I love exploring the North Carolina mountains! There are so many cute mountain towns, hidden gems, and lots of beautiful scenery to experience. Beech Mountain in NC is a lesser-known area, but worth adding to your bucket list!
There are fun activities all year round. From skiing at Beech Mountain Ski Resort to walking the yellow brick road at the Land of Oz theme park, there are attractions for all ages. These are only two of the great activities available in this mountain town.
I’ve compiled a list of 21 exciting things to do when visiting Beech Mountain to help you plan your next day trip or weekend getaway. Before we begin talking about things to do, let me first explain a little bit about the area and what you can expect!
About Beech Mountain in NC
Beech Mountain is a Western North Carolina town that is nestled within the Appalachian Mountains. At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town east of the Rockies.
The resident population of Beech Mountain is less than 1,000. The winter ski season and summer tourist season bring this number up to 5,000-10,000.
Beech Mountain is also a short drive from other small and frequently visited mountain towns. This makes for great day trip opportunities!
- Banner Elk (15 minutes)
- Sugar Mountain (25 minutes)
- Boone (45 minutes)
- Blowing Rock (50 minutes)
21 Things To Do in Beech Mountain, NC
Beech Mountain, NC has activities for all ages. It is a family-friendly area. The location is also great for day trips to explore other adorable mountain towns.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
With an elevation of 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is a popular destination for those searching for a winter getaway. Beech Mountain is known for its skiing, but snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating are also offered.
The mountain has ski slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. They also offer ski school if you have never been on skis or if you just need a refresh!
While winter sports are most popular, the resort is also open during the summer. At this time, the activities are more geared toward warmer weather. You can find anything from mountain biking to disc golf.
Land of Oz
Do you love the Wizard of Oz?! You should definitely check out the Land of Oz, where you can follow the yellow brick road and feel like you’re Dorothy!
The Land of Oz was once a fully functioning theme park until the 1980s when much of the park was demolished. The Land of Oz now operates an annual event known as the “Autumn at Oz Festival.” The remaining structures have been restored for the festival.
Land of Oz typically opens three weekends in September. You can meet Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Lion, and the Great Oz.
You may even spot the wicked witch as you browse the gift shops for a souvenir!
Beech Mountain Brewing Company
Beech Mountain Brewing Company is located at the base of the slopes in the village of Beech Mountain Resort. It is the perfect place to relax after a long day.
The two-level facility is accessible to all visitors; they are open to the public. They have a large fireplace, which is perfect to cozy up beside on cold winter days.
Emerald Outback Trails
Located at 5,400 feet elevation, Emerald Outback Trails offers stunning views of 50 miles away.
The Emerald Outback Trails is a network of seven miles of trail through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. These trails are great for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy biking, hiking, and/or trail running.
Shopping at Fred’s General Mercantile
Shopping at Fred’s General Mercantile offers a unique and nostalgic experience! Established in 1979, Fred’s has become an iconic destination, offering a wide variety of goods that cater to both locals and visitors.
The store’s design resembles an old-fashioned country store. This makes shopping here even more desirable. You can find anything from groceries, clothing, outdoor gear, gifts, and artisanal crafts. And if you have a thing for hot sauce, check out the extensive collection of hot sauces at Fred’s General Mercantile!
Beech Mountain History Museum
Established in 1989, the Beech Mountain History Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the region.
Housed in a rustic, yet modern, building, the museum’s exhibits provide some rich history of the mountain. While the museum is on the smaller side, there is no shortage of information at the museum.
The exhibits range from a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. Topics explored at the museum can range from the Beech Mountain community prior to the ski resort, the Cherokee population, the town’s development, and so much more.
Buckeye Recreation Center
For all your sporting needs, look no further than Buckeye Recreation Center! The Buckeye Recreation Center stands as a prominent recreational hub in Beech Mountain. It offers a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities.
Its facilities include a fully equipped fitness center, indoor tennis courts, and a gymnasium for various sports. Outside, the center boasts an expansive complex featuring a playground, a paved walking track, and multi-purpose fields suitable for sports like soccer and frisbee.
The center also maintains access to hiking and mountain biking trails, connecting visitors with the natural beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
5506′ Skybar
This is one of our favorite places at Beech Mountain, and probably one of the more popular destinations.
The 5506′ Skybar stands as a remarkable high-altitude destination atop Beech Mountain at an elevation of 5,506 feet. With such a high elevation, this unique bar and lounge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
In the summer months, the Skybar is only accessible via the Beech Mountain Resort’s chairlift (or by hiking). In the winter months, the Skybar is only accessible to skiers and snowboarders with a valid lift ticker.
Avery County Quilt Trail
The Avery County Quilt Trail is a unique experience that combines heritage, creativity, and community spirit in Avery County, North Carolina.
