala are two communities that work together to offer visitors a myriad of ways to get outside and explore the many bounties of the Nantahala National Forest.

The Mountain Waters Scenic Byway will take you through the Cullasaja River and the Nantahala River Gorges. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful waterfalls as the rivers twist and turn through the Nantahala National Forest. Parking areas along the Cullasaja River allow you to explore Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and the popular swimming hole, Bust Your Butt Falls, with many places to stop and have a picnic.

Whitewater fans need to look no further than the Nantahala River. Year-round kayaking along with scheduled recreational dam releases, offer Class III & IV rapids. If a gentler paddling experience is up your alley, the Little Tennessee River flows north into Franklin from Georgia and continues all the way in to Fontana Lake. The Cullasaja, Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers also offer fantastic spots for fly fishing. Set out solo or contact a local fishing guide to help you find the best places to cast a line and relax.

Nantahala Lake

The Bartram Trail has over 100 miles of trail, most of it within the Nantahala National Forest. Together with the world-famous Appalachian Trail, avid hikers will have numerous trails to explore. The two trails also intersect at one of the most popular historic and scenic locations in all Western North Carolina, Wayah Bald Lookout Tower that sits at over one-mile high in elevation. From the tower, you can see the Blue Ridge, Nantahala, and Great Smoky Mountains.

Franklin has plenty for the foodies, music lovers, and craft beer aficionados. Franklin is home to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class venue that offers entertainment from all genres of music and Broadway shows. Head downtown Franklin on Saturday evenings from Memorial Day thru late October for Picking’ on the Square, a free concert right in the heart of the historic district. Country, Blue Grass, Classic Rock, Beach Music, and more!

We invite you to walk Main Street in Franklin and see some of the handmade local item made by local crafters. We also have two full-service craft beer breweries in Franklin, bookmarking opposite ends of Main Street. They are both family friendly venues and are great places to enjoy an evening enjoying locally crafted beer. If you’re looking for a finer fare to dine on, check out Café Rel or Gracious Plates. Exquisite cuisine and a refreshing way to end the day!

After a day of retail therapy head over to Nantahala Lake, a water-sports enthusiasts happy place. From paddle boarding to pontoon boats, jet skiing to speed boating, with over 80% of the lake’s shoreline undeveloped and owned by the National Forest Service, ensuring the lake remains a serene and peaceful getaway. Have your own boat? Bring it along to one of our two public boat launches. Need a boat of just about any kind, head over to Lake’s End Marina and rent a boat of your choosing. Make sure you stop in at the Café & Grill for lunch and dinner!

We invite you to join us in 2024 in Franklin and Nantahala North Carolina – your gateway to adventure!

www.ExploringWNC.com

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Exchange the humdrum of city life for the serenity of a luxurious cabin nestled amidst the whispering pines. Imagine crackling fireplaces casting warm glows on evenings spent with loved ones, mugs of hot cider in your hands as you gaze at star-studded skies. Ellijay’s upscale cabins offer more than just creature comforts; they are sanctuaries where time slows down, and nature’s symphony lulls you into a state of blissful repose.

The rolling hills of Ellijay cradle not just majestic mountains but also a flourishing wine industry. As the winter chill wanes, the vineyards burst into life with the promise of a bountiful harvest. Embark on a vineyard adventure, sampling the award-winning creations of local wineries.

Ellijay’s culinary scene is a delightful tapestry woven with fresh, seasonal ingredients and the artistry of passionate chefs. From farm-to-table restaurants showcasing the bounty of the land to cozy bistros with global influences, your taste buds will embark on a delightful expedition. Savor melt-in-your-mouth trout, indulge in juicy steaks cooked to perfection, or tantalize your palate with innovative vegetarian creations.

If you are the adventurous type, Ellijay is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unearthed. Hike through verdant forests teeming with life, cast a line into crystal-clear streams teeming with trout, or embark on a scenic drive along winding roads that unveil breathtaking vistas.

