The Olympic Ocoee River And
Nearby National Forests

Many landowners see Sassafras Ridge as a get-a-way for weekends and vacations, while some families plan to eventually relocate or retire and live in the mountains full time. Beautiful homes are being built by landowners on spectacular, wooded lots…some which look out over 50-mile views of distant blue ridges in three states! As if this abundance is not enough, Sassafras Ridge is surrounded by two national forests.

EXPLORE!

To the east of Sassafras Ridge is the 92,000 acre Nantahala National Forest in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The Nantahala is loaded with wildlife, beautiful flora, magnificent natural waterways and almost every conceivable outdoor activity, including horseback riding, mountain climbing and hang gliding. And if you want to take your chances, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in the Nantahala, is only forty minutes away.

Cherokee National Forest

The Cherokee National Forest to the west consists of 633,000 acres and is only fifteen minutes away. It contains the famous Ocoee River, the 1996 Olympic venue for kayaking and whitewater rafting events, a World Cup site for kayak racing, and the most popular whitewater rafting river on the East coast. The river empties into the Ocoee Lake which, on a spring or summer day, is dotted with jet skis, glass bottom boats and speed boats. The Cherokee also has miles of hiking trails and two sandy beaches. There is also the Hiawasse River, noted for its large trout and bass fishing, and the sport of “tubing” over its ice cold rapids. A golf course is nearby, and there is even an airport for private airplanes about ten minutes from Sassafras Ridge.

People come to Sassafras Ridge all year long. They come for the warmth and camaraderie within the community. They come for the challenge of climbing the mountain, of living out doors. Residents enjoy mineral hikes, examining the various semiprecious stones, gold, copper, and rock formations for which this region is noted. They come to walk on the flowering trails of the Harriet Tubman Nature Reserve, pick yellow root or other wild herbs for tea, then relax in front of a spectacular display of swerving orange, silver, lavender and mauve sunset colors...before making a bonfire or soaking in the jacuzzi.

And at night, there are the stars...billions scatter the sky with shooting stars a common sight! But most of all, they come for the serenity, the escape, the soothing peace of the mountain that lifts them up and beyond all their cares. People come for nature and they come for the magnificent beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains– a magnificence that helps them feel just a bit closer to the awesome power of the Creator!

Ocoee Whitewater Center