Toxaway & Sapphire

The perfect blend of nature and Luxury

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the communities of Lake Toxaway and Sapphire offer a serene escape into nature’s splendor. Lake Toxaway, a private lake, invites visitors to experience its beauty through a stay at the Greystone Inn or a vacation rental on the lake. Created in the early 1900s, Lake Toxaway quickly became an elite mountain getaway, hosting notable guests like Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford. Sapphire, known for its waterfalls and lush forests, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Both communities border Gorges State Park, providing access to miles of trails and stunning vistas. Combining rich history, natural beauty, and charming amenities, Lake Toxaway and Sapphire are ideal for adventure and tranquility.

Explore Toxaway and Sapphire

Elevate your mountain escape with a perfect blend of adventure and refinement in Toxaway and Sapphire. From high-quality dining experiences with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to thrilling outdoor adventures, these communities offer it all. Hike the trails of Gorges State Park or visit the Southern Highlands Reserve, a stunning native plant arboretum and research center, to connect with the region’s natural beauty. In Toxaway and Sapphire, you can embrace the Land of Waterfalls without sacrificing comfort or luxury.

A Geological Marvel

Toxaway and Sapphire are located along the Blue Ridge escarpment. Called the “Blue Wall” by the Cherokee, the escarpment is the line at which the Blue Ridge Mountains plunge into the rolling foothills of upstate South Carolina. This dramatic drop, created by the movement of tectonic plates and eons of water erosion, is site to some of the most spectacular views around.

Remarkable Biodiversity

The unusual topography of the escarpment made Toxaway-Sapphire a rich and unique microbiome, with its own climate (temperate rainforest) and diverse flora and fauna. Many rare species of plant life still grow in, around and along the escarpment. While botanists and conservationists alike have stressed the importance of caring for and preserving what grows in this very special place, there is ample opportunity to observe the wildflowers, the towering trees and the many kinds of living things that make the area home. Toxaway’s Southern Highlands Reserve is always an excellent resource.

Moore Cove Falls, Pisgah National Forest

Water Features

Water was a critical factor in the creation of the escarpment. So it’s no surprise Toxaway and Sapphire are so rich with extraordinary water features. Some of Transylvania County’s most spectacular waterfalls are located along the Horsepasture River, including Turtleback Falls and the dazzling Rainbow Falls. Also nearby is Bearwallow Falls, a relatively easy and kid friendly walk. The often roaring Toxaway Falls can be viewed from a bridge alongside Highway 64, which makes an easy stop on the way up the mountain. And for those inclined toward a much longer and more strenuous hike, Gorges State Park Extends all the way down the escarpment to the shores of Lake Jocassee, spreading out over the state line. While there is a lot to check out, Gorges State Park is a great place to start.

Greystone Inn

Toxaway and Sapphire have been a storied vacation destination for more than a century. The end of the 19th century brought the railroad to the highlands plateau, which opened the region to an affluent and adventurous group of visitors and investors. A group of Pittsburgh-based entrepreneurs purchased several large tracts of land along the escarpment and along the railroad line to create a series of resorts, among them Lake Toxaway and the Toxaway Inn. By 1903, the inn had opened alongside the new lake, and notables started to build resort homes along its banks. Though the original dam collapsed in a 1916 flood and the old Toxaway Inn is long gone, the resort community is still thriving, and if you’re looking for a little vintage Gilded Age luxury, the Greystone Inn, formerly the historic Hillmont Mansion, provides a beautiful lakeside view of Toxaway’s past.

Grand Olde Station

The building that now houses Grand Olde Station Restaurant has a rich history, originally serving as a train depot for Lake Toxaway in the early 1900s. In 1904, the Transylvania Railroad extended its line to the Lake Toxaway depot, bringing daily trains that transported passengers to the Toxaway Inn. From there, visitors could transfer to stagecoaches to reach other resorts higher up in the mountains. This depot was a vital stop in the region’s transportation network, playing a key role in the area’s development. Stop by to savor a dish from their locally sourced menu while learning about the area’s past. Be sure to explore the old train caboose, photographs, and artifacts from historic Toxaway, all of which help bring the story of this once-bustling depot to life.