15 Best Things To Do In Sapphire, North Carolina - Updated 2024

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Louise 
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Found in the Transylvania County of North Carolina, Sapphire is a beautiful community rich in majestic sceneries and fascinating landscape. Since the beginning, it has become a melting pot of people from different places. It has become an escape for those who long for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. While in Sapphire, you should check out the marvelous Whitewater Falls and swim in its clean fresh waters. If you fancy challenging water sports, enjoy a day of scuba diving in Lake Jocassee. You may also spend a day with your family at Georges State Park. Definitely, you will never run out of things to do while in Sapphire. So, for a more in-depth travel guide, here is a list of the best things to do in Sapphire, North Carolina. Feel free to browse below.

1. Play golf with your friends at Red Bird Golf Links

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you are in the beautiful community of Sapphire with your friends, why don’t you check out the Red Birds Golf links and enjoy a few games of golf? Red Bird Golf Links is located in the Cherokee Trail. It features a 9-hole engineered executive golf landscape. Aside from that, it also features fantastic resort-like amenities, a fully stocked pro shop, 15 tees driving range, and more. Your day here will definitely be fun-filled and full of life’s little pleasures.

Red Bird Golf Links

Address: 67 Cherokee Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Red Bird Golf Links

Opening hours: 8am - 5:30pm (daily)

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2. Go hiking at Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Washuotaku used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Being in a fantastic paradise like Sapphire, what better way is there to spend your days than reconnect with nature? If you like the idea, why don’t you visit the Gorges State Park and go hiking with your friends or enjoy a day of fishing with your family? Gorges State Park features majestic plunging waterfalls, sheer rock walls, rich vegetation, a gorgeous river, rare animals, and exotic flora. Plus there is a designated picnic area for tourists in Gorges State Park.

Gorges State Park

Address: 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Gorges State Park

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free admission

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3. Enjoy horseback riding at Whitewater Equestrian Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Whitewater Equestrian Center on Friday, June 4, 2010

Don’t we all just love horses? Horses are naturally friendly and smart animals. Whether we like them as pets or they are our teammate in sports like equestrian, they surely just won’t let us down. If you love horses as much as everyone does, why don’t you check out Whitewater Equestrian Center and meet some lovely fellows and enjoy a few rides with your new friend? Whitewater Equestrian Center features a variety of private trails from historic roads to Majestic American rainforests.

Whitewater Equestrian Center

Address: 6420 Whitewater Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Whitewater Equestrian Center

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

Price: From 60 USD

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4. Take an adventurous stroll along the Horsepasture River and Nature Trails

Single lane bridge over the Horsepasture River - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Scott Long used under CC BY 3.0

Sapphire is indeed a paradise of rich vegetation, marvelous greeneries, and gorgeous natural sceneries. That being said, the Horsepasture River and Nature Trails should be on your list if you want to visit this part of North Carolina. Enjoy a day of an adventurous stroll, fishing, or swimming in this majestic wonder. Bring a friend or your family and experience reconnecting with nature and relaxing to the embrace of fresh air and the sight of picture-perfect nature.

Horsepasture River and Nature Trails

Address: Sapphire, North Carolina

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5. Go skiing at Sapphire Valley Ski Resort

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Sapphire Area Winter Sports on Monday, March 8, 2021

If you happen to visit the breathtaking Sapphire community during the winter, you should definitely check out the Sapphire Valley Ski Resort. This place will definitely be loved and enjoyed by both kids and kids at heart. Enjoy a day of playing in the snow, skiing, sledding, and other exciting snow-related sports. Plus, there are available lodges in Sapphire Valley Ski Resort if you plan to stay for two days and more. Don’t forget to have ready your camera with you cos every moment is picture perfect.

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort

Address: 217 Sapphire Valley Road, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Sapphire Valley Ski Resort

Opening hours: Fri: 12pm - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm; Mon: 4pm - 8pm; (Closed on Tues, Wed, Thurs)

Price: From 23USD

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6. Relax at Canyon Spa in Lonesome Valley

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our Canyon Stone Massage includes therapeutic essential oils, steamed towels, and heated river stones carry you into a...

Posted by Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley on Sunday, July 15, 2018

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and in dire need of a quick relaxation? The Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley might pique your interest. It is a gorgeous property and spa center in the quiet and peaceful Lonesome Valley Road. Book an appointment and enjoy sessions of natural body treatments as well as facial wonders. Aside from relaxing facilities, this spa features a cozy fireplace, comfortable lounge areas, treatment rooms, and others.

Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley

Address: 121 Lonesome Valley Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: From 130 USD

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7. Go hiking along the Panthertown Valley Trail

2008 Panthertown Valley 4
Source: Photo by Flickr user anoldent used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Panthertown Valley is exceptionally popular among hikers and nature lover. A lot of people come to this place to marvel at the beauty of nature and enjoy the experience of being away from the busy city life. Aside from that, it is also a good place for photographers to take amazing pictures. After hiking the trail, you might want to set up camp and enjoy a little picnic with your family and friends. The views and the rare animals will leave you breathless and mesmerized.

Panthertown Valley Trail

Address: Sapphire, North Carolina

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8. Take a dip in the waters of the Greenland Creek Falls


Imagine swimming in the mystical waters of Greenland Creek Falls and basking in the morning sun. That is what likely awaits you when you visit this beautiful paradise. If you have enough time to spare during your vacation in Sapphire, never miss out on an opportunity to visit the Greenland Creek Falls and experience swimming in the vast pool area of the falls. Bog boulders of rocks surround the falls and add a mystical charm to it.

