Elk River Since 1982, the Elk River Club has defined luxurious mountain living in the North Carolina High Country. As the state's first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Elk River has consistently ranked among the state's top ten. Elk River's many unique amenities include a comprehensive tennis center, a complete Nautilus fitness and swimming complex, a private on-site jetport, and a mountaintop Saddle Club with over 100 acres of tree lined riding trails.