Location: Sapphire
Top Things to do in Sapphire
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What to do and see in Sapphire, North Carolina (NC): The Best Things to do
Sapphire is an unincorporated community in Transylvania County, North Carolina, United States. Sapphire is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) east of Cashiers. Sapphire has a post office with ZIP code 28774.
Restaurants in Sapphire
1. Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Housed in Caretaker’s Cottage in the front of the 800-acre community, Canyon Spa offers a full array of natural body and facial treatments, therapies and products, all promoting wellness and relaxation. The boutique spa has three treatment rooms, intimate waiting areas and changing rooms.
2. Whitewater Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
A favorite spot for hikers and picnickers, this scenic area features the Whitewater River dropping more than 400 feet in a series of cascading falls.
Reviewed By mhgolf - Decatur, United States
Simply amazing. The best $3 I have paid in quite awhile. This may be the best combination of an easy walk; on a paved walk way to a fabulous waterfall in the world. Just awesome. At the end of the walkway, take the 150 steps down to an even better view.
3. Horsepasture River and Nature Trails
4. Gorges State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 317 reviews
Reviewed By wvlivingston - Brevard, United States
This is one of the most impressive visitor centers that I've seen in any state: impressive architecture with an emphasis on the environment, clean restrooms, plenty of parking, helpful staff. We only go here for the Rainbow Falls/Turtleback Falls Trail. The trail is well maintained, about 4 miles out and back if going to Turtleback. There's another fall further, but it's not that impressive if don't want to go further. The trail is a long descent and then a long ascent both ways -- not excessive, but need to be in pretty good shape. Rainbow Falls is always impressive. If you want to see the "rainbow" pick a sunny day, which are limited as Gorges State Park is a micro-rainforest and can get over 130 inches of rain a year. Do NOT climb on or near this falls -- numerous deaths have occurred here. Turtleback Falls is nice but not as impressive. Despite warnings, often in the summer there will be some climbing and sliding down Turtleback Falls -- not recommended during high water or for those who don't like cold water. Depending on the time of year, there's lots of wildflowers. April 23 we saw trillium, lilies, yellow magwarts, aster and other small flowers. If you want to avoid crowds, avoid weekends and start early. We never go on weekends. When we began hiking on a Friday morning at 9:45, we were the 3rd car in the lot. When we left at 12:15, there were 30 cars in the lot, and this was a cool day.
5. Whitewater Equestrian Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Come ride our Gypsy Vanner signature horse, Sir Maverick on a guided walking informational tour on horseback through the National Rainforest. You will learn about the rich Indian history as well as their medicinal uses as told by our Cherokee Indian guide, Virginia. The 1 hour ride is $60 per person and the 1-1/2 hour ride is $80 per person. Children can also ride with a parent or on their own horse with a guide walking beside them at no extra cost. We keep families together! All levels of experience can ride. Our horses came from the children’s camp and are gentle and mild-mannered. Call to schedule your reservation today as we book up very quickly! We look forward to seeing you!
Reviewed By Hwolf1976 - Neptune Beach, United States
So much fun. We took our 8 & 9 year old boys on a one hour trail ride. Our guide was a great storyteller and very knowledgeable horse rider. Afterwards we stayed back and enjoyed some cold drinks and snacks on the deck and then did the gem mining. We upgraded to the $30 bucket and was pleased with selection of polished stones they retrieved plus each got a Indian Head in their mix. Met the owner and chuckled at his stories too. Fabulous time and great people!
6. The Cork and Barrel Lounge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By melaniegZ9311FN - Jacksonville, United States
Came to Sapphire Valley for spring break for a mini vacation and found this place on Tripadvisor and another site. The atmosphere was nice, the service was awesome and the food did not disappoint especially for the price. We had the fried green tomatoes, the trout dip, the pork belly which was PHENOMENAL, reuben eggrolls also AMAZING and the kobe beef sliders in our group which we all agreed was all so good.. When we asked our server about a few options the night before she highly recommend Cork and Barrel Lounge. We recently found out they have one in Ft. Myers and plan to visit that one when we travel in that area. We all highly recommend The Cork and Barrel Lounge in Sapphire Valley.
7. Sapphire National Golf Club
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 56 reviews
Sapphire National Golf Club, conveniently located in the Sapphire Valley and Cashiers Plateau Resort area, boasts premier playing conditions, tranquil mountain views and dramatic elevation changes. Sapphire National Golf Club is the only golf course in the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire region that is open to the public. Recipient of the prestigious 4 ½ star golf course rating from Golf Digest; the golf course also recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Sapphire National Golf Club offers the ultimate memorable experience for all avid golfers, from its dramatic par 4, 13th hole that is nestled beside a majestic waterfall, to the postcard Par 3, 15th hole that hosts an island green. For more information regarding Sapphire National Golf Club call:
8. Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By SusieKHazan - Hollywood, United States
Our family from Florida had a great time at Sapphire! Key to success is arriving early with the printable online forms complete in order to get your tickets and gear quickly. Our kids’ ski school instructor Marsha was so kind, patient and did an amazing job preparing them for the big slope. We read so many bad reviews on other local ski resorts and were honestly afraid to even try Sapphire and not even bother skiing in NC. But this place was honestly clean, organized, and put together nicely for a small ski resort. Highly recommend!
