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Franklin County

One of Virginia's fastest growing counties, Franklin County is comprised of communities that continue to value their farms, forests, waters, and cultural heritage.

You can discover and choose from a diverse selection of attractions, from outdoor adventures like boating, camping and hiking, to cultural and historic experiences such as the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum at Ferrum College or catching one of the many local musical performances in the Town of Rocky Mount.

Don't miss the opportunity to step into history at the Booker T. Washington National Monument. Franklin County also has a unique history and reputation as The Moonshine Capital of the World.

Check out the pages below to learn more about the unique adventures and experiences you'll find in Franklin County.

Lifestyle in Franklin County can mean anything from hunting and fishing, to hiking and biking, to sailing and water skiing, to just kicking back on a dock at sunset.

The special geography of the county offers numerous recreational opportunities. The Blue Ridge Mountains on the western border offer nature trails, camping, horseback riding and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Smith Mountain Lake, the eastern border of the county, is a 20,000-acre man-made lake offering a variety of recreational activities including tournament fishing, hunting, sailing, boating and windsurfing.

Philpott Lake, in the southern part of the county, is known for excellent fishing and considered Virginia's best smallmouth bass and trout reservoir.

All that activity will help you work up an appetite, and we recommend stopping by Homestead Creamery for some locally-produced goods and incredible ice cream. You can also learn and sample the county's moonshine heritage at its two local distilleries: Franklin County Distilleries & Twin Creeks Distillery.

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, the largest such festival in Virginia, is held in October. The Blue Ridge Institute at Ferrum College organizes the festival where folkways and the traditional culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains are celebrated. Festival highlights include music, food, crafts, and performances that perpetuate regional lore. The Blue Ridge Institute is also a stop on The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.

Other festivals in the county include the Boones Mill Apple Festival, Franklin County Arts and Crafts Festival, Pigg River Ramble (an annual float and race on the Pigg River), and Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival.

You can also regularly hear great live music at the Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount.

Franklin County Calendar of Events >

Here, you get a chance to enjoy the many scenic corners of our community where every side road opens up new vistas, views, and quiet moments for those tired of crowds, long lines, and clutter.

History of Franklin County

Statistics & General Info

Population: 54,477 (as of 2020 Census)

Towns: Rocky Mount, Boones Mill

Unincorporated Communities: Callaway, Ferrum, Glade Hill, Hales Ford, North Shore, Penhook, Redwood, Snow Creek, Union Hall, Westlake Corner

Surrounding Counties: Bedford County, Pittsylvania County, Henry County, Patrick County, Floyd County, Roanoke County

Founded: 1785 

Education: 12 Public Elementary Schools, 1 Public Middle School, 1 Public High School - Franklin County High School

District: 5th Congressional District

Type of Government: County Administrator & Elected Board of Supervisors

County Seat: Rocky Mount 

Land Area: 712 square miles

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County of Franklin

1255 Franklin Street, Suite 112
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
(540) 483-3030 (540) 483-3030
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Franklin County Office of Economic Development

1255 Franklin Street, Suite 112
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
(540) 483-3030 (540) 483-3030
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Franklin County Parks & Recreation

2150 Sontag Road
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
(540) 483-9293 (540) 483-9293
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Roanoke Valley Spotlight

Explore the small town charm of Rocky Mount in Franklin County.