Franklin

Photo Courtesy – Town of Franklin

Franklin is the gem mining capital of North Carolina (though they claim to be the world’s capital). There are several ruby mines near the city, which offer mining of other gemstones like emeralds, sapphires, and garnets. Franklin also offers access to the waterfalls in northern Georgia, and you can continue on US 64 into Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Jagged Rock Falls
Katie’s Falls
Mooney Falls
Rufus Morgan Falls
Whiteoak Falls