Franklin! 4 days: What to do with DS 11yo (Highlands, Cashiers: house, camp)

[CajunWon]

Planning to visit old family property in a couple weeks. May even wilderness camp on the mountain property near Cowee. There is a cabin and newer house there, but for all we know the critters (2 & 4 legged) may have taken over so we'll plan to tent camp. I think I recall how to start up the spring-heads for fresh water - should be interesting! But have never spent any time there so do not know the area.

What activities would be considered -not to skip while in the area?

The Nantahala River Adventure Center, looks like a great time, however I fear the Class III part of the rafting might be too much for the 11yo -and it seems a bit pricey.

The mining attractions get poor reviews and sounds like a lot of trouble for a bag of colored glass rubble.

[crazynip]

Fun Factory! (not!)

Nantahala rafting would be a good idea.

Take him on a hike up Albert Mountain or Standing Indian. Go to Wayah Bald. Dry Falls. Tallulah Gorge.

You can do that stupid fun factory thing too I guess, kids like that I suppose.

[CajunWon]

thx
Albert Mountain, Standing Indian, Wayah Bald is exactly what we need for a morning/afternoon hike.

Will stay away from 64:Highlands/Cashiers -have done that to many times. Georgia State Park is a bit far.

Are there any other recommended River rafting opportunities than WildWater? We like the slow New River canoe trips which cost half the price charged by Widwater.

Nearby Hiking trails along a high overlooking ridge -similar to GrandfatherMtn trails?

[crazynip]

There also is/was tubing in Helen, GA. I have not been down there in years though. Also the great smokey mountains national park is nearby in Cherokee.