Saturday, August 30, 2025

September in and around Sapphire Valley Resort!

In September, The High South offers a unique blend of early fall foliage, outdoor adventures, and charming small-town experiences. 

Our sister site, High South Adventures, just updated the Peak Fall Leaf Colors by elevation and added new web cams to view the colors [Leaf Lookers Guide]

1. Chase Waterfalls — Easy Access + Spectacular Views

Silver Run Falls (near Cashiers): A 25-foot waterfall with a sandy beach and a cooling pool—just a short walk from the road. Perfect for a quick, refreshing stop. 

Dry Falls & Bridal Veil Falls (along US-64, Highlands area): Drive right behind Bridal Veil Falls, or walk behind Dry Falls—great for dramatic photo ops. 

Upper Whitewater Falls (Jackson County): Among the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, with accessible overlooks and a longer trail if desired. [More Info]

2. Hike to Panoramic Summits & Ridge Trails

Whiteside Mountain Trail (Highlands area): A moderate 2-mile loop with expansive views of the continental divide and cliff edges. 

Gorges State Park (Sapphire area): Offers access to Rainbow Falls, Turtleback Falls, and Upper Bearwallow Falls, plus multi-use trails for hiking and biking.  [Hiking Info]

3. Fall Foliage Viewing in Sapphire Valley

Early Autumn Color: The foliage transformation typically begins in late September at higher elevations, making it a fantastic time to catch early color bursts. [Autumn Leaf Color Guide]

4. Outdoor Action & Family Fun at Sapphire Valley Resort

Vordach Zip Line; A zip-canopy tour (with 12 zips and two bridges) —great for thrill-seekers and families. 

Golf, Tennis, Footgolf & More: Enjoy various resort activities like footgolf and the new high ropes course. [Sapphire Valley Resort]

5. Scenic Drives – Waterfall Byway

US-64 Waterfall Byway: A 98-mile stretch along Blue Ridge Mountain highways, dotted with roadside waterfalls and charming towns—ideal for a leisurely September drive. 

6. Craft Beer & Local Eats in Cashiers

Ugly Dog Pub: Tucked away in Cashiers, this local favorite serves gourmet burgers, craft beer, and a cozy mountain patio atmosphere. (828) 743-3000

Breweries & Boutiques: Whiteside Brewing Co. (Cashiers), plus plenty of boutiques, 

7. Dillsboro & Bryson City — Outdoor Adventures & Train Excursions

Water Activities: Enjoy rafting, tubing (Tuckasegee or Deep Creek), kayaking, or horseback riding near Bryson City in the milder September weather. 

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Scenic train rides between Dillsboro and Bryson City—charming excursions through river gorges and forested valleys. Includes the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum in Bryson City. 

8. Antique & Historic Shopping in Highlands

Boutiques & Treasures: Browse Highlands' elegant mix of antique shops, elegant inns, and art galleries if you want a break from the outdoors. 

Featured High South Vacation Rental:

Welcome to Lake View Villa Condo!


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Thursday, July 31, 2025

August Family Fun To Do List

Here is your suggest family fun list for August in and around Sapphire Valley Resort—a mix of on-resort fun and day trips, perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers:

Special August Event: The Perseid Meteor Shower [Learn More!]

Final Concert on the Slopes Featuring The Tonez - Labor Day Weekend - [Learn More]

Family Fun To Do List

Pools & Cookouts at the Resort
Join the weekly “Cookout by the Pool” and water aerobics, yoga, bingo, and poolside social events at the Rec Center and Community Center [Events Calendar]

Lake Fairfield: Swim, Paddle, Fish
Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards or relax on the sandy beach—plus scenic views of Bald Rock Mountain 

Zip‑lining Vordach Adventure
Feel the rush on the resort’s zip-line experience [Learn More]

Fairfield Lake & Beach Amenities
Great for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and picnicking with on-site rentals [More Info]

Hiking Whiteside Mountain
Enjoy dramatic overlooks along the Continental Divide with moderate hiking trails [Hiking Whiteside Mountain]

Gorges State Park Waterfalls & Trails
Explore cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush hiking paths in this temperate rainforest park [More About Gorges]

Panthertown Valley Adventure
Discover over 25 miles of trails, hidden swimming holes, and granite domes in this “Yosemite of the East”  [Learn More]

Lake Glenville Scenic Cruises
Take a boat tour on this high-altitude lake with 26 miles of shoreline, ideal for a relaxing day trip with our friends at [Signal Ridge Marina]

Quick Tips
Festival & events on the resort: check the Community Center schedule, including cocktails, craft fairs, yoga, pool days & more 

Amenity Card is required for some resort activities—ask at the Community Center.

