Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park

Park

Highlands, NC

Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park offers a 0.1-mile hike to exposed overlooks with west and northwest views of downtown Highlands.

  • sunset viewing over downtown Highlands
  • romantic picnics on an exposed rock face
  • bird watching near Highlands

Dry Falls

Park

Highlands, NC

Dry Falls is a U.S. Forest Service-listed waterfall destination in the Nantahala National Forest area for waterfall viewing and scenic outdoor recreation.

  • waterfall viewing
  • scenic sightseeing in western North Carolina
  • day hikes and outdoor recreation near the Nantahala National Forest

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Visitor Center

Park

Franklin, NC

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and 10 developed campgrounds across 522,427 acres in Tennessee and North Carolina.

  • visitors seeking hiking trails and waterfalls
  • campers wanting developed or backcountry sites
  • wildlife watchers interested in elk, black bears, and diverse species

Standing Indian Campground

Park

Franklin, NC

Standing Indian Campground offers RV and tent camping in Nantahala National Forest, within a 20-minute drive of Franklin, North Carolina.

  • RV camping in Nantahala National Forest
  • Tent camping near Franklin, North Carolina
  • Overnight or multi-day stays in a forest campground

Park in nearby counties

FAQ

Can I reserve a campsite near Franklin?

Standing Indian Campground offers both RV and tent camping, with campsite reservations available through Recreation.gov.

Do I need an entrance fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The park does not charge an entrance fee, but a parking tag is required when parking for more than 15 minutes.

Is Sunset Rock suitable for young children or visitors needing easy access?

The site has a rough gravel access road, an exposed rock face with sheer cliffs, and no picnic tables; the final hike from the trailhead is 0.1 mile.