Macon County Detention Center Visiting Hours. In-Person and Video Visits

Location and Getting There

Macon County Detention Center is located at 1820 Lakeside Drive, Franklin, NC 28734. Franklin sits in the mountains of southwest North Carolina at the junction of U.S. 441 and U.S. 64. If you’re traveling from Asheville, the drive takes about an hour via U.S. 23 South and U.S. 441 South. From Atlanta, it is roughly two hours via I-985 North and U.S. 441 North.

The facility shares a campus with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. Street parking is available near the building.

For directions or scheduling questions, call (828) 349-2263.

Visiting Hours

The hours below come from third-party reports and have not been confirmed from the official facility website. Call (828) 349-2263 before you travel to verify the current schedule.

Day	Reported Hours
Monday	7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday	7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday	7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday	7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday	7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday	7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday	7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hours can change around holidays. Always call to confirm.

Two Ways to Visit

Macon County Detention Center offers two types of visits.

In-person visits happen at the facility. You come to 1820 Lakeside Drive, go through security screening, and visit either through glass (non-contact) or in a designated area depending on the person’s housing assignment and facility policy. Call (828) 349-2263 to find out which type applies.

NCIC video visits let you connect from home using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You schedule through the NCIC platform and join the video call at the scheduled time. You do not need to travel to the facility. On-site video kiosks are also available if you prefer to visit in person by video. See the scheduling steps below.

How to Schedule

Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule:

1. Call (828) 349-2263 during business hours to ask about scheduling an in-person visit, OR
2. Go to accounts.ncic.com to create an NCIC account and schedule a video visit online.
3. Have the person’s full legal name ready when you call or log in.
4. Confirm the visit time and note any visitor ID or registration requirements.

Do not show up without scheduling. Walk-in visits are generally not accepted at county jails.

What to Bring

For in-person visits, bring:

• A valid government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID all work.
• Nothing else into the visitation area. Leave phones, keys, purses, and extra items in your vehicle.

For video visits from home, you need a device with a camera, a microphone, and a stable internet connection, plus your NCIC account login.

Security Screening

All in-person visitors go through a security screening before entering. This typically includes:

• Presenting a valid photo ID to staff
• Walking through a metal detector or wand screening
• Leaving personal items outside the secure area

Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit.

Bringing Children

If you plan to bring a minor child, call (828) 349-2263 in advance to ask about the facility’s rules for minor visitors. Many county jails require children to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and may require documentation such as a birth certificate. Do not assume children can enter without confirming first.

Dress Code

Dress conservatively for in-person visits. Avoid:

• Clothing that looks like a uniform or resembles inmate clothing
• Revealing tops, short shorts, or anything that exposes the midriff
• Sandals or open-toed shoes (some facilities require closed-toed shoes)

When in doubt, call (828) 349-2263 to ask about the dress code before you travel.

What Is Not Allowed

• Bringing contraband of any kind into the facility is a criminal offense.
• You cannot pass anything to the person or accept anything from them during a visit unless staff have approved it in advance.
• Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, weapons, and cell phones are never permitted inside.

If Your Visit Is Denied

If a visit is denied, ask staff for the reason so you can address it before your next attempt. Common reasons include not scheduling in advance, arriving outside visiting hours, missing or expired ID, or a change in the person’s housing status. Call (828) 349-2263 to clarify.

Video Visits From Home

Remote video visits through NCIC let you stay connected without making the mountain drive. To get started:

1. Go to accounts.ncic.com and create a free account.
2. Search for Macon County Detention Center.
3. Find the person you want to visit and request a video visit.
4. Pay the video visit fee. The amount is shown before you confirm.
5. At the scheduled time, log into your NCIC account and join the call.

Video visits are a good option if you live far from Franklin, have limited transportation, or want to stay in touch more frequently between in-person visits.

Special Circumstances

If you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to pass through standard security screening, or if you need wheelchair access, call (828) 349-2263 before your visit to make arrangements. The facility can often accommodate visitors with medical needs if you give them advance notice.

Attorneys and clergy may have different visiting procedures. Contact the facility directly to arrange professional visits.