Franklin County, Alabama
Franklin County lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, making it one of the more scenic areas in Alabama. Russellville serves as the county seat and is well known for its annual Watermelon Festival. The county has a population of around 31,000.
U.S. Highway 43 runs through the area, providing easy access. Dismals Canyon, a designated National Natural Landmark, is one of the county’s standout natural attractions. Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park also draws visitors, especially those interested in horseback riding.
For outdoor recreation, Cedar Creek Lake is a popular destination for boating and swimming, along with Russellville Lake and Bear Creek Reservoir. Visitors should be prepared for the outdoors—especially the persistent mosquitoes that are part of life in the region.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Franklin County |
| County Seat | Russellville |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Russellville, Red Bay, Phil Campbell, Vina, Hodges, Belgreen, Tharptown, Spruce Pine |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 43, U.S. Highway 72, State Route 24, State Route 13, State Route 17, State Route 243 |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States |
| FIPS Code | 01-059 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 647 square miles (Land: 634 sq mi, Water: 13 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Alabama |
| Coordinates | 34.4428° N, 87.8429° W |
| Major Landmarks | Dismals Canyon, Bear Creek Lake, Red Bay Museum, Cedar Creek Lake, Roxy Theatre |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Colbert County (North), Lawrence County (East), Winston County (Southeast), Marion County (South), Itawamba County, Mississippi (Southwest), Tishomingo County, Mississippi (Northwest) |
| Population | Approximately 31,000 |
