If you know about the tiny North Carolina town Beech Mountain, you probably think of it as a Southern skiing destination, which it is. The elevation here—the highest east of the Rockies—is an incredible 5,506 feet. This means lots of snow in the winter (an average of 84 inches) for sports like skiing and snowboarding. According to the town, there are 350 year round residents, but in the winter, that number increases to about 10,000, and in the summer, 5,000.
What you might not know is that it’s a wonderful getaway in any season. In the spring, you can avoid the crowds, and see nature come back to life as you explore beautiful trails and lakes. In the summer, the area is home to several fun festivals and some of the coolest temperatures in the South. Fall and winter bring a host of activities and a changing landscape to enjoy.
Read on for what to do in Beech Mountain, North Carolina any time of the year.
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Spring And Summer Adventures
Wild Iris Trail is a two-and-a-half mile woodland path where you’ll find all sorts of blooms (and butterflies) in the spring and early summer. In late summer, you might even come across fruit-filled blackberry bushes. Or take in the sweeping views of the mountains by hiking the Emerald Outback Trails, which are about 7 miles long and offer some of the best scenery at Beech Mountain.
Beech Mountain Resort hosts an annual summer concert series with a fleet of food trucks. Past lineups have include national acts and artists like Greensky Bluegrass, Grace Potter, Galactic, and Sheryl Crow. This is one of the area’s most popular events, so buy tickets in advance.
In the winter, the slopes of Beech Mountain Resort are filled with skiers (more on that later), but from early June to mid-October, those ski runs become exciting downhill mountain bike trails. There are trails ranging from beginner to expert, and you can rent bikes and equipment at the resort.
Warmer weather brings two annual festivals to town. In August, Crafts on the Green is a marketplace for local and regional makers. Closer to Labor Day, the Mile High Kite Festival celebrates the area’s cooler summer temperatures and elevation with a day of kite flying and making.
Beech Mountain has several creeks and streams where you can fish for several different types of trout. Brook trout are native to Pond Creek, which is catch-and-release only. Brown, rainbow and brook trout are stocked at Lake Coffey and Buckeye Lake, as well as Buckeye Creek. Fishing licenses are required for people 16 years old and up. Or, if fishing isn't your idea of fun, rent a kayak or canoe and spend some time out on the water.
Fall Adventures
Not fabric quilts—we’re talking about barn quilts, which are colorful painted designs on the sides of buildings. While Avery County’s Barn Quilt Trail is lovely to experience in any season, it’s especially scenic in the fall, when you can drive along country roads and admire the turning leaves and the paintings. There are 33 stops along the trail in Beech Mountain, which you can see on this map.
Likewise, Buckeye Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful spot to visit any time of the year, but fall is especially lovely. This 43-acre park has lakes, forests, waterfalls, and trails, and according to the High Country Audubon Society, is also home to some of the best birding around. The Buckeye Recreation Center also hosts guided birdwatching walks.
townofbeechmountain.com/parks-and-recreation, 1330 Pine Ridge Rd., Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Winter Adventures
High season in Beech Mountain is winter, and for good reason. Thanks to the area’s elevation, about 64 inches of snow fall here annually. At Beech Mountain Resort, you can play in the snow to your heart’s content, any way that you like. Ski 17 different slopes, snowboard on two terrain parks, or go tubing down a 750 foot run. The resort also offers lessons and equipment rentals for all the gear you’ll need.
beechmountainresort.com, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
If you’re traveling with kids who are too young to hit the slopes, they can still get in on the action at Sledding Hill, the only municipal sledding hill in the Southeast. Open from November to March (weather permitting), this area is tamer, but still a lot of fun. You can find it behind Brick Oven Pizzeria. (Which makes a great post-sledding lunch or dinner!)
beechmtn.com/winter-sports-skiing, 110 Bark Park Way Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Where To Eat & Drink
Tucked along the side of Fred’s General Mercantile (more on that below), Fred’s Backside Deli serves breakfast and lunch. Expect simple yet delicious fare at reasonable prices, like breakfast biscuit sandwiches, bowls of chili, sub sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and homemade cinnamon rolls.
fredsgeneral.com, 501 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain NC 28604
First Chair Coffee Shop offers all the usual espresso drinks, plus seasonal specials like a Caramel Apple Latte. You’ll also find bagels, cookies, and other treats by beloved bakery Stick Boy Bread Company, which is based in Boone.
firstchaircoffeeshop.com, 1103 Beech Mountain Pkwy #3, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
No matter the season, Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom & Grill is a popular gathering spot for locally brewed beer and comfort food designed to go with it, like Loaded Tater Tots, burgers, and trout sandwiches. Some beers are available year-round and others, like the Imperial Stout, are seasonal. The taproom is located at Beech Mountain Resort so it’s an easy place to grab a meal in between activities.
beechmountainbrewingco.com, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
If you're looking to carb-load before or after a day on the slopes, head to Bullwinkle’s, an lodge-like Italian restaurant inside the Top of the Beech Inn. Locals and visitors come here for pizza and pasta, and in warmer weather, for alfresco dining on the restaurant’s deck.
explorebeech.com, 606 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
The One Store You Can’t Miss
Beech Mountain’s one-stop shop, Fred’s General Mercantile, proudly carries a little of just about everything. Open since 1979, this family-run general store is a must-stop. While popular with visitors, it’s also an important part of the community. With a grocery store, hardware section, shoe and clothing shop, and wild bird supplies, this is a fun place to browse and a helpful source for essential items everyone needs.
fredsgeneral.com, 501 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain NC 28604
Where To Stay
This is the largest, and most popular choice for visitors. With easy access to year-round activities, dining options, and special events, it’s a centralized and comfortable stay. The resort requires a minimum three-night stay and has a variety of properties including cozy cabins and large lodges for groups.
beechmountainresort.com, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
This ski lodge has 14 rooms all with two queen beds, and some with balconies. Guests say the inn has great views, especially from the property’s deck, and it is a short drive to Beech Mountain Resort for skiing.
beech-mountain.org, 606 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604
Located in nearby Banner Elk, this lodge has six different rental properties that can sleep groups of six people all the way up to 64 people—yes, that’s a lot of bunk beds! White Wolf also rents bikes, ski equipment, paddleboards, and more, so you’ll be easily outfitted for any adventure.
whitewolflodge.org, 3363 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Editor's Note: Hurricane Helene has impacted the South. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we encourage readers to stay informed about travel disruptions and road closures. Learn how you can help support our neighbors here.