Adventures
Fish Tales guided trips are so much more than just fishing. The memories of your day on the water will last a lifetime. They provide all the equipment necessary for you to enjoy your time on the water in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and North Georgia. Contact them before your trip to join a guided trip or to plan your own custom fishing experience.
Don’t need a guide, just some supplies? These folks are your one-stop shop for all things fly fishing. From fly reels and wading gear, to packs and fly boxes, you can trust their supplies.
Book ahead! 828-421-0732
Open: Mon – Sat, 8am – 5pm (Closed Sundays).
Visit: 29 E Main Street Franklin, NC 28734.
Our local guides to Franklin and its surroundings, with river trips and kayak rentals, let Brent and Angela tailor a trip down the Little Tennessee River that caters to your unique preferences. They offer opportunities to expand your knowledge of the riverine wilds of southern Appalachia for groups, couples and individuals. They also tailor walks and hikes to your specific interests, including birds, botanicals or the fascinating cultural history in our wild mountains, not to mention Alarka offers backyard phenology workshops and art and literature sessions and excursions.
Book Ahead! Min. notice 2-3 days but the further in advance, the better: 828-371-8439.
Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions
Temporarily closed until 2026.
Guided Wildflower Nature Walks & Plant Identification led by Adam Bigelow, a self-proclaimed plant nerd, who has been studying and working with the native plants of Southern Appalachia for 20 years. “Somehow, seemingly by accident, I fell in love with native plants and wildflowers along the way. I would enjoy the opportunity to help you fall in love with them too.”
He has a passion for the native plants and wildflowers of Southern Appalachia, walking in the woods, organic gardening, community gardening, sustainability and eco-friendly living, and making music with friends.
Outdoor 76
From shirts and accessories to water filters and camping cookware, O76 has quite the selection for all your outdoor lifestyle needs. Need new hiking, running or walking shoes? A highly-trained staff is ready to provide you with a custom biomechanics fitting experience that is second to none! Stop in for a free evaluation and they’ll get you primed with your best footwear experience yet.
Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 7pm.
Visit: 35 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734.
Call: 828-349-7676.
O76 also has a JR Rangers program that can be completed at your own pace. JR Rangers are typically 5 to 13, but all ages are encouraged to participate. For more information and the activity sheets, visit here!
Curtis Wright Outfitters
Falconry is an ancient interaction and working relationship between man and animal. This is an up close and personal “hands on” experience with a bird of prey where guests will accompany a licensed falconer and learn about the time honored sport of falconry. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience as hawk or falcon follows from tree to tree or circles in the sky then returns to your glove. A guided falconry trip at Curtis Wright Outfitters gives our guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience this fascinating, mysterious art form and sport.
Book ahead! Contact Peter at 828-553-5063 to schedule your experience.
Chunky Gal Stables
Western North Carolina’s best horseback riding experience! Pick from a 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour, 2 hour, and half day long trail ride through the Nantahala National Forest in Hayesville, NC. Group sizes are small, all rides are guided with a friendly and knowledgeable trail guide and a safety demonstration that shows how the horses are trained is given before every ride. There are several different options for trails depending on experience level and scenery, accommodating all experience levels. There’s something for everyone, even the kiddos (just ask about ages when making your reservation.) Giddy up and ride on over!
Book ahead! Open 7 days a week, 8am – 5pm. 828-389-4175
The Ridges Resort Marina – Watercraft Rentals
Enjoy the day exploring Lake Chatuge at your own pace by kayak, paddleboard or top-of-the-line pontoons. No experience is necessary. Just show up and The Ridges Marina will provide you with everything you need to enjoy your time on the water. The goal is to provide you with a hassle-free rental–equipped for your individual needs–that will allow you to have a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience.
Book ahead! Rates subject to change. Fees may increase during holiday weekends/special events.
Book: marina@theridgeresort.com / Phone: 706-896-2262
Hikes & Walks
(Download our Hikes & Walks Printable PDF for easy reference)
Please consult maps and be properly equipped before hiking. Have fun, and stay safe! Check here for seasonal trail closures and forest alerts.
The Appalachian Trail (AT) runs along the ridge-line directly north of Winding Stair Farm and Campground. Two nearby access points make reaching the AT easy:
- Wallace Gap (1.5 miles east on West Old Murphy Rd).
- Winding Stair Gap (2.5 miles north on Hwy 64).
Top Hiking Trails from the Backcountry Parking Area
- From Winding Stair Campground, head right onto West Old Murphy Road for about 1 mile.
- At Wallace Gap, turn right towards Standing Indian Campground. You’ll pass the Rock Gap parking area on the left, then continue past Standing Indian Campground (stay left at the fork).
- The Backcountry parking area will be on the right, approximately 3 miles from the farm and campground — an easy 10-minute drive. This area offers year-round access to some of the best hiking trails in the NC mountains.
Located across from the parking area, Long Branch Trail is a beautiful 2.5-mile hike to Glassmine Gap (mile 103 on the AT). Enjoy the soothing sounds of Long Branch Creek and an abundance of wildflowers, especially in spring. It’s considered a moderate trail with a steep final quarter-mile climb to the Appalachian Trail.
- From Glassmine Gap, hike south to the Albert Mountain Fire Tower (mile 98) for stunning views, or create a 25-mile loop via the Kimsey Creek Trail.
- Head north from Glassmine Gap to reach Rock Gap (mile 104), Wallace Gap (mile 105), or Winding Stair Gap (mile 110).
