Sapphire Valley
127 Sapphire Valley Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774
(828) 743-7663
Discover the fun of skiing or boarding the slopes at Ski Sapphire Valley! Boasting a 1,600 foot main run with a vertical drop of 200 feet, complete with a state-of-the-art quad-lift, a learning slope, and multiple lane tube park, there’s a thrill for everyone to enjoy! If skiing or boarding is not your thing, enjoy the warm fire at the base Fire Pit and Park located right next to the Wild and Scenic Horsepasture river!
Beginners are given a priority at Ski Sapphire Valley, with top-notch instruction and on-the-mountain guidance from professional instructors. Sapphire Valley has the perfect slope for building your confidence mountainside.
View our Facebook Page for daily snow conditions.
Fishing, paddling, and tubing outfitters.
Snow tubing, Ice skating, Mountain coaster.
Highlands Zipline
ziplining and swings. Located between Scaly Mtn and sky valley.
Boat Rental
Lakeshore Pontoon Rentals
4623 NC107
Glenville, NC 28736
828 743-9998
Cherokee Indian Reservation
Visit the living museum where you can watch Cherokees make a wooden canoe, grind corn and do other things that are a part of their heritage. Between June and Labor Day enjoy Unto these Hills, a production of Cherokee Heritage. Stop by Harrah’s Casino located on the reservation.
Gem Mining
Franklin is known as the Gem Capital and there are many Gem Mines located in the Cowee Valley north and west from Franklin. However, just a short drive west from Highlands on Hwy 64W (Franklin Road) is Jackson Hole Trading Post with a recently installed powered water sluice and mud from the area in order that you can do your own mining. It is fun and relaxing and the children love it. For more information call Jackson Hole Trading Post at 828-524-5850.
Hiking
The Highlands area and the Nantahala National Forest have many wonderful hiking areas. For the best information, check with the US Forest Service at 828-526-3765 or stop by the Visitor’s Center on Main Street. Area outfitters and bookstores have information books and detailed maps on trails. Guided hikes can be arranged through The Adventure Depot at 828-743-2052.
Fishing
Highland Hiker
Highlands & Cashiers
866-836-9920.
Fly fishing guides are available with advance reservations.
Whitewater Fly Fishing
Toxaway, NC
828-966-9646
Fly fishing instruction.
Morning, afternoon and all day classes available.
Ladies only groups welcome.
The Fish Hawk Fly Fishing School
706 746 0631
Bald Mountain Road between Sky Valley, GA & Scaly Mt., NC
Offers one, two and three day intensive classes in fly fishing both workshop and practice.
Horseback Riding
Arrowmont Stables
Cashiers, NC
828 743-2762
Sapphire Valley, NC
828 743-9574
Dillard Stables
Dillard, GA
706 746-2038
Whitewater Equestrian
Toxaway, NC
828 966-9646
Open year round with indoor riding ring
Smoky Mountain Railroad
Is a fun year round adventure. These are several different routes through the mountains as well as different traveling styles from open air to club coach to enjoy the ride. Saturday night there is a gourmet dinner train featuring a four-course meal and cocktails. During the summer months the railroad offers Raft & Rail. Travel 22 miles by rail then a two-hour rafting trip down 8 miles of the Nantahala River. A picnic lunch, hot shower and transportation back to the train depot are included. Bring your children and grandchildren to visit “Thomas the Train”. Thomas visits each summer and offers 10 half-hour trips through the mountains each day. For reservations call 800-872-4681 or visit their website at www.gsmr.com
White Water Rafting
Southeastern Expeditions
1-800-868-7273
Nantahala Outdoor Center
1-800-232-7238
www.noc.com
There are several choice whitewater rivers in our area. Sections III&IV of the Chattooga River is the closest and the most popular. First time rafters will enjoy Section III. Trip length 6 hours. Minimum age: 10 years old.
Section IV of the Chattooga is the steepest and most exciting. Drops and ledges challenge the rafter while breath-taking waterfalls and scenery make this an unforgettable experience. Trip length 7 hours. Minimum age: 13. Overnight adventures are also available.
Smoother river rides are available on the Ocoee and Nantahala Rivers.
For more information call one of the above mentioned outfitters