Sapphire North Carolina
Sapphire, North Carolina derives its name from the gem that was discovered here in the 1800’s. Over time the mining town became popular with visitors looking to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty and temperate climate. Back then a beautiful old inn, The Fairfield Inn, welcomed wealthy guests and captains of industry – Edison, Ford, and Firestone to name a few – to the area that looked to escape the hot summer temperatures and high humidity of the coastal Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida.
Sapphire Information
This picturesque mountain community is known for it’s relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Residents and vacationers enjoy unspoiled native forests, pristine lakes, and crystal clear streams.
Similar to the other surrounding mountain towns, the average daily high temperature in July is a pleasant 78º F. It’s no wonder that Sapphire has been a popular retreat for southerners looking to escape the summer heat since the late 1800’s. Sapphire, North Carolina boasts some of the coolest summer temperatures in the eastern United States.
Sapphire’s main focal point is the beautiful Fairfield Lake. In this spot the once grand Fairfield Inn called home. Fairfield Lake is the center for all things water – mainly, lake fishing, & sailing. The lake is also known for its Fourth of July Fireworks display and as an entertainment venue for musical events during the summer season.
While Fairfield Lake offers a picturesque natural point of interest, Lonesome Valley is home to the largest box canyon east of the Rockies. This breathtaking canyon – and the view afforded is simply stunning.
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Things to Do in Sapphire
Restaurants, hotels, shopping, golf and tennis compliment the area. While there are public, daily-fee golf courses, membership in private country clubs that offer a premium golf experience is popular. Tennis, croquet, and pickle ball are also popular with country club members. The community is primarily made up of three residential developments:
Lonesome Valley
Sapphire Valley
Burlingame
Besides the traditional offering of real estate, these communities offer a variety of amenities with the emphasis on outdoor activities:
Golf
Tennis
FlyFishing
Croquet
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Boating
Whitewater Rafting
Sapphire is known for waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and streams. The Horsepasture River crosses through the community and offers great fly fishing. Perfect for the angler looking to spend an afternoon in the great outdoors. Hiking trails and waterfalls can be found nearby. At Gorges State Park one will find a variety of trails as well as Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. The ever popular Whitewater Falls is also nearby. Panthertown Valley, known as the Yosemite of the East, offers miles and miles of hiking trails accented with several waterfalls. Check out Schoolhouse Falls.
Directions to Sapphire NC
Directions to Sapphire NC from Asheville NC: I-26 to exit 40/Highway 280/Airport exit to Brevard. Next follow US Highway 64 to Cashiers. It’s a scenic drive, but there are curves between Brevard and Sapphire. Allow 1 1/2 hours. Approximately 63 miles.
Directions to Sapphire NC from Knoxville TN: Take I-40 East to route 23/74 W towards Waynesville NC. Take 23/74W to 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. At Sylva stay on the bypass and take U.S. Highway 107 East to Cashiers. At Highway 107 take a left onto Highway 64. Sapphire is approximately two miles from Cashiers down Highway 64.
Shopping, Dining, Hotels, & Activities in Sapphire
Sapphire Real Estate
Live the Sapphire Lifestyle
Looking for a cabin by a stream, golf course villa, mountain home with a big view, or an exclusive estate with waterfall? Learn more about real estate in Sapphire, North Carolina . Whether buying, selling, or renting, you’re sure to find the perfect property solution for your Sapphire real estate needs.