Sapphire Valley is perfectly located on the Blue Ridge Escarpment which provides great weather for leaf season!
The valley floor in Sapphire Valley averages 3200' in elevation. The highest point is Toxaway Mountain at 4274'. Temperatures can vary about 3.5 degrees per 1000'. The elevation changes provide great leaf colors for a more prolong autumn season!
With many long range views from the valley you can see the amazing changes high on the mountain sides.
| Elevation Tier | Key Communities & Landmarks | Peak Foliage Window | Dominant Tree Species & Color Tones |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Peaks & Ridges 4,500 – 5,000+ ft | Scaly Mountain (upper peaks), Whiteside Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Toxaway Mountain summit | Late Sept – Early Oct | Mountain ash, yellow birch, red maple, pin cherry (Deep crimsons, bright yellows) |
| Upper Plateau 3,800 – 4,400 ft | Highlands, Scaly Mountain (town/base), Highlands Biological Station, Cullasaja Gorge rim | Mid-October (Oct 10 – Oct 20) | Red maple, dogwood, sourwood, black gum, sassafras (Vibrant scarlet, glowing orange, plum) |
| Mid-Plateau & Valleys 3,200 – 3,700 ft | Cashiers, Sapphire, Lake Glenville, Burlingame, Silver Run Valley | Mid-to-Late October (Oct 18 – Oct 28) | Sugar maple, tulip poplar, hickory, sourwood (Golden yellow, bright amber, blazing orange) |
| Escarpment & Lower Foothills 1,500 – 3,000 ft | Lake Toxaway (valley), Gorges State Park, Horsepasture River Gorge, Whitewater Falls | Late Oct – Early Nov (Oct 26 – Nov 5) | Red oak, chestnut oak, hickory, beech (Rich russet, copper, golden brown, deep scarlet) |