Beech Mountain Things to Do Summer 2024
Summer has always been better on Beech Mountain.  Eastern America’s Highest Town rarely reaches 80 degrees and social distancing has always been easy to find.  The activities below are family, couple and alone time friendly!

1. CANOEING & FISHING
   Canoe for free at Buckeye Lake! Just pick up a canoe from the Buckeye Recreation Center next door. *Available Monday-Friday only, call 828-387-3003 for details
   
   Fishing is available at both lakes atop Beech as well: Coffey and Buckeye lakes. Fishing licenses are required for anyone over the age of 16. Don’t have one? No problem! Fred’s General Mercantile Store (located at the top of the mountain) sells fishing licenses, bait and poles.
   
   
2. HIKING
   Beech Mountain is home to a secret treasure network of trails known as the Emerald Outback.
   These 30 miles of hiking trails are not only less crowded than Blue Ridge Parkway Trails, but they also offer you a chance to walk through old-growth forest, by historic railroad grades, and up to amazing views.
   
   You can view a list of hiking trails HERE, or pick up a map and get a recommendation at the Beech Mountain Visitor Center.
   
   
3. SCENIC LIFT RIDES
   The ski lift at Beech Mountain Resort offers panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the general public, Thursday-Sunday, 10-6. This is a great way to get amazing views if you don’t hike or ski! For details, click HERE
   
   
4. PIZZA + GOLF
   Hungry? Grab lunch at the Brick oven Pizzeria. Voted by High Country Visitor Center staff as "The Best Pizza in the NