There are only a handful of places to go skiing in the South and the majority are located in North Carolina. Located at around 5,000 feet in altitude, Beech Mountain is one of the most popular, located less than an hour from Boone and around two hours from Asheville. But the ski resort area has plenty to offer year-round, not just when white powder coats the ground.
1. Mountain Biking
The ski slopes at Beech Mountain Resort don’t go unused during the warm months. Instead, they become mountain biking paths. Bikers take their wheels up the ski lift, using a special carriage, and make their way down. There are trails of varying difficulty for beginners and experts alike. They offer single ride tickets as well as all-day passes.
2. Disc Golf
Beech Mountain Resort also has a seasonal disc golf course in the Resort Village area. It’s open through the beginning of September and features nine Par 3 holes. The course features Innova Discatcher Pro Targets and framed Disconcepts Launch pads. Discs are available for rent as well.
3. Hiking
Beech Mountain is connected by many trails for both pedestrians and cyclists. For an easy stroll, the Falls Trail runs from Pinnacle Inn Resort into town and beyond. The Emerald Outback trails opened in 2011 and are seven miles of challenging trails with breathtaking views. Maps are available at the visitors center.
4. Boating
Navigate the waterways of Beech Mountain for a relaxing afternoon. The Buckeye Recreation Center is set on over 50 acres with 10 acres of lakes alone. They offer canoes and kayaks for rent with life jackets as well as trails and indoor activities.
5. Mountaintop Yoga
What’s better than yoga? Yoga at 5,506 feet. Beech Mountain Resort holds Mile High Yoga in the summer at a platform at their slopes bar. The beginner-friendly class runs on weekends from June to early September.
Attendees can bring their own mat or rent one before boarding the ski lift. They have unrivaled views of the mountains while doing downward-facing dogs. You can even have a celebratory beer when you’re done.
6. Fly Fishing
Like in other mountainous areas, fishing is a popular activity. Near Beech Mountain are Buckeye Creek and Pond Creek which are part of the High Country Mountain Heritage Trout Water Trail. Visitors can purchase fishing licenses and rent rods and reels.
7. Wineries
This part of North Carolina has a number of wineries with tasting rooms that are open to the public. Banner Elk Winery is located near Beech Mountain and has a sprawling courtyard near the vines as well as a tasting room and onsite villas. Grandfather Vineyard is another great one nearby.
8. Breweries
But beer lovers aren’t to be left out. Beech Mountain Brewing Company is one of the only breweries in the country to be owned and operated by a ski area. They have a selection of their own beers, including the Beech Blonde, as well as guest taps from other breweries in the region.
If you’re up for a drive, check out Flat Top Brewing in Banner Elk; Appalachian Mountain, Lost Province, and Booneshine in Boone; Blowing Rock Brewery in Blowing Rock; and Fonta Flora in Morganton.
9. The Land of Oz
The Land of Oz is one of the region’s quirkiest attractions, located near the ski resort. It opened in 1970 by Tweetsie creator Grover Robbins and recreates the set from The Wizard of Oz with costumed characters.
There’s even a yellow brick road! Now only open for special events, we didn’t get a chance to tour it but this video from Week99er gives you a look at what it’s like. Despite misinformation online, it is not abandoned but privately owned.
10. Festivals and Events
There’s always something going on in Beech Mountain and summertime is no different. This includes concerts, festivals, and movies for all ages. At Beech Mountain Resort, there’s live music every Saturday afternoon as well as the summer concert series that has brought acts like moe. and Galactic. Brick Oven Pizzeria also has live music and outdoor movies. The Mile High Kite Festival is held on Labor Day Weekend.
Have you been to Beech Mountain, North Carolina?
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For more information on what to see, where to eat, and where to stay, check out our High Country guide. In particular, we recommend the Pinnacle Inn Resort.
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