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Chimney Creek Lodge

Explore Lake Toxaway & the Blue Ridge Mountains

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Your Mountain Home Base Near Lake Toxaway & Blue Ridge Adventures

Chimney Creek Lodge offers easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic mountain towns, and year-round Blue Ridge adventures. Guests can explore nearby destinations like Cashiers, Highlands, Sapphire Valley, and Pisgah National Forest while enjoying the peaceful setting of a private creekside retreat.

Lake Toxaway Area

within 15 minutes from Chimney Creek Lodge
  • Moondance Wine Bar (2 minutes east – 13481 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – A charming wine bar with small plates, a curated wine selection and a boutique style market.
  • Los Vaqueros (5 minutes west – 9 Toxaway Falls, Lake Toxaway) – A casual, family-friendly Mexican spot serving classic favorites with covered outdoor seating.
  • Grand Olde Station (5 minutes west – 502 Blue Ridge Road, Lake Toxaway) – Casual, family-friendly scenic, one-of-a-kind dining spot set in a restored train depot offering lake views. Serves classic American fare and craft cocktails.
  • Villa Amato’s (5 minutes west – 15887 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – Casual, family-friendly Italian spot with pizza and classic comfort dishes. Offers easy take out or dine in with BYOB.
  • Panthertown Café (7 minutes west – 16614 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – Breakfast & lunch café, perfect for a laid-back meal. Closes briefly between breakfast and lunch.
  • Osteria Del Monte (10 minutes west – 19131 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – A cozy, upscale Italian restaurant known for its handmade pastas, refined dishes, warm and intimate atmosphere.
  • The Restaurant at The Greystone Inn (15 minute drive around lake – 220 Graystone Lane, Lake Toxaway) – Upscale lakeside dining with stunning views of Lake Toxaway. Great for brunch, lunch or dinner. Be sure to check out the Mansion Bar for after dinner cocktails.
  • Target (5-10 minutes north of airport – 15 McKenna Road, Arden) – 55 minutes to Chimney Creek Lodge
  • Walmart – (30 minutes – 177 Forest Gate Drive, Pisgah Forest)
  • Food Matters Market (26 minutes – 1 Market Street, Brevard) – Locally sourced, organic, clean food and health products. Plus, a small café for breakfast and lunch.
  • Walgreens – (25 minutes – 382 Asheville Highway, Brevard)
  • Aldi – (24 minutes – 165 Asheville Highway, Brevard) -A streamlined, affordable market with curated essentials.
  • Ingles – (24 minutes – 684 N Broad Street, Brevard) – large full-service grocery store with a deli and Starbucks.
  • Food Lion – (22 minutes – 100 College Station Drive, Brevard) – convenient, budget-friendly grocery store for everyday essentials, fresh produce and pantry staples.
  • Sav-Mor – (18 minutes – 985 Rosman Highway, Brevard) – small town grocery store offering everyday essentials.
  • Headwaters Outfitters — (9 minutes east) Outdoor gear, guided river trips, and fly fishing expeditions.
  • Historic Toxaway Market (5 minutes west – 15889 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – A gourmet market offering premium wines, local produce, artisan meats and elevated everyday essentials.
  • Sweetwater Perk & Creamery (5 minutes west – 15886 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – A charming local spot for coffee/teas, pastries, ice cream and local gifts.
  • Citgo/Lake Toxaway Trading Post (6 minutes east – 10972 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – Easy grab-and-go market for snacks/hot food, last minute necessities. Also sells beer & wine.
  • The Outpost at Lake Toxaway (7 minutes east – 10932 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – A fun local stop for unique gifts, ice cream and family-friendly gem mining.
  • Sapphire Station (8 minutes west – 17863 Rosman Highway, Sapphire) – A one-stop shop for fuel, convenience items, Hunts Brothers Pizza, beer and wine. Plus an ATM.
  • McNeely’s Hardware (7 minutes west – 17668 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) –
  • Dollar General (10 minutes west – 19437 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway) – A budget-friendly spot for grab-and-go basics. From groceries to household necessities.

