About Franklin's Cowee

Land Trust For The Little Tennessee ~ Macon County Franklin, NC

LTLT helps to conserve the landscape of the upper Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River valleys by protecting private lands from inappropriate development. They do this by working with private landowners to place conservation easements on their property, by accepting gifts of land, and by purchasing at-risk properties.

As of September 2009, LTLT has protected 3564 acres through conservation easements (see Easement Examples), and another 1278 acres through acquisition (see LTLT Properties). LTLT also played an important role in the State of North Carolina's acquisition of the Needmore Tract

The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee is a community-based nonprofit which, since 1999, has been a key for the protection of more than 12,000 acres of land, including riverfront lands along 35 miles of the free-flowing Little Tennessee River.

If you would like to get involved there are many ways to do so, whether it be Membership, monetary Donations, Gift lands, Volunteering or a Business Membership, there are many creative ways to help keep the Heritage & History of Macon County Franklin, NC.

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The Dogwoods are just beautiful here in Franklin, NC

Welcome to Springtime in Franklin, NC!

One of the many reasons I love living in Franklin, NC is because of the changing of seasons. I don't think I ever remembered seeing Dogwoods anywhere else I have lived. They are the most beautiful tree that blooms in the Spring and really pretty in the Fall season as well and the leaves turn to a bright orange in color. I took this picture out in the community in Franklin, NC called Cowee. Its a rural area of Macon County and the little Tennessee River runs around the main Highway sometimes called the Bryson City Rd and also known as Hwy.28 Click here to see all the listed property for sale in the Cowee Community.

The inflorescence of Pacific Dogwood is the official flower of the province of British Columbia. Cornus florida and its inflorescence are the state tree and the state flower respectively for the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. It is also the state tree of Missouri and the state flower of North Carolina.

The wood has been used to make all manner of items that need a strong, yet flexible material, such as the rims of nets, basketry, withies, and even skewers, which makes it an ideal choice for roasting marshmallows over an open fire.

This picture was taken in Cherokee Landing subdivision nesteled in the Cowee community Franklin, NC. The Little Tennessee River runs along Hwy. 28

Cowee Valley Community in Macon County, Franklin, NC is a beautiful place to live and have fun.  If you would like to live in the country, have awesome great smokey mountain views, enjoy the wildlife, then you would want to check out Cowee Valley Community in Franklin, NC.  Even the locals say this is one of the most beautiful & peaceful places around.

Cowee Valley Community - Franklin, NC is also know for its Ruby & Sapphire Gem Mines.  The Gem Capitol of the World with huge shows every year for the dealers and the public.  Us locals call it God's Country because of the beauty of the land & wildlife here. There are several Gem Mines in Franklin, NC around Cowee Valley Community and surrounding areas still open today that attracts thousands of tourist each year.

Mining for ruby's and sapphires began in Macon County, Franklin, NC in 1870

Click Here for a map to print out for all the Gem Mines in Cowee Valley-Franklin, NC

Ruby City Gems

.We are one of the oldest and largest gem and mineral shops in the Southeast right here in Macon County, Franklin, NC with over 50 years collecting and experience, and approximately 5000 sq. ft. of retail and museum space. We have gem-mining screens for your trip to the local mines, panning & mining materials and tools. If you are a rock hound, we are an authorized Graves & Lortone dealer. If you need guidebooks or maps, we have those too. Come by the shop on your way to the mines for your FREE map.

For your jewelry needs, the options are endless! We have a huge variety of stones that are cut and ready to be placed in the mounting of your choice, including precious diamonds, amethyst, citrine, tanzanite, sapphires, emeralds, peridot, tourmaline, aquamarine, and more! We have a vast collection of Gold finished jewelry. For spring, 2007, we are introducing 2 exclusive designers of fine sterling & gemstone jewelry for this entire region of NC, TN, GA, and SC. We also offer full jeweler services, so as to offer you one-stop-shopping. “As seen on The Travel Channel”

130 E. Main St.

Franklin, N.C.  28734

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday 9-5

Saturday 9-3

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