Macon County

Long before the first settlers arrived the fertile mountains of southwestern North Carolina were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the land that is now Franklin “Nikwasi” or “center of activity”.

The name still holds true today, as Franklin is a center of history, heritage and the mountain way of life. Franklin celebrated its 150th Anniversary during 2005 and continues to hold true to our heritage while embracing the future. Nestled in North Carolina’s southern mountains, in the foothills of the Great Smokies, the area offers a unique change of pace, a never-ending supply of things to do.

Franklin is large enough to offer almost everything you need, yet small enough to offer the highest quality of life. While the area is famous for is rural beauty, it is by no means isolated. Franklin is situated along major highways US 23/441 and US 64, with easy access to major interstates I-40, I-26 and I-85. Atlanta, Georgia is just 127 miles to the south, while Knoxville, Tennessee is only 110 miles to the north and Asheville, NC is 65 miles to the east.