Sapphire Valley area attractions, those off the resort that is, include waterfalls, hiking trails, water skiing, trout fishing, kids playgrounds, nature gardens and even a mountain coaster! Here we feature several top area attractions all within 20 - 30 minutes of Sapphire Valley Resort. This image: Signal Ridge Marina
These links are mentioned in our various social media posts.
Facebook limits how many links we can put in a post so - here you!
This section is being updated for the 2023 season!
Gorges State Park - hiking, swimming, waterfalls, Visitors Center
Lake Glenville and Signal Ridge Marina - rent a pontoon for a day on a mountain lake!
Panthertown Valley - 'Yosemite of the East': hiking, swimming, waterfalls
Village Green - playground, nature area, concerts, Green Market
Whitewater Falls - highest waterfalls xxxx
Whiteside Mountain -
Silver Run Falls - waterfall, easiest to access
About 1 hour away:
Fly Fishing and the WNC Fly Fishing Trail
Highlands Outpost - mountain roller coaster, summer tubing
NOC – Nantahala Outdoor Center: whitewater kayak, rafting
Dupont State Park -
Pisgah National Forest -
Gorges State Park
Gorges Stage Park
Gorges State Park is a 7,709-acre (31.20 km2)[1] North Carolina state park in Transylvania County, North Carolina in the United States and along with other conservation lands is part of a 100,000+ acre conservation corridor stretching some 80 miles along the NC/SC state line.
Gorges State Park is open for year-round recreation, including, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
The Grassy Ridge Access off North Carolina Highway 281 in Sapphire is the park's primary access. This area is most well known for providing the principle access to Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls on the Horsepasture River.
Gorges State Park | NC Weekend | UNC-TV:
Known for its waterfalls, stunning views, and challenging hiking trails, Gorges State Park deserves its reputation as North Carolina's "crown jewel."
Note: Although Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls are accessible via Gorges State Park, they are actually on private land and therefor rarely discussed on official media. Turtleback has a great swimming area! View Rainbow Falls from the trail and do not get too close as it is very dangerous!
Lake Glenville - Signal Ridge Marina
Located in a beautiful mountain forest, Lake Glenville boasts pristine waters, glistening sand beaches, and three waterfalls that can only be seen from the lake. Spanning six miles in length with twenty six miles of shoreline, Lake Glenville is the perfect escape from the everyday.
Whether you want to cruise the lake and relax, or speed things up and do some watersports, Signal Ridge Marina has everything you’ll need to take in this mountain treasure.
Lake Glenville is a beautiful lake located 8 miles north of Cashiers, North Carolina. In 1941, the lake was formed by damming up the West Fork of the Tuckaseegee River.