Outdoor Adventures & Activities

Water Adventures
  • Sliding Rock (Pisgah National Forest) (~27 mi) — Ride a natural 60-ft rock waterslide into an 8-ft swimming pool. A summer classic! Best on weekday mornings.
  • Cashiers Sliding Rock (~16 mi) — Local favorite on the Chattooga River; cool water, rock slides, and cannonball potholes. Best early morning.
  • Headwaters Outfitters (Rosman) (~22 mi) — Tubing, kayaking, and fly-fishing on the French Broad River. Affordable family fun.
  • Davidson River Tubing (Brevard, ~23 mi) — Midday river tubing in Pisgah National Forest.
  • Dillsboro River Company (Sylva) (~45 mi) — Mom-approved rafting on the Tuckasegee River; ideal for first-timers and families (ages 4+).
  • Nantahala Outdoor Center (Bryson City) (~60 mi) — Serious whitewater rafting and zipline tours at a 500-acre adventure campus.
  • Nantahala River (~55 mi) — Classic Class II–III whitewater rafting; multiple outfitters run seasonal guided trips.
  • Chattooga River (near Cashiers, ~18 mi) — Scenic free-flowing river with tubing and varied paddling options.
  • Highlands Aerial Park (Scaly Mountain) (~30 mi) — The area’s most exhilarating zipline course, culminating in a 1/4-mile zip across an 800-ft gorge! Options for ages 4+. Use code TMC for 10% off.
  • The Scaly Screamer (Scaly Mountain) (~30 mi) — The longest mountain coaster in NC at 3,800 feet of rails through the Appalachians. Ages 3+.
  • The Vordach Zipline (Sapphire Valley Resort, ~10 mi) — Canopy tour at the resort; family-friendly for ages 8+. Guests receive 25% off the public rate.
  • Ski Sapphire Valley (Sapphire) (~10 mi) — Family skiing, a blue-diamond run, bunny slope, and snow-tubing. Lessons and rentals available. Guests receive 25% off the public rate.

Hiking — All Skill Levels

  • Whiteside Mountain (Cashiers/Highlands) (~18 mi) — 2-mile loop with sheer 750-ft cliffs and dramatic views. Moderate.
  • Sunset Rock (Highlands, ~23 mi) — Just ~0.25 mi uphill; outstanding panoramic views. Best at sunset.
  • Panthertown Valley (~14 mi) — Called the Yosemite of the East, with 30+ miles of trails, waterfalls, creeks, and overlooks. Download a map — trails are NOT well-marked!
  • Pink Beds Loop (Brevard) (~23 mi) — Easy to moderate; ~1–5 mi options with boardwalk sections and beautiful meadows.
  • John Rock Loop (Brevard) (~23 mi) — Moderate; ~5 mi with outstanding rock face views over the Davidson River valley.
  • Looking Glass Rock (Brevard) (~23 mi) — Moderate; ~6.5 mi to the summit with incredible forest views.
  • Cliffside Lake Loop (Highlands) (~27 mi) — Easy ~0.5 mi loop; great anytime for a peaceful forest walk.

Waterfalls — The Land of Waterfalls

Very Easy / Stroller-Friendly
  • Whitewater Falls Overlook (~21 mi) — Highest waterfall east of the Rockies (811 ft)! Paved paths and railings; ~0.3 mi to overlook. Best time: early morning.
  • Looking Glass Falls (~23 mi) — Iconic roadside waterfall in Pisgah National Forest; one of the most photographed in NC. Best time: early morning or late afternoon.
  • Silver Run Falls (~16 mi) — ~0.5 mi flat trail to a beautiful 20-ft waterfall with a swimming hole at the base — pack your swim trunks!
  • Bridal Veil Falls (Highlands) (~28 mi) — Famous roadside waterfall you can walk behind. Easy; catch it on the way to Dry Falls.
  • Toxaway Falls / Great Falls (~2 mi) — Scenic waterfall on the Toxaway River visible from Hwy 64; a beautiful local gem that most people drive right past.
  • Gorges State Park (~7 mi) — Just minutes away; gateway to Rainbow Falls, Bearwallow Falls, and Turtleback Falls. Stunning gorge scenery.
  • Pisgah National Forest (Brevard) (~18–25 mi) — Hundreds of trails, iconic waterfalls, and the famous Sliding Rock.
  • Nantahala National Forest (~20–30 mi) — Surrounds Highlands and Cashiers; home to Whiteside Mountain, Dry Falls, Glen Falls, and Panthertown Valley.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (~28 mi) — Scenic drive with overlooks, trailheads, and Graveyard Fields; accessible from the Brevard area.

