Our Mission: The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that welcomes, enhances, supports, promotes and encourages tourism, a healthy business environment, and quality of life.

Freeman Gas From a small, family owned business founded in 1936, we have grown into one of the largest Propane Gas dealers in the Southeast, a third-generation company with 21 store locations. What enabled this growth that has spanned over six decades? Quality products, great selection, excellent service and, most of all, a real commitment to our customers and the communities we serve. What Do We Have To Offer At Freeman Gas To Make Your Life Better?

Gem Mining Franklin is known as the Gem mining capital of the world. Gem mining has been a favorite activity for visitors to the Franklin area for years. Try your hand at mining for rubies, sapphires and other precious gems at any of the numerous gem mines around Franklin. Some lucky tourists have struck it rich by discovering some of the worlds largest rubies. Visit the Chamber of Commerce for a Gem Mine Map. Locations include: Sheffield Mine, Rose Creek Mine, R & S Gems and More, Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine, Mason Mountain Mine, Jackson Hole, and Gold City Gem Mine.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Truly a spectacular trip with 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 15 bridges. Choose from a variety of excursions ranging from half-day to full-day trips...steam or diesel locomotives, gourmet dinner trains, mystery theater dinner trains and a wide array of seating options. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy year-round scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in a spectacular region of eastern America called the Great Smoky Mountains. This section of western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever-changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes. With the advent of the railroad into western North Carolina in the 1890s, logging became a major industry and remained so until the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934. In all mountain logging terrain there are steep grades. Conventional locomotives could not hold traction on the hastily-laid rails. To solve the problem, a unique type of locomotive was used. The Shay Locomotive and the Climax The Shay locomotive had vertical cylinders placed to the right of an offset boiler. The cylinders turned a crankshaft geared to transmitting power to the wheels, thus providing high traction. A competitor of the Shay was the Climax locomotive which also had vertical drive gear. Roads and Autos As highways became the primary movers of people, rail passenger service declined and was halted here in 1948, but freight service continued. By 1988, because of dwindling traffic and high maintenance costs, Norfolk Southern filed for abandonment of the 67 miles of track between Dillsboro and Murphy. The State of North Carolina stepped in dramatically, purchased the line, and leased it to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Inc., a group of shippers and investors. Today the railroad owns 53 miles of the track and right of way from Dillsboro to Andrews.

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

Hampton Inn from $89 244 Cunningham Rd, Franklin 28734 Pool • Cribs Available • Iron • Connecting Rooms • Television with Cable • Exercise Gym • Meeting/Banquet Facilities

Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel Welcome to the excitement. Known for delivering 24 hours of gaming action, Harrah's Cherokee Casino in Cherokee, North Carolina, has built a reputation for exciting, live entertainment and fine dining. Arrive in the Great Smoky Mountains and you«ll be enchanted as you walk among the wildflowers and waterfalls. The inviting homeland of the Cherokee Indians is nestled at the edge of the National Park and presents you with some of the most fantastic trout fishing, hiking and sightseeing in America. Harrah's Cherokee's brand new luxury hotel is open! The 15-story hotel features two restaurants, a conference center, gift shop, indoor swimming pool, fitness area and much more. The 252-room hotel is enhanced with Indian crafts and artwork through out each floor. Experience the Native American culture in a truly luxurious atmosphere. For reservations call 1-800-HARRAHS.

Highlands, NC Known to many as the Vail or Aspen of the East–summer home to some of America's wealthiest families. Stroll downtown Main street and shop. For that special evening make reservations at the Five Star-rated Wolfgangs on Main reastaurant. Afterwards enjoy a play at the Highlands Theatre. Highlands is a short 30 minute drive from Franklin. Enjoy the breathtaking drive through the gorge and visit spectacular waterfall stops along the way on Hwy. 28 South (Highlands Rd.) From the Highlands Chamber of Commerce Web Site: "Highlands is a unique mountain village that has served as a respite for tourists and second home owners looking for natural beauty, splendor and upscale amenities that this resort town has to offer. Located on a plateau measuring 5 miles long and 3 miles wide, the town at 4,118 feet, it is one of the highest incorporated communities E. of the Mississippi River. People return to Highlands year after year to stay in one of our historic inns, lodges, or bed and breakfasts. They enjoy luxurious dining in some of the finest restaurants in the South, including four Wine Spectator Award of Excellence establishments. The town has earned a reputation as a culinary paradise."

Lonesome Dove Stables We have 14 of the finest trail horses and some of the best trail guides and wranglers to help make riding with us the highlight of your vacation in the Smokies. Horses range from high-spirited for the experienced rider and some very well-mannered, gentle horses for beginners an d children. We always pair up the right horse for the abilities and experience of the rider. The stable has been in operation since 1993. We ride trails in the western North Carolina mountains near the Nantahala George. Our trails are in the Nantahala National Forest and take in some of the most natural scenery in the Smoky Mountains. We offer guided trips for individuals and groups through the absolutely breathtaking scenery of the Nantahala National Forest. Call and ask about our new summer camps for kids. The horses were all abused or neglected horses. They range in age from 5 to 23 years old and have adapted very well to their new home. Each year we usually take in another horse so the children see what it is like to work with abused animals. We have worked with children for several years and they have suggested we open this camp. The children stay at the house with us and help run the stable. Each one is assigned at least 2 horses to feed and groom and work with. When we are not taking out groups they are learning to ride mostly bareback. The reason we teach them bareback is they pay more attention and have to try harder.

2076 Highlands Rd

Franklin, NC 28734

Welcome to the Little Tennessee River Greenway The Little Tennessee River Greenway is one of more than a thousand such trails snaking their way across America turning old canals, abandoned railbeds and forgotten riverbanks into green recreational corridors. The Greenway represents a voluntary local strategy to preserve scenic, natural, historic, cultural and recreational resources and promotes increased public access to the Little Tennessee River through the creation of riverside parks and trails. Please take the time to stroll through our site and discover what the Greenway has to offer, how you can participate, and other information on this beautiful area of western North Carolina.

819 Siler Rd.

Franklin. NC 28734

Fontana Regional Library connects the six public libraries in Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties into a system of libraries. All of the libraries in the Fontana Regional Library system have long and rich histories in their home communities. Uniting as a region enables our libraries to provide higher quality services and operate more effectively and efficiently than if each library stood alone.

Welcome to Macon County Schools Located in the scenic southwestern part of the state, Macon County is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina. Our county is home to approximately 32,395 full-time residents, and our public schools serve almost 4,400 students. There are six elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school within an eight-mile radius of Franklin, the county seat, two k-12 schools located in Nantahala and Highlands, and one early college high school. All eleven schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the North Carolina State Board of Education.

Mediacom Communications, the local cable company serving more than 1,500 communities throughout the country, is proud to be a leader in bringing new broadband services to improve the quality of life and drive economic development in America's smaller cities and towns.