Fish Tales Outfitters:
Fish Tales provide guided trips are so much more than just “Fishing”. The memories of your day on the water will last a lifetime. They provide all equipment necessary for you to enjoy your time on the water in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and North Georgia. Contact them before your trip to join a guided trip or to plan your own custom fishing experience. Book Ahead! 828-421-0732 Don’t need a guide, just some supplies? These guys are your one stop shop for all things fly fishing. From fly reels and wading gear, to packs and fly boxes, you can trust their supplies.
Open Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5pm (Closed Sundays) 29 E Main Street Franklin, North Carolina 28734.
Alarka Expeditions: Our local guides to Franklin and its surroundings, with river trips and kayak rentals, let Brent and Angela tailor a trip down the Little Tennessee River that caters to your unique preferences. They offer opportunities to expand your knowledge of the riverine wilds of southern Appalachia for groups, couples and individuals. They also tailor walks and hikes to your specific interests, including birds, botanicals or the fascinating cultural history in our wild mountains, not to mention Alarka offers backyard phenology workshops and art and literature sessions and excursions.
Book Ahead! Min. notice 2-3 days but the further in advance, the better. 828-371-8439
Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions: 
Guided Wildflower Nature Walks & Plant Identification led by Adam Bigelow, a self-proclaimed Plant Nerd, who has been studying and working with the Plants of Southern Appalachia for 20 years. Somehow, seemingly by accident, I fell in Love with Native Plants and Wildflowers along the way. I would enjoy the opportunity to help you fall in Love with them too.
He has a passion for the native plants and wildflowers of Southern Appalachia, walking in the woods, organic gardening, community gardening, sustainability and eco-friendly living, his good dog Magnolia, and making music with friends. Check his website for a calendar of weekly walks or sign up for your own.
Outdoor 76:
From shirts and accessories to water filters and camping cookware, O76 has quite the selection for all your outdoor lifestyle needs. Need new hiking, running or walking shoes? A highly-trained staff is ready to provide you with a custom biomechanics fitting experience that is second to none! Stop in for a free evaluation and they’ll get you primed with your best footwear experience yet. Store Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 7 pm 35 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734. 828-349-7676
O76 also has a JR Rangers program that can be completed at your own pace. JR Rangers are typically 5 to 13, but all ages are encouraged to participate. For more information and the activity sheets, visit here!
Curtis Wright Outfitters: Falconry is an ancient interaction and working relationship between man and animal. This is an up close and personal “hands on” experience with a bird of prey where guests will accompany a licensed falconer and learn about the time honored sport of falconry. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience as hawk or falcon follows from tree to tree or circles in the sky then returns to your glove. A guided falconry trip at Curtis Wright Outfitters gives our guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience this fascinating, mysterious art form and sport.
Book Ahead! Contact Peter at 828-553-5063 to schedule your experience
Chunky Gal Stables: Western North Carolina’s best horseback riding experience! Pick from a 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour, 2 hour, and half day long trail ride through the Nantahala National Forest in Hayesville, NC. Group sizes are small, all rides are guided with a friendly and knowledgeable trail guide and a safety demonstration that shows how the horses are trained is given before every ride. There are several different options for trails depending on experience level and scenery, accommodating all experience levels. There’s something for everyone, even the kiddos (just ask about ages when making your reservation.) Giddy up and ride on over!
Book Ahead! Open 7 days a week, 8am – 5pm. 828-389-4175
The Ridges Resort Marina – Watercraft Rentals: Enjoy the day exploring Lake Chatuge at your own pace by kayak, paddleboard or top-of-the-line pontoons. No experience is necessary. Just show up and The Ridges Marina will provide you with everything you need to enjoy your time on the water. The goal is to provide you with a hassle-free rental–equipped for your individual needs–that will allow you to have a fun, safe, and unforgettable experience.
Book ahead! Rates subject to change. Fees may increase during holiday weekends/special events. marina@theridgeresort.com 706-896-2262