Start early for hikes and waterfall trips to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.

Suggested itinerary idea:

Friday: Arrive, enjoy a poolside cookout & live music

Saturday: Arts & Crafts Festival + zip-lining

Sunday: Hike Whiteside or Gorges State Park

Midweek: Relax on Lake Fairfield + spa or gem mining at the Rec Center


Sapphire Valley Resort Rentals


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Monday, July 7, 2025

Sapphire Valley Resort - July To Do List!

Upcoming August Events: 

Arts and Crafts Festival - Aug 2-3 on the Activity Field [Learn More]
Concert on the Slopes - Aug 5th [Learn More]

1. River Walk Hike
A serene, shaded trail along the Horsepasture River—perfect for a peaceful morning walk or wildlife watching [River Walk]

2. Fairfield Lake Activities
Swim, kayak, paddleboard, fish, or picnic on the sandy beach at Fairfield Lake with views of Bald Rock Mountain [Fairfield Lake]

3. Vordach Zip‑Line Canyon Tour
Soar through the canopy with thrilling zip-line runs across the valley—an exhilarating adventure in the summer heat. [The Vordach]

4. Frozen Falls Tubing
Cool off with snowy-style fun at the Frozen Falls tubing park—great for all ages during July events (... just kidding... come up Dec - Mar for SkiSapphireValley!]

5. Mini‑Golf, Foot‑Golf & Sports
Enjoy friendly competition at miniature golf, foot-golf, tennis, pickleball, basketball, and horseshoes on resort courts/fields [Amenities]

6. Rec Center & Pools
Take a dip in indoor/outdoor pools, then hit the gym, arcade, or relax in a sauna/jacuzzi for some low-key, rain‑proof fun [Rec Center]

7. Golf
Tee off on the Red Bird Par‑3 golf course [Golf]

8. Hiking to Waterfalls
Drive to nearby Whitewater Falls (one of the highest east of the Rockies), Gorges State Park’s Rainbow, Turtleback, Silver Run, and Schoolhouse Falls. These are within ~20 min [Waterfalls]

9. Panthertown Valley Excursion
Off‑resort but close: hike, swim, and explore waterfalls like Schoolhouse and Secret Falls in this “Yosemite of the East” [Panthertown]

10. Pontoon on Lake Glenville
Rent a pontoon or paddleboard from Signal Ridge Marina and cruise Lake Glenville while discovering hidden waterfalls off-shore 

Planning Tips
  • Amenity Card Required: Many activities (lake use, zip-line, sports) require a resort amenity pass—get one at the Community Center 
  • Pack Accordingly: Bring swimwear, water shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and reusable water bottles.
  • Book Early: Zip‑line and tubing spots fill up—reserve early via the Community Center or website.
  • Off‑Resort Essentials: For waterfall hikes, wear sturdy shoes and bring layers and snacks—summer thunderstorms may pop up.

High Heaven Mountain top dream

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Sunday, June 29, 2025

Sapphire Valley Resort - July 4th!

Sapphire Valley Resort - Explore. Discover. Experience

Sapphire Valley – Yankee Doodle Dandy Day
What: All‑day, family-focused celebration — bounce houses, gem mining, pony rides, zipline, food, music, racquet/foot golf & more
When: July 4, 2025, from 10 AM–4 PM; Free and open to the public 

Cashiers – Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green
Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green
Where: Cashiers Village Green (160 Frank Allen Rd)
When: July 3, 2025, ~6:30 PM; live music (Caribbean Cowboys), food vendors, fireworks at dusk
Details: Free (donations welcome), bring chairs/blankets, no pets or tents 

Fireworks Over Lake Glenville
Where: Launched from The Pointe, Lake Glenville
When: July 5, 2025, around 9:30 PM; boat parade begins ~8 PM
Details: Free, great to watch from boats or lake shores 

Featured Sapphire Valley Resort Rental:
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