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Sapphire, North Carolina

Looking for the best hiking in Sapphire? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Sapphire. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Sapphire

  • Sunset, South Carolina

    Virginia Hawkins Falls (Double Falls)

    4.0
    2.6 mi / 456 ft gain
    A moderate to advanced 2.6 mile hike has many stairs and a lot of ascents and descents along the way. The hike may not be the easiest but the payoff is worth it. The trail is easily marked so no need to worry about getting lost. 
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Hike to Cedar Cliff Rock

    2.4 mi / 830 ft gain
    Cedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much of the view is untouched, allowing a big mountain ...
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  • Salem, South Carolina

    Camp on Lake Jocassee

    4.7
    To avoid the regret of cutting your trip too short, go ahead and book a campsite. Come as a walk-in or reserve your site.  Either way, you will have to check in at the Park Office.  Upon check-in, you will receive your map and general information.  Check-in time for camping is 2PM. The only publi...
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  • Cullowhee, North Carolina

    Hike to High Falls

    3.5
    1.5 mi / 600 ft gain
    This is an awesome hike if you're up for a challenge! The hike in isn't bad at all and the trail itself isn't super long but the climb back out will be a little more difficult due to the rock steps and lengthy uphill. This hike starts from a parking lot, just across the road from Lake Glenville a...
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  • Mountain Rest, South Carolina

    Hike along the Chattooga River to Spoonauger Falls

    1 mi / 100 ft gain
    Spoonauger falls housed in Sumter National Forest, received its name after the Spoonauger family which historically lived above the falls. From Walhalla SC, drive north on Highway 28 until it meets SC 107 (right under 10 miles). Take a slight right onto SC 107 and drive another 10 miles until yo...
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  • Cullowhee, North Carolina

    Hike to Yellow Mountain Fire Tower via Cloud Catcher Lane

    5.0
    1.5 mi / 700 ft gain
    Yellow Mountain Fire Tower features some of the best views, looking out over both the Northern Georgia mountains as well as seeing the flat-lands of South Carolina past the mountain ranges. This hike is pretty well known for its 12-mile round trip trek, starting in Cashiers, NC, however, there's ...
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  • Mountain Rest, South Carolina

    Hike to Kings Creek Falls

    4.8
    0.5 mi
    The trail to Kings Creek begins behind the bulletin board in the Burrells Ford primitive campground parking lot. It is an easy .5 mile trail to the falls. The falls are only 70ft high but they are beautiful, there is an area to the side of the falls with some nice sitting rocks and the area under...
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  • Mountain Rest, South Carolina

    Hike to King Creek Falls

    0.6 mi
    Very nice dog-friendly and family-friendly adventure! The hike is not long at all and the end result is a beautiful 70 ft waterfall with a pooled area at the bottom!  Old logs are around for sitting on and relaxing while enjoying your lunch or snacks...
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  • Mountain Rest, South Carolina

    Hike to Big Bend Falls

    5.0
    6.5 mi
    The hike to Big Bend Falls begins on the Chattooga River Trail at the Burrell's Ford Campground. To get here you take Burrell's Ford Road off of SC 107. There will be a good sized gravel parking area off to the left about 3 miles down Burrell's Ford Road. When you park the car you can walk down t...
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  • Sunset, South Carolina

    Hike to Twin Falls, SC

    5.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    Once you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles  to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...
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  • Balsam Grove, North Carolina

    Hike to Courthouse Falls

    4.7
    0.07 mi / 40 ft gain
    First off, I want to say although the road is gravel it is accessible for 2WD cars you do not need a 4WD car to access this hike. The trail begins just over the bridge that crosses Panther Branch Creek. Just over the bridge there is a pullout where you can park that should fit at least 3 cars. Th...
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  • Tuckasegee, North Carolina

    Hike to Dill Falls

    0.4 mi / 400 ft gain
    The drive to this waterfall can be a little muddy when there is a lot of rain and can need an AWD or 4WD in the rain. The road has some new gravel laid in parts so it could be improved in a few months. In the summer there is also a chance of seeing large dump trucks and logging trucks, but the ro...
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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Explore Dry Falls, North Carolina

    4.6
    0.42 mi / 95 ft gain
    Dry Falls is located off of Hwy. 64, which has been designated as the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, and the road does not disappoint. Hwy. 64 is a two lane road which hugs the northern side of Cullasaja Gorge, which has been carved by the Cullasaja River. Besides Dry Falls, Hwy. 64 leads you past...
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  • Cullowhee, North Carolina

    Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina

    5.0
    0.9 mi / 258 ft gain
    Judaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...
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  • Balsam Grove, North Carolina

    Devil's Courthouse

    4.7
    0.85 mi / 246 ft gain
    The Devil's Courthouse Overlook and Trail can be one of the best places to see the entire Blue Ridge countryside. Even though it is a short hike, there is a fairly steep incline halfway through, so be prepared to huff and puff a little. It takes anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes depending upon your ...
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  • Highlands, North Carolina

    Explore Cullasaja Falls

    5.0
    0.3 mi / 200 ft gain
    This is an awesome waterfall that offers views from several different spots along the road as well as a quick hike down to the base! The small pull-off area is located towards the top of the falls. There isn't much space (3 maybe 4 cars at a time), but there are additional pull-off areas further ...
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