| Sapling Mountain | N Madison County between Shelton Laurel Creek and Spillcorn Creek. |
| Sapona | community in SW Davidson County served by post office, 1885-1903. |
| Sapona River | See Yadkin River. |
| Sapony Creek | rises in W Nash County and flows SE into Tar River. Probably named for a stopping place of the Saponi Indians as they moved from the Yadkin River area in the W soon after 1701 to join the Tuscarora in the E. |
| Sapphire | community in SW Transylvania County S of Horsepasture River. Named because sapphires are found in the vicinity or for the vivid blue of the sky and water. |
| Sapphire Country | a descriptive name applied to the area around Fairfield, Sapphire, and Toxaway Lakes in S Jackson and W Transylvania Counties. It probably came into use in commercial promotion for Mountain Lodge, Fairfield Inn, and Sapphire Inn about 1898. Name derived from the blue of the mountains as well as sapphire gems found in the area. |
| Sapphire Lake | S Jackson County on Horsepasture River and Nix Creek. Formed by 1916; covers 50 acres, with a max. depth of 20 ft. Part of "Sapphire Country," which see. Used for fishing, swimming, and boating; not open to the public. See also Lake Sapphire. |
| Sapsucker Branch | rises in central Clay County and flows NW into Peckerwood Branch. |
| Saratoga | town in SE Wilson County between White Oak Swamp and Goss Swamp. Settled prior to 1839; inc. 1874. |
| Saratoga Township | SE Wilson County. |