Macon County is a county located in the North Carolina. As of 2000, the population was 29,811. Its county seat is Franklin. The county was formed in 1828 from the western part of Haywood County. It was named for Nathaniel Macon, who represented North Carolina in the United States House of Representatives from 1791 to 1815 (serving as Speaker of the House from 1801 to 1807), and in the United States Senate from 1815 to 1828.
Long before the first settlers arrived the fertile mountains of southwestern North Carolina were home to the Cherokee Indian Nation. In a valley surrounded by some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the land that is now Franklin "Nikwasi" or "center of activity". The name still holds true today, as Franklin is a center of history, heritage and the mountain way of life. Franklin celebrated its 150th Anniversary during 2005 and continues to hold true to our heritage while embracing the future. Nestled in North Carolina's southern mountains, in the foothills of the Great Smokies, the area offers a unique change of pace, a never-ending supply of things to do.
In 1839 the western part of Macon County became Cherokee County. In 1851 parts of Macon County and Haywood County were combined to form Jackson County. The county is divided into eleven townships: Burningtown, Cartoogechaye, Cowee, Ellijay, Flats, Franklin, Highlands, Millshoal, Nantahala, Smithbridge,Otto, and Sugarfork.
Nearly half of Macon County, of which Franklin is the county seat, lies within the Nantahala National Forest. Comprised of over a half-million acres of unspoiled beauty, this magnificent forest is just waiting to be explored. The Nantahala is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. Its rolling mountains rise to a series of peaks over 5,000 feet high from the valley of the Little Tennessee River, creating spectacular vistas and a richness of natural beauty that have entranced visitors since the 18th Century. Spectacular waterfalls, fantastic hiking trails, pristine fishing streams and abundant wildlife are among the area's many natural treasures. Franklin is situated between two popular scenic gorges, the Cullasaja and the Nantahala. In its rush downhill the Cullasaja takes some spectacular spills, creating lower Cullasaja Falls with a drop of 250 feet. Dry Falls is a favorite with visitors who can actually walk behind the roaring 75 foot wall of water.
The mountainscape is lined with many wonderful hiking trails including the famous Appalachian Trail which meanders for 60 miles along the crest of the Nantahala Mountains. Some 40 miles of side trails interlace with the AT in the region as well. Another, lesser known trail also makes its way through Macon County. Bartram Trail, named for American Botanist William Bartram, who documented the native flora and fauna of the area in 1775. Bartram Trail climbs into the hills, inviting hikers to follow the explorer's footsteps and discover for themselves the exuberant natural world in which he took such delight.
The forests also shelters hundreds of species of wildlife and wildflowers, creating a virtual paradise for photographers. Approximately 135 species of birds have been spotted. Other wildlife can be seen as well including deer and black bear. And if you enjoy wildflowers, their species number in the hundreds including the breath taking Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron.
West of Franklin, the Nantahala River has carved its own deep gorge. The Cherokee called this place "Noonday Sun", because at one point, the perpendicular cliffs obscured the sun except during the middle of the day. Today, the region is famous for trout fishing and white water sports. Rafting and kayaking on the river offer exciting recreation for all ages.
The natural heritage of Franklin is not limited to mountain scenery and wildlife. The area is rich in gems and minerals and is a favorite spot for rockhounds of all ages. The famous Cowee Valley north of Franklin lures thousands each year to its mines which yield valuable stones to lucky miners annually. You'll also find other gem mines located throughout the area. Among the native stones found are ruby, sapphire and garnets just to name a few. The interest in gems & minerals has also spawned one of the country's best known gem shows, the Macon County Gemboree. That event will celebrate its 40th anniversary this July and draws thousands annually to Franklin. In fact, the original Gemboree has grown so popular two other gem shows have been added to accommodate the interest; the Mother's Day Gemboree held in May and the Leaflooker's Gemboree in October.
Each year Franklin offers numerous festivals and special events including, Pickin' on the Square which features live music each Saturday night June through October in downtown. Discover our Scottish heritage during A Taste of Scotland in June. Take in the largest 4th of July celebration in western North Carolina right here in Franklin. The Macon County Fair is held each September and is one of the few remaining true agricultural fairs in the country plus many other activities throughout the year. From arts and crafts to music, you'll find our mountain heritage still being passed on today to new generations. Numerous arts & crafts shows are held annually where you can learn more about and see mountain heritage arts demonstrations.
