Franklin

Franklin sits within striking distance of two of West Virginia’s icons: Spruce Knob, the state’s highest point and 60+ mile backcountry trail hub, and Seneca Rocks, a dramatic 900-foot quartzite fin popular with hikers, climbers, and horseback riders. Visitors can also paddle and fish their way through South Branch’s Smoke Hole Canyon, ride the rocky ridges of the North Fork Mountain Trail, explore George Washington-Jefferson National Forest's Brandywine Recreation Area, or relax "on the rocks" with a time-honored tradition of locally crafted shine and spirits.

Potomac Planning

Unlike nearby railroad boom towns, Franklin was officially chartered by Virginia in 1794, resulting in a downtown more reminescent of the neighboring Shenedoah Valley.


Under Your Feet

Beneath Franklin's mountains sits the Germany Valley Karst Area, a 3514-acre National Natural Landmark that contains some of the largest intermountain caves in the country


Buried Bullion

Franklin's annual Treasure Mountain Festival pays homage to both the area's natural treasures and a local legend about hidden gold buried following a Shawnee raid on Fort Seybert.

Available Attractions

  • North Fork Mountain Trail

  • Seneca Rocks

  • Spruce Knob

  • Seneca Creek Backcountry

  • Smoke Hole Canyon

  • Pike Knob Preserve

  • Brandywine Recreation Area

  • South Branch of Potomac River

  • High Knob Firetower Trail

  • Big Bend Campground

  • Sweetwater Farm Trail Center

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