Gem Mining & Rock Shops

  • Jackson Hole Gem Mine (near Highlands, ~24 mi) — Highly rated covered flume gem mining; great year-round activity for all ages.
  • Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine (Franklin) (~40 mi) — Classic gem mine famous for sapphires and precious stones.
  • Old Cardinal Gem Mine (Franklin, ~40 mi) — Another highly reviewed Franklin gem mining option.
  • Rockhound Ridge Gem Mine & Rock Shop (Sylva, ~45 mi) — Gem mining plus an onsite rock shop.
  • Crystal Mountain Gem Mine (Brevard) (~18 mi) — Gem mining and rock shop in downtown Brevard; a fun stop on a mountain day trip.

Day Trip Adventures

  • Bear Valley Farm — Glenville, NC (~22 mi) — A beloved holiday tradition perched at 3,757 feet, just look for the red caboose! Choose and cut your own Fraser Fir Christmas tree, plus wreaths, hayrides, hot drinks, and a campfire. Open daily 9am–5pm from Thanksgiving through sell-out. 231 Bee Tree Rd, Glenville, NC 28736 | (828) 212-9797
  • The Biltmore Estate — Asheville, NC (~50 mi) — Tour the largest privately-owned estate in the US; stunning Gilded Age mansion, lush gardens, and an onsite winery. Advance tickets recommended.
  • The Polar Express™ Train Ride — Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City, NC (~57 mi) — One of the most magical holiday experiences in the mountains! This 1¼-hour round-trip train ride departs the historic Bryson City Depot, where chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies as the classic story unfolds around you. The journey ends with Santa Claus boarding the train to present every child with a silver sleigh bell. Reservations: (800) 872-4681
  • Sylva, NC (~45 mi) — Picturesque small town with a Main Street lined with local restaurants, galleries, bookshops, and craft breweries. The historic Jackson County Courthouse is worth the 107-step climb for the views.
  • Asheville, NC (~50 mi) — Western NC’s cultural capital with countless galleries, restaurants, festivals, and dozens of craft breweries. A must-visit destination.

Nearby Mountain Towns

Cashiers (~13 mi)

Charming crossroads village at 3,400 ft elevation with boutiques, restaurants, waterfalls, and the Village Green.

  • Village Green Commons — 13-acre park with gardens, hiking trails, and an amazing playground; ‘Groovin’ on the Green’ most summer Fridays with live music, food, and dancing.
  • Cashiers Farmers Market — Fresh produce, baked goods, and ‘On the Side’ BBQ; great for picnic supplies. Best: mornings, seasonal.
  • Whiteside Brewing Company — Local brewery and pub with craft beer, American eats, outdoor dining, and a pet-friendly atmosphere.

Cashiers Restaurants & Coffee

Cashiers Shopping

  • Brookings — Gifts, clothing, and souvenirs; also home to Brookings Anglers fly fishing outfitter.
  • Victoria’s Closet — Boutique clothing.
  • Cashiers General Store — Snacks and essentials.
  • High Hampton Outfitters — Outdoor apparel and gear.
  • Ingles Market (203 Hwy 64 E) — Full-service grocery with a deli and Starbucks.
  • The Wine Cellar (130 US-64) — Excellent wine selection.

Just down the road from Lake Toxaway; home to the Sapphire Valley Resort and gateway to Gorges State Park and Panthertown Valley.