This 4.5-mile scenic trail begins next to the info board at Standing Indian Campground. Cross the Nantahala River and follow Kimsey Creek upstream through lush forests and primitive campsites. After the second bridge, the trail becomes remote and wildflower-filled. It ends at Deep Gap (mile 84 on the AT), with options to continue north to Standing Indian Mountain or south to the Chunky Gal Trail.
Park Ridge / Park Creek Trail Loop
This 5-mile loop offers an easy and scenic hike, great for families. Start through Standing Indian Campground, following the Nantahala River downstream, and enjoy a beautiful, flat trail teeming with wildflowers like trilliums in May. Extend your adventure to a 10-mile loop by continuing to Park Gap and looping back via Park Ridge Trail.
Mountain Hikes Beyond the Backcountry Center
A family-friendly 1-mile roundtrip hike to a stunning waterfall and a refreshing swimming hole. Located 4.5 miles past the Backcountry parking area.
Mooney Falls
A quick stop 5.5 miles past the Backcountry parking area. A short trail leads to both the top and bottom of beautiful Mooney Falls.
Albert Mountain Fire Tower
Drive 9.5 miles past the Backcountry parking area. Take a steep but short 1/3-mile rock scramble from the Bear Pen Trail, or a more gradual 0.5-mile hike from the trail end. The summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the NC mountains.
Pickens Nose
This moderate 1.5-mile roundtrip hike leads to dramatic rock outcroppings and sweeping views into Georgia. Located 8.7 miles past the Backcountry parking area, it’s one of the hidden gems of hiking in the NC mountains.
Chunky Gal Trail to Bolter Peak
A challenging 6-mile roundtrip hike with 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but rewarded by stunning open vistas of mountain ranges and Lake Chatuge. Trailhead is 5.5 miles west from Winding Stair Campground.
Siler Bald
Offering one of the best 360-degree views in Western North Carolina, this short but steep side trail off the AT is a must-visit.
- South Approach: From Winding Stair Gap, hike north 4 miles on the AT to Snowbird Gap, then scramble left to Siler Bald’s summit.
- North Approach: From Wayah Crest, hike south 1.5 miles on the AT to Snowbird Gap and reach Siler Bald.
Local Strolls
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Meandering through Franklin, the Little Tennessee River Greenway offers nearly 5 miles of paved trails filled with wildflowers, wetlands, railroad relics, and rich mountain biodiversity. Perfect for an easy, scenic walk near the river.
Tessentee Bottomland Preserve
Explore over 70 acres of riverfront land at the Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, offering the most extensive trail system among Mainspring properties. View the Tessentee trails map here.
Queen Branch
This 16-acre riverfront preserve offers a quick but beautiful walk with stunning water views, ideal for all ages and abilities.
Gibson Bottoms
A 64-acre success story of conservation along the Little Tennessee River, Gibson Bottoms offers a peaceful 1.7-mile loop trail through woodlands and pasture. See the Gibson Bottoms trail map here.
Local Eats
Winding Stair Farm & Gardens
Our own Certified Naturally Grown produce, eggs and meats, as well as local fruit and vegetables from farmers and friends. We accept SNAP/EBT.
Open: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm (May & June only).
Winter Hours (Dec 1 – Mar 1): Open Friday & Saturday, 9am – 5pm.
Web: www.windingstairfarm.com.
Visit: 57 Saunders Road, Franklin, NC 28734.
Tel. 828-369-9778.
Food Lion
155 Macon Plaza Dr, Franklin, NC 28734
Open: Monday – Sunday, 7am – 11pm
Accepts SNAP/EBT
Ingles
Stores contains bakeries, deli, and Starbucks.
- 4501 Highway 441 Bypass, Franklin, NC 28734
- 1257 Georgia Rd., Franklin, NC 28734
Wal-Mart
Visit: 273 Commons Drive, Franklin, NC 28734
Good Eats
(Restaurants in Franklin change their hours frequently – be sure to check first)
Cafe Rel
“Great food in a gas station!” This famous and quaint cafe was once featured on Drive-Ins, Diners, and Dives. Serves European-inspired entrees, sandwiches, and pastas.
Open Wed-Saturday only. 11-2:30, 3:30-8pm
Visit: 459 E. Main St., Franklin, NC 28734.
Tel: 828-369-9446.
Gracious Plates
Serving high quality food grown and raised by local farmers and vendors to deliver a true Farm to Fork experience.
Open: Mon – Sat, 11 – 9pm.
Visit: 46 Main St., Franklin, NC 28734.
Tel: 828-369-2690.
828 Café
Offering an inspired health-conscious cuisine focused on sustainable ingredients and organic whenever possible.
Open: Tues – Sat, 7:30 – 2:30pm (Closed Sun & Mon).
Visit: 228 NE Main St., Franklin, NC 28734.
Tel. 828-634-7702.
Slanted Window Tasting Station
Enjoy wine, beer, bourbon tastings, and a variety of delicious sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and flatbreads.
Winter hours: Thur 12pm-8pm, Sat & Sun 12pm-9pm.
They often have live music on Fridays and Sundays!
Visit: 587 Harrison Ave, Franklin, NC 28734.
Tel. 828-276-9463.
Franklin Pizza Tavern
Pizzas, Italian dinners, and other comfort eats.
Visit: 607 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Tel: 828-369-9890
Open: Wed-Thur 4-8, Fri-Sat 12-8.30, Sun 12-8. Closed Mon-Tues.