The 8 Best Hiking Trails Near Franklin, NC

Lush, green forests. Remarkable waterfalls. There’s so much to love about Western North Carolina and all of the little mountain towns it has to offer like Boone, Asheville, Franklin and Highlands.

Overall, the state has over 900 miles of trails. It would take you a lifetime to explore them all.

This guide covers 8 of the best hiking trails near Franklin, North Carolina, with a mixture of easy and moderate trails you can explore that are suitable for both dogs and kids!

Easy Hikes near Franklin, NC

1. Little Tennesee River Greenway

Ken S / Tripadvisor

Length: 6.1 miles 

Difficulty: Moderate

Don’t worry if the distance of this first trail stresses you out. The Little Tennesee River Greenway is a relatively flat nature hike in the middle of Franklin that’s a perfect time if you’re just looking for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

It consists of roughly 7 miles of paved and gravel surfaces you can explore to enjoy scenic views along the Little Tennessee River. You’ll cross the Tassee Bridge, Nickajack Bridge, and Noah Covered Bridge as you make your way down the path, all of which are great sites to see.

The trail is accessible from multiple entrances, so you can pick where you want to start, walk from there, then return to your car. Or you can hike the whole thing if you’re up for it!

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails in Boone, NC

2. Dry Falls

Length: 0.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Just a short drive down towards Highlands, North Carolina is Dry Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls near Franklin you can visit. The super-short trek makes this a popular tourist destination during the summer and a great spot to take the kids.

You can begin the trail to Dry Falls at a large parking area right off the highway. That will quickly put you under the falls where you can explore all around it and capture some great photos from different angles. If the water is strong enough when you visit, you might even get a little wet!

READ MORE: 10 Beautiful Waterfalls Near Murphy, North Carolina

3. Wayah Bald

Length: 0.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

If you’re a sucker for an incredible view, Wayah Bald might become one of your favorites of all time. This short little trail near Franklin, North Carolina is less than half a mile long, but you won’t want to forget your camera when you visit.

After a short walk down a paved trail, you’ll reach the peak of Wayah Bald at 5,342 feet high where you’ll overlook 4 different states, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina, and some of the largest mountains in the area.

This whole trail is packed with incredible views, but some of the best can be found at the old stone fire lookout tower. Take a jacket if you’re visiting during the fall or winter because it can get really chilly up there!

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails near Waynesville, NC

Moderate Franklin, NC Hiking Trails

4. Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William’s Pulpit

Length: 4.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

One of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ most famous trails, The Bartram Trail, hosts several hikes that trailblazers can choose between. This 4.1 mile out and back trail to William’s Pulpit is one of the closest to Franklin.

Beginning at the end of Roy Cove Rd, 8-minutes from downtown Franklin., you’ll pass 2 small waterfalls early on then continue on a fairly steady incline with few level spots until you finally reach William’s Pulpit Overlook at the top.

Make sure you go all the way up to William’s Pulpit sign if you take this hike. There will be a side trail that takes you to a large boulder where you can get some of the best views of the trail!

READ MORE: 17 Unforgettable Waterfalls Near Raleigh, North Carolina

5. Siler Bald via Appalachian Trail

Length: 5.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

One of the few hikes along the Appalachian Trail near Franklin, Siler Bald is a 5.1 mile out and back trail that provides a moderately challenging but rewarding adventure.

You can park on the side of the road to access the trailhead directly across the street when you arrive here, though it’s a little tough to find. Additional parking is available at the Wayah Gap Picnic Area where you can take the stairs to the trailhead if you have any trouble.

Siler Bald isn’t too steep overall as you’ll only gain 1,112ft in elevation, but the last stretch can be a bit strenuous! The trail is well-maintained and marked throughout. Pack a lunch or something to sip on at the top because you’ll earn it!

READ MORE: 8 Best Hikes Near Highlands, NC

6. Scaly Mountain Trail

Length: 3.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Starting from the Osage Overlook, 30 minutes from Highlands, North Carolina, Scaly Mountain Trail sits off the beaten path and offers hikers a light workout with excellent views.

Yellow flags will mark the trail for about 1.9 miles through a mix of gradual inclines and flat periods as you travel through the dense forest. There are 2 beautiful overlooks you can look out from and take photos of the horizon at the peak.

This hike is not incredibly tough overall, but you may struggle with the elevation gain if you have joint or mobility issues. Also, the trail can get really icy during the winter following a cold stretch. Make sure it’s safe before you start your trek up!

7. Wesser Bald Loop

Wesser Bald Loop near Franklin, NC

Length: 2.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

The second hike on this list along the infamous Appalachian Trail, Wesser Bald Loop is a short but moderately challenging trek to the top of Wesser Bald overlooking the Nantahala National Forest offering spectacular views.

You can take two different paths to the top from the trailhead on Tellico Rd (NC SR 1365). Clockwise is a better loop overall, but both should take about 2 hours round trip. 

Several sharp switchbacks will test you a little on your way up before you reach the Wesser Bald fire tower where you can take in some top-notch sunrises or sunsets from its wooden observation platform.

READ MORE: Best Hiking Trails Near Brevard, NC

8. Standing Indian Mountain via Deep Gap

Length: 4.9 miles 

Difficulty: Moderate

Departing from the Deep Gap Trailhead after a 15-minute bumpy drive down FS 71 near Deep Gap Campground, this hike to picturesque views off Standing Indian Mountain is a great way to finish off this list of the best hikes near Franklin, North Carolina.

You can choose between two trails when you arrive at the trailhead, but the north trail offers the best views.

The hike travels uphill the entire time but isn’t too steep until the incline gradually increases as you reach the summit. You’ll come across some roots and rocks along the way, however, this is still a great hike to bring young kids on and take slow!

The trek up and down will range between 2-3 hours depending on your fitness level and how long you stay at the top. The gorgeous views will be well worth the effort!

Find Somewhere to Camp in North Carolina

Pitch a tent or drive your RV to some of the best campgrounds in Western North Carolina using the list below!