Area Information
Beautiful Franklin, NC
An elevation of 2,047 feet and known as the “Gem Capital of the World”.
Franklin, NC
This quaint mountain town is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, surrounded by beauty and located between two scenic gorges. This area offers plenty of outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and waterfalls to explore.
Franklin, NC has easy access to major interstates I-40, I-26 and I-85 and is located within an hour of Asheville, NC and just two hours from Atlanta GA, Knoxville TN, and Greenville SC.


Gem Capital of the World
The Franklin area is famous for its gem mining. Franklin hosts the jewelry and gem show, “Macon County Gemboree”, twice a year. The Cowee Valley north of Franklin attracts thousands of visitors annually to its mines, which continue to yield valuable stones. There are also other gem mines located throughout the area. Among the native stones found are ruby, sapphire, and garnets. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is free to the public and is noted for its exhibits.
Local Towns & Cities
Along with the mountain towns nearby, Franklin is located within an hour of major city centers of Asheville, NC and just two hours from Atlanta GA, Knoxville TN, and Greenville SC. Find more information about some of the local municipalities within a few hours drive!
Highlands, NC
The quaint town of Highlands offers an engaging, warm, and welcoming spirit, where making the most of every moment happens naturally. It’s a setting unlike any other.
Cashiers, NC
Cashiers is a lush area with plenty of beautiful spots for outdoor activities. Explore numerous apparel boutiques, antique shops, home furnishing studios and outstanding restaurants.
Bryson City, NC
This hidden gem is one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the Southeast. Bryson City is nestled where the Blue Ridge meets the Smokies, a scenic retreat brimming with adventure and natural beauty.
Waynesville, NC
Downtown Waynesville has a quaint, urban charm, perfect for walkable shopping in local boutiques and gift shops for artisan goods and vibrant restaurant and craft beer scene.
Clayton, GA
Clayton is a quaint community east of Peaceful Meadows. The town is the gateway to Black Rock Mountain State Park with wildflowers, fishing, waterfalls and 80-mile views, it’s a must-visit.
Cherokee, NC
In Cherokee you can visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino along with numerous campgrounds, motels, and hotels or the Great Smoky Mountains National Park main enterance.
Sylva, NC
Sylva is a charming mountain town known for its scenic beauty, vibrant Main Street, thriving craft brewery scene and is a great base for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains.
Asheville, NC
Asheville is the heartbeat of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a mixture of genres, a hybrid of styles, where emerging ideas flow and the changing seasons bring energy and inspiration.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta has world-class restaurants, festive nightlife, professional sports teams, and an abundance of attractions and events. Visitors can experience a diverse and thriving cultural scene at the city’s many theatres, museums, galleries and concert halls.
Knoxville, TN
Whether for a relaxing couples getaway, an action-packed adventure with friends, or a family-friendly vacation, Knoxville has what you’re looking for. Discover beautiful alleys of art, serene trails, and delicious restaurants that will keep you coming back for more.
Greenville, SC
Greenville is a warm, inviting, down-to-earth place where waterfalls grace the city center, mountain views fill the horizon with endless panoramas, and a remarkably cosmopolitan craft food and beverage scene delights every palate.
Area Recreation
Peaceful Meadows is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience the mountain lifestyle with several opportunities for outdoor recreation are nearby.
It is also close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains, Appalachian Trail, and countless waterfalls, allowing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation through numerous parks and outfitters.

Parks and Recreation
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Nantahala National Forest
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Appalachian Trail
- Frog Greenway
- Smoky Mountain Center
- Bartram Trail
- Wayah Bald
- Wesser Bald
- Siler Bald
- Wilson Lick Ranger Station
- Pickens Nose
- Little Tennessee River
- Lake Chatuge
- Nantahala Lake
- Tsali Recreation Area
- Lake Glenville
- Jackrabbit Mountain Biking Trail
- Tallulah Gorge State Park
Waterfalls
- Nantahala Falls
- Lake Sequoyah (Kalakaleskies Falls)
- Quarry Falls
- Rufus Morgan Falls and Trail
- Cullasaja Falls
- Katie’s Falls
- Cashiers Sliding Rock
- Upper Middle Creek Falls
- Hurricane (Tallulah) Falls, Tempesta Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Oceana Falls
- Tallulah Gorge State Park.
- Whitewater Falls
- Frolicktown Falls
- Dry Falls
- Glen Falls
- Big Shoals/ Secret Falls
- Silver Run Falls
- Jagged Rock Falls
- Mooney Falls
- White Oak Falls
Outfitters/Attractions
- Mason Mountain Mine
- Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
- Old Cardinal Gem Mine
- Sheffield Mine
- Rose Creek Mine
- Fish Tales
- Tellico Trout Farm
- Franklin Golf Course
- The Golf Club at Mill Creek
- Shopping
- The Factory
- Gem and Mineral Museum
- Smoky Mountains Performing Arts
- Macon County Historical Museum
- Highlands Aerial Park
