Saturday, February 12, 2011

Macon County, North Carolina


Macon County Line















George and I visited Macon County on October 27, 2010, after spending the morning and part of the afternoon in neighboring Clay County. At this elevation, and thanks to the rainfall that week, the fall leaves were disappearing from the trees, but we did see beautiful leaves in other places throughout the week.

Macon County was formed in 1828, and was named for Nathanial Macon, who served North Carolina in both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate in the 1800s.


Macon County Confederate Army Memorial



This is the Macon County Confederate Army Memorial in Rankin Square, Franklin. It was erected in 1909, and is a surprisingly imposing statue. I also noticed a couple of North Carolina Civil War Trail signs in Franklin.














Rose in Franklin Square



















This is one of my favorite pictures from this day trip, even though it isn't particularly unique to the North Carolina mountains, much less Franklin. I'm not a gardener, so I was surprised to see rosebuds in October, and my little point-and-shoot digital camera captured the raindrops on the bud quite nicely, I think. We saw many raindrops earlier this day in Hayesville (Clay County), and I was glad to capture a few of them sticking around on this rosebud in Franklin. 

Franklin Town Clock








The Franklin Town Clock is in a charming little area of downtown Franklin. It has the feel of a mountain town here, doesn't it?!












Downtown Franklin





Franklin is known as the "Gem Capital of the World," and is also known for having lots of outdoor activities in the area, including whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.













Macon County Courthouse
















The Macon County Courthouse is in Franklin, the county seat. I love how the area surrounding the sign is decorated for fall!


Bridal Veil Falls















Our last stop in Macon County was at Bridal Veil Falls. It is on Highway 64 between Franklin and Highlands, and is the only waterfall in North Carolina that you can drive a car under! To give you a little perspective on the waterfall's size, you can barely see George in this photo; he is on the left side of the waterfall, on the road between the falling water and the rock, taking pictures. (You may have to click on the picture to make it bigger to see him a little better.)

I really enjoyed our visit to Macon County! My one regret is not making it to Highlands. Another trip!

See the rest of my Macon County photos on Flickr.