  • Sapphire Valley Resort — Activities including the Vordach Zipline, Fairfield Lake, and Ski Sapphire (winter).
  • Panthertown Valley — Called the Yosemite of the East; accessible from Sapphire with 30+ miles of trails and dozens of waterfalls.

Sapphire Restaurants

Perched above 4,000 ft elevation with exquisite restaurants, upscale boutiques, art galleries, a botanical garden, and access to stunning natural scenery.

  • Sunset Rock (~23 mi, ~35 min) — ~0.25 mi short hike to a panoramic overlook; best at sunset.
  • Highlands Nature Center & Botanical Garden (~23 mi, ~35 min) — Explore native plants and wildlife; best in the morning.
  • Highlands Plateau Greenway (~23 mi, ~35 min) — Scenic walking paths through downtown Highlands and surrounding nature areas.
  • Cullasaja Gorge Scenic Drive (~25 mi, ~38 min) — Drive US-64 west of Highlands for dramatic gorge views, roadside waterfalls, and mountain scenery.
  • Old Edwards Inn & Spa (~23 mi, ~35 min) — Historic resort in downtown Highlands with a European-style spa, Madison’s Restaurant, and the Wine Garden.

Highlands Restaurants

  • Madison’s Restaurant — Farm-to-table New American cuisine with seasonal ingredients and an award-winning wine list; great for a special dinner.
  • Oak Steakhouse — Classic high-quality steakhouse in a refined setting.
  • Four65 Woodfire Bistro — Wood-fired pizzas, salads, and creative small plates.
  • Wild Thyme Gourmet — American with global influences; outdoor seating; great for lunch or dinner.
  • Highlands Supper Club — Southern-inspired menu in a historic log cabin; brunch and dinner.
  • Paoletti’s — Italian dinner in downtown Highlands; a Highlands institution since 1953.
  • The Ugly Dog Pub — Casual pub; great for burgers, beer, and a laid-back meal.
  • Highlands Tavern — Welcoming vibe and great American food; perfect for dinner or drinks.

Highlands Shopping

  • Main Street Shops — Boutiques, art galleries, and gift stores lining downtown Highlands.
  • Highlands Wine Shoppe — Curated selection of wines and gourmet items.
  • Highlands Outfitters — Outdoor apparel and gear.
  • Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation Thrift Store — Great local finds.

  • A bustling mountain town with a lively Main Street, Pisgah National Forest access, the famous Sliding Rock, and a thriving arts and music scene.

    • Brevard Music Center (~18 mi, ~30 min) — Seasonal outdoor classical and pop concerts all summer long; a beloved mountain tradition.
    • Pisgah National Forest (~20–25 mi, ~30–40 min) — Gateway to Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Moore Cove Falls, and hundreds of hiking trails.
    • Coed Cinema (~18 mi, ~30 min) — Historic 1930s movie theater; great for a rainy day escape.
    • White Squirrel Festival (~18 mi, ~30 min, annual) — Brevard’s charming outdoor festival celebrating the town’s famous white squirrels.

    Brevard Restaurants

    • Square Root — Brevard classic with New American fare, Asian-inspired twists, and outdoor seating.
    • The Blind Mule Brevard — Highly rated; seasonal Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with an inventive menu.
    • The Bohemian Restaurant — Creative New American with small plates; great for dinner and cocktails.
    • Wild Morel — Dinner with reservations recommended.
    • Smoke On BBQ — Delicious BBQ and smoked meats.
    • Stonebowl House — Highly rated Korean and hot pot style restaurant.

    Brevard Shopping

    • Mantiques — A one-of-a-kind shopping experience spread across four floors of a historic downtown Brevard building. Part museum, part treasure hunt — vintage sports memorabilia, rustic furniture, collectibles, and unique gifts.
    • A Blast From the Past — Gifts and Brevard souvenirs.
    • Theophilus — Women’s boutique.
    • Headwaters Outfitters — Outdoor gear, guided river trips, and fly fishing expeditions.
    • Explore Brevard Visitor Center — Maps, local tips, and event info.