The Mountain Cottage

Bald Rock is a very special mountain community that sits high above beautiful Sapphire Valley, North Carolina. Situated at the peak of our namesake mountain, the gated grounds encompass 778 acres divided into 120 mountain home sites. The property contains numerous creeks and waterfalls, a rare mountain bog, and 9.2 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Of special interest to nature lovers, Bald Rock borders the spectacular U.S Forest Panthertown Valley Backcountry Area. In the words of the Forest Service: Panthertown Valley, referred to as the Yosemite of the East, lies on the eastern continental divide in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

With more than 25 miles of designated trails in this 6,300 acre backcountry area visitors can enjoy deep gorges and broad valleys, mountain bogs and granitic rock domes, tranquil creeks and plunging waterfalls while hiking, biking or horseback riding. Bald Rock owners enjoy direct access to this mountain wonderland by virtue of a connecting Forest Service trail that is approved for hikers, bikers, and horses.

Speaking of horses, Bald Rock offers the finest equestrian center in the mountains. Our independently managed Equestrian Center has sixteen 12' x 12' full stalls in two barns, plus a separate isolation stall. The center contains 3 hot/cold water wash areas (one inside), nine pastures, one paddock, two training pens, and a 100' x 200' riding arena. The independent Barn Manager offers complete care of horses, lessons, and training. Bald Rock was developed by Westmark Development Corporation of Dubuque, IA in 1995. Westmark President Dave Bauer took a great personal interest in each roadway, trail, & every homesite, and dreamed of Bald Rock becoming the "Gem of the Mountains". He spent months hiking through the forest to develop what has become one of the finest communities in the Western North Carolina Mountains. Dave claims to have worn out two pairs of hiking boots, 1 Jeep, and 1 ATV! Located on the 3500 to 4200-foot ridge line of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we enjoy great weather year round, with very cool summers and occasional brief but lovely snows in the winter.

Between the Barn Center and the Pavilion at The Divide at Bald Rock (our sister community), we have dozens of activities during the summer season. Bald Rock is part of the Sapphire Valley Resort system which offers 2 golf courses, eight Har-Tru tennis courts, indoor & outdoor swimming, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, fitness room, and game room. In addition to the nature center and planned activities (kids summer camp also) at the Community Building, you can sail, canoe, swim and fish on the 55 acres Lake Fairfield. During the winter visit the Ski Sapphire Valley lodge with its ski slopes and recently renovated "Frozen Falls" snow tubing. Bald Rock is located a few minutes from the quiet friendly town of Cashiers, NC We are the gem of the Sapphire Valley Community which offers golf, tennis, swimming, and playgrounds just down the road from our gates. We are an hour from the Asheville airport, and within 3 hours of Atlanta, Knoxville, and Greenville

Getting around

Our community is extremely well-maintained with paved roads and underground utilities. While it is never a bad thing to have 4WD in the mountains (especially in the winter months), our cabin is easily accessible despite the 4200 feet of elevation and 4WD is not necessary. Don't forget to bring your HORSES! Our community is very rare in that it offers a full-service equestrian center onsite. Please contact us for more information in advance. Also, bring your mountain bikes and hiking boots- we have amazing trails inside the community as well as direct access to 6300-acre Panthertown Valley which boasts over 25 miles of trails.