Nature's wonders, history and heritage, make Franklin, North Carolina the ideal place for a relaxing, refreshing getaway - truly the home of mountain treasures and simple pleasures.
The Highlands of North Carolina.
For more information on activities in and around the Burlingame Country Club at Sapphire Lakes near Sapphire, North Carolina, visit:
Featured Communities in The Highlands
(This and more local information is available at or through the above sites.)
Macon County Homes, Properties and Special Feature Real Estate
It's not surprising, then, that homes and properties - including waterfront, golf course, retirement and other special features properties - in and around Macon County, North Carolina are highly prized and sell quick. Some of the Macon County area's finest luxury and executive homes and frontage properties in a variety of attractive sizes and styles are likely available at the right price right now.
If you're already picturing yourself owning prestigious Macon County, North Carolina real property, you're not alone. With the wide variety of Highlands properties, you'll find Macon County area homes or lots that are suited to your unique needs and desires. Keep in mind that, as you would expect, Macon County real estate is highly valued and available homes and properties go fast.
So, if you're like many eager home buyers, you can easily understand why the prestige, security, pleasant surroundings and both present and future value of one-of-a-kind residential resort communities make Highland County properties especially attractive - and extremely competitive. In short, such real estate gems are likely to be available in the kind of setting and situation that could make you and your family comfortable, cozy and contented for a long time.
Whether your interest is a new family home, recreational land, construction lots, a second home, luxury homes/estates, multi-million dollar properties, pristine gated communities or other special-feature properties, you'll find Macon County, North Carolina area real estate opportunities that are the right fit, right now.
More About Meadows Mountain Properties
At Meadows Mountain Realty, we have the expertise to guide you through the home purchasing process painlessly and profitably. We're proud and protective of our reputation for knowledgeable advice, enthusiastic service, creative marketing and professional networking. That's why we present only the finest properties in the most attractive settings so you can feel at ease that your search will produce the right kind of solution for you.
Previous customers would tell you that Meadows Mountain Realty provides all of the specialized services you deserve: a strong work ethic, personal real estate expertise to help define your needs, help with selecting and securing standard financing for your purchase, special technology, constant communication throughout the transaction, and more. Our combined years of experience in real estate mean we can provide guidance in all aspects of your search, no matter where it may lead - from existing homes for sale, properties for sale, lots, vacant land, 55-plus, gated and retirement communities, investment properties, waterfront and mountain view, golf, recreational and harbor town lighthouse properties, golf course lots - all the way to luxury villas, estate, executive and multi-million dollar homes.
Recognized expertise, professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction have made Meadows Mountain Realty the choice of many previous home buyers. That's because, as a real estate industry leader in the Macon County community, we take seriously our opportunity - and obligation - to educate our home-buying clients about the area and to help them conduct their search in complete confidence.
We understand that home buyers can find any real estate agent to handle their business and think you'll like the courtesy, professionalism, attention to detail and real estate savvy for which We're known. Let us help you discover your dream home in Macon County, North Carolina! Contact Meadows Mountain Realty today!
Other nearby communities have similar real estate characteristics as Macon County and may also be of interest to you in your home search. Please feel free to ask Meadows Mountain Realty about homes for sale, lakeside/riverside properties and other real estate listings for nearby communities, such as Highlands, Cashiers, Lake Glenville, Sapphire Sapphire Lakes, Scaly Mountain, Macon County, Transylvania County, Jackson County, Burlingame, Highlands Plateau, The Highlands, Brushy Face, Highgate Community, Highlands Falls Country, Cullasaja Club, Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Highlands Cove, MountainTop Golf and Lake Club, Trillium Links and Lake Club and much more.
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EXCLUSIVE REAL ESTATE IN HIGHLANDS, CASHIERS & LAKE GLENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Meadows Mountain Realty services the real estate needs of home buyers and home sellers in search of special real estate, homes for sale, condos, investment properties, gated community homes, privacy homes, new construction, new homes, land, lots, waterfront properties, scenic view homes and recreational property in these nearby communities, and more!
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