As spring paints the mountains in vibrant hues, Ellijay comes alive with a renewed energy. Dogwood trees erupt in a cascade of white blooms, blanketing the landscape in a breathtaking display of ethereal beauty. Mountain Laurels carpet the meadows in a kaleidoscope of colors, their sweet fragrance filling the air. The gentle murmur of waterfalls crescendos, celebrating the season’s grand arrival.

Ellijay is more than just a destination; it is a state of mind. It is a place where time slows down, and worries melt away like snowflakes under the warm embrace of the spring sun. It is a place where the simple pleasures of life – the crackling fire, the shared laughter, the delectable meal – are elevated to an art form.

Ellijay, Georgia, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its upscale cabin rentals, award-winning wineries, and delectable cuisine, it offers an experience that is both luxurious and down-to-earth. And as spring paints the mountains in vibrant hues, the town comes alive with a renewed energy, making it the perfect time to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.

Visit www.PickEllijay.com

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Welcome to Burnsville, NC, where the air is fresh, the temperature is ideal, and the people are friendly. Established in 1834, Burnsville is the perfect small-town mountain getaway, just 40 minutes northeast of Asheville. Burnsville is home to expansive mountain views, a walkable Main Street, colorful street murals, and quaint art galleries. Our friendly, locally-owned brewery, eateries, and restaurants bring quality, one-of-a-kind dining experiences to locals and visitors. Wander historic downtown for the perfect gift, antique, fashion accessory, or the latest in home décor, jewelry, and more. No matter where you go in Yancey County, you’ll feel our warm hospitality.

Burnsville is home to Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River at 6,684 feet. Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the country’s first state parks, has an easily-accessible observation deck, concessions, a museum, camping facilities, and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore short hikes near the summit and challenging treks to adjacent wilderness areas. Access Mount Mitchell State Park’s unmatched views via the Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s Favorite Drive” at milepost 355.4 in Yancey County.

With nearly 100 miles of hiking trails, there’s no better place to explore than in Yancey County. Chart your own course or partner with a local outfitter to explore the great outdoors. Find pristine forests, clean rivers, dramatic views, and cool waterfalls, including Crabtree Falls, Roaring Fork Falls, and Setrock Creek Falls. Discover endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, tubing, and cycling.

After an awe-inspiring day in the outdoors, come back into town to stay at one of our cozy cabins or local inns. Unwind at Mount Mitchell EcoRetreat, a former dude ranch turned mountain escape, or find yourself immersed in history at the newly restored Nu Wray Hotel, reopening in 2023. With high-speed internet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, catching up on work or disconnecting entirely while on your stay are both easily accessible.

Start your morning with an Appalachian-inspired breakfast at Pig & Grits, a local favorite, or grab a coffee at Appalachian Java. Be sure to save your appetite in the evening for a beer at Homeplace Beer Co., followed by dinner at Cast Iron Kitchen, where Chef Chris Hall insists on using only fresh ingredients to create a culinary experience.

Spend the day exploring town at local shops and galleries. Burnsville is home to hundreds of artists and crafters making unique, original objects in clay, glass, wood, metal, and fiber, as well as furniture and musical instruments. The annual Toe River Arts Studio Tour is a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and an opportunity to view their work, processes, and studio spaces. Be sure to check out the variety of other stores on Main Street, including Monkey Business, a local toy store that will make you feel like a kid again, no matter your age.

Peer into the night sky at Bare Dark Sky Observatory through the Southeast’s largest telescope dedicated to public use. View wonders of our galaxy and beyond at this certified International Dark Sky Park. Each two-hour stargazing session offers visitors a chance to soak up 360-degree views of the moon, planets, and stars. Take your stargazing adventure indoors at the newly opened Arthur Planetarium, connected to the observatory. View the world’s skies, experience places around the globe, and enjoy laser light shows in the 60-seat planetarium with a 36′ projection dome.

While honoring its deep roots in Appalachia, Burnsville’s pioneering spirit lives on through its diverse variety of experiences for visitors to enjoy.

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