Sun & Summit DestinationsThe Blue Ridge: Lake Lure and Sapphire Valley
Chimney Rock, waterfall drives, Asheville's Biltmore and cool mountain lakes in western North Carolina.
- Best time
- Mid-October for fall color; May to September for lakes and waterfalls
- Getting there
- Asheville Regional (AVL) is about 45 minutes from Lake Lure and 1.25 hours from Sapphire
- Getting around
- A car; mountain roads are winding
- Stay
- 5–7 nights
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock
Take a boat tour on Lake Lure, then climb or ride the elevator (when open) at Chimney Rock State Park for views down Hickory Nut Gorge.
Waterfall country
Around Cashiers and Sapphire, drive to Whitewater Falls, among the tallest east of the Rockies, and the roadside waterfalls on the drive to Highlands. Gorges State Park has more trails.
Asheville and the Parkway
- Biltmore Estate, America's largest house
- Asheville's River Arts District and breweries
- Overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest (summer)
Where to stay
These resorts are in very different spots. Pick the one that fits how you want to spend the trip.
Club Wyndham Fairfield MountainsA 2,400-acre Blue Ridge resort at Lake Lure with a lake beach, golf and a seasonal lazy river.Resort guideClub Wyndham Fairfield Sapphire ValleyMountain resort near Cashiers with a lake, golf and waterfalls, plus winter skiing.Resort guideFoxhunt at Sapphire ValleyMountain villas in Sapphire Valley between the Blue Ridge and the Smokies.Resort guide
Stay at Club Wyndham Fairfield Sapphire Valley
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