The Avery County Quilt Trail replaces painted patterns with handcrafted wooden quilt blocks, each with its own story and significance. Scattered across the county, these vibrant quilt squares adorn various buildings, homes, and structures.
The trail is split up into three sections. One loop of the trail covers Beech Mountain. A second loop winds through the valleys and rivers of the Banner Elk and Newland areas. A third loop explores Newland, Crossnore, and Linville.
Eat Delicious Food
Trying new restaurants and exploring the local cuisine are some of my favorite things to do when visiting a new area. Here are some of my favorite places to eat:
- Famous Brick Oven Pizza (402 Beech Mountain Pkwy) Not only do they serve my favorite food, but they also have a mini golf course, live music, and an on-site arcade! It’s a great family-friendly atmosphere.
- 5506′ Skybar (1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy): Panoramic bar at the summit of Beech Mountain ski resort offering beer, cocktails & snacks.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
While not exactly located in Beech Mountain, I felt like Hawksnest was worthy of mention. Located in Seven Devils near Banner Elk, NC, it’s about 35 minutes away.
Hawksnest Snow Tubing is known as the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast. They provide more than 30 lanes for snow tubing fun with a focus on family-friendly entertainment.
They are also open in the summer months where they transform into a zipline course. With 20 ziplines that cover more than four miles in total length, it’s loads of fun for all ages!
Fishing
If you are looking for a relaxing activity, fishing is a great thing to do at Beech Mountain. There are many streams and two lakes where fishing is very popular.
- Lake Coffey and Buckeye Lake are stocked annually with brown, rainbow, and brook trout.
- Two streams (Buckeye Creek and Pond Creek) are also popular fishing spots. Both are part of the High-Country Mountain Heritage Trout Waters Trail.
Fishing licenses are required in Beech Mountain. You can get one at Fred’s General Mercantile Store.
Gem Mining
Gem Mining at White Wolf Lodge allows you to experience the excitement of uncovering hidden gems and minerals through the age-old practice of gem mining.
With a focus on education and entertainment, White Wolf Lodge provides you with all the necessary equipment and materials for a hands-on gem mining experience.
You can sift through buckets of dirt and gravel to reveal a variety of colorful gems, fossils, and minerals native to the region.
Apple Hill Farm
While technically in Banner Elk, it also is a short drive away from Beech Mountain. Apple Hill Farm was established in 2001 and continues to be a working farm. It provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close with alpacas, donkeys, goats, and more.
You can enjoy guided tours that provide inside into the daily operations of the farm. You can also learn about animal cane and participate in hands-on activities, such as feeding and petting the animals.
Reservations are required to see the animals!
Rock climbing
You can also rock climb at White Wolf Lodge. This outdoor adventure attraction offers climbers of all skill levels the chance to scale natural rock formations in a safe and supervised environment.
The lodge provides the necessary equipment, including harnesses and helmets, as well as expert guides to ensure a secure and enjoyable climbing experience.
With a variety of routes catering to beginners and experienced climbers alike, White Wolf Lodge offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself while surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Paddleboarding
Another fun activity at the White Wolf Lodge is paddleboarding! You can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on a serene lake surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The White Wolf Lodge provides all the necessary equipment, including paddleboards and safety equipment.
They also cater to all skill levels. Whether a novice or experienced paddleboarder, White Wolf Lodge offers guidance and instruction for those new to the activity.
Mountaineer Adventure Tower
The Mountaineer Adventure Tower is a fun, outdoor recreational facility.
With multiple levels and platforms, the tower features elements like rope bridges, cargo nets, and zip lines that encourage you to navigate through obstacles, all while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
Located 20 minutes away in Banner Elk, NC is the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.
This unique alpine coaster allows you to control your own speed as you navigate a twisting and turning track through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The coaster typically operates year-round, providing an exciting activity in all seasons.
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is equipped with safety features and guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable ride for everyone!
Disc Golf
Disc golf can be played at the Beech Mountain Resort. You will need to purchase a lift ticket in order to tee off from the summit.
The course features “Innova Discatcher Pro Targets, framed Disconcepts Launch pads, and custom tee signs.”
Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series in Beech Mountain, NC, is an eagerly anticipated annual musical event that brings the community together to enjoy live music.
Typically held during the warmer months, the outdoor concerts take place at the town’s scenic venues. Music genres range from folk and bluegrass to rock and jazz.
Mile High Yoga
Mile High Yoga in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, offers a unique yoga experience led by experienced instructors at a breathtaking elevation.
Held at the summit of Beech Mountain (5506′ Skybar), this yoga practice takes advantage of the serene mountain landscape. It typically takes place during the warmer months.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of activities, events, or things to do when visiting Beech Mountain in NC. I hope this list provides inspiration for your next visit to this beautiful mountain town!