Greenland Creek Falls

Address: Sapphire, North Carolina

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9. Unwind by the romantic Sapphire Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sapphire is a paradise of natural wonders, aside from majestic waterfalls, gorgeous rivers, and fascinating trails, one thing it prides itself on is the Sapphire Lake. Sapphire Lake is a beauty that will take your breath away. It is picture perfect and charming. While in Sapphire, be sure to visit it with your friends and family and enjoy a day or night of camping, barbecue, singing and laughing. Imagine waking up to the relaxing countryside and the beautiful view of the river and the mountain ranges.

Sapphire Lake

Address: Cashiers, NC, USA

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10. Take amazing photos in front of the Granny Burrell Falls

2008 Panthertown Valley 5
Source: Photo by Flickr user anoldent used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Aside from the Sapphire Lake, the Greenland Creek Falls, and the Horsepasture River and Nature Trails, you should also definitely see the Granny Burrel Falls in Sapphire North Carolina. It showcases a marvelous and mystical forest canopy and majestic lovely little falls that is ideal for swimming. If you are a natural nature lover, you will love this place. Be sure to bring your friends and a camera for an experience you will never forget.

Granny Burrell Falls

Address: Panthertown Creek, Sapphire, NC 28774, United States

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11. Be mesmerized by the picturesque landscape at John's Jump Falls


Another majestic natural wonder that you should see while in Sapphire is John’s Jump Falls. This attraction in Sapphire is a lovely waterfall with a surrounding lush greeneries. Imagine swimming in the fall’s freshest waters and breathing unlimited clean air. You will surely love being away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, the trail to John’s Jump Falls is lightly trafficked and easy to follow through. Be sure to bring food and drinks if you plan to stay for hours.

John's Jump Falls

Address: NC-281, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

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12. Try American eats at Mica's Restaurant and Pub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Mica's Restaurant & Pub on Thursday, November 19, 2020

If you are looking for a place to bring your family for a regular food trip or to celebrate a special milestone in your life, Mica’s Restaurant and Pub is a fabulous choice. It features beautiful rustic interior design, peaceful surrounding of lush greeneries, and exceptional food. Plus, while you enjoy your food, a calming and romantic live music plays in the background. While in Mica’s Restaurant and Pub, be sure to try their specialty dishes such as Chicken Parmesan Pizza, Meater Eater, Blackened Prime Rib, Cold Water Cod, and a lot more.

Mica's Restaurant and Pub

Address: 25 Logan Creek Trail, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Mica’s Restaurant and Pub

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

Price: From 8 USD

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13. Sample craft beers at Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company on Friday, February 2, 2018

You can never go wrong with a brewery visit if you don’t know what do in Sapphire, NC. Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company bills itself as a provider of ultimate dining and drinking experience. It showcases a majestic view of the Sapphire Mountain. It also features an amazing live band to make your dining experience more hearty and memorable. Plus, they guarantee that their food is made from fresh and flavorful ingredients. While in Sapphire Mountain Brewing, be sure to try their best sellers such as the chicken wings, Hill-billy peppers, Greek salad, 3 alarm burger, eggplant Napoleon, and more.

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company

Address: 50 Slicers Ave, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 9pm; (Closed on Mon & Tue)

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14. Attend mass at St Jude's Catholic Church

Saint James the Greater Catholic Church (Concord, North Carolina) - nave
Source: Photo by user Nheyob used under CC BY-SA 4.0

While in Sapphire, you might want to pay a visit to St. Jude’s Catholic Church. It is an active Catholic church that conducts holy mass, confessions, children’s formation, baptisms, and marriages. The church aims to be a good shepherd serving the community of Sapphire. One of its good deeds involves feeding the poor of the city. Be sure to drop by and say a few prayers or wishes and thanks while you are in Sapphire.

St Jude's Catholic Church

Address: 3011 US-64, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: St Jude’s Catholic Church

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15. Enjoy a stay at Fairway Forest Resort by Diamond Resorts (from USD 153)

If you are visiting the beautiful community of Sapphire any time soon and you are looking for a fantastic place to spend your vacation, why don’t you book accommodation in Fairway Forest Resort by Diamond Resort? Surrounded by peaceful and breathtaking lush greeneries, this hotel resort is a relaxing haven with convenient amenities. It showcases cozy cabins with a fireplace, complete kitchen, king-size bed, a private bathroom, and functional appliances. Each cabin can house up to six guests.

Fairway Forest Resort by Diamond Resorts

Address: 3077 US-64 E, Sapphire, NC 28774, USA

Website: Fairway Forest Resort by Diamond Resorts

Opening hours: Open 24hrs

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Fairway Forest

Wifi Available

Address: 3077 US Hwy 64 E, Suite A
10.62 km (6.6 mi) from Whitewater Falls

Parking Tennis court Sauna Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing

Reconnect with nature in Sapphire, North Carolina

The Sapphire area in North Carolina is a paradise of natural wonders. It is a fantastic tourist destination for those who want to reconnect with nature and escape for a while from the hustle and bustle of city life. While in this area, you may see majestic natural wonders, try fantastic restaurants, and enjoy different activities. If you plan to visit it any time soon, use this list of the best things to do in Sapphire, North Carolina, as your guide. May you have a wonderful vacation ahead.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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She is a lover of life and a very optimistic person. She thinks of herself as a vessel of a billion possibilities, which can harness limitless potential. Trying new experiences, going places she's...Read more

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