[3][4] The river valleys were long occupied by indigenous peoples, some of whom built earthwork mounds about 1000 AD.

Macon County's first courthouse was a brick building constructed by Colonel David Coleman in Franklin in 1829.

A new two-story brick courthouse was designed by William Gould Bulgin and constructed by John Davis in 1881.

The waterfall is located on the Cullasaja River in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.

Cullasaja comes from a Cherokee word meaning "honey locust place."

The falls are located beside of a series of blind curves on Highway 64 with sheer rock cliffs above and below the road.

There is only one small pull-off near the falls, but walking on the road puts visitors in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle.

It is part of a series of waterfalls on an 8.7-mile (14.0 km) stretch of the river that eventually ends with Cullasaja Falls.

Significant improvements to the parking area and trail were completed by the United States Forest Service in 2009.

Bridal Veil Falls is a 45-foot (14 m) waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, southeast of Franklin.

With a short curve of roadway located behind the falls, it has the distinction of being the only waterfall in the state that one can drive a vehicle under.

Bridal Veil Falls flows on a tributary of the Cullasaja River through the Nantahala National Forest.

During periods of drought, the stream may nearly dry up, though visitors will get wet if the water flow is moderate or high.

[15] Quarry Falls is a small waterfall (or perhaps large rapid in high water) located beside US Hwy.

Known to locals as "Bust Your Butt," it is best known for the large, deep pool at the bottom, and is a popular place for swimming during warm weather.

Macon County is a member of the regional Southwestern Commission council of governments.

As of 2024, Macon County has the lowest property tax rate in North Carolina – 27 cents per $100.

When requested, assistance is available from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, SBI.

[28] Macon County Emergency Services oversees contracts with the eleven volunteer fire departments that provide protection to Macon County residents and businesses and also provides for fire inspections.

[30] Union Academy is an alternative public school in Macon County, North Carolina for grades 6–12.

It was preceded by a newspaper of the same name that began in 1885 and ceased publication in 1887 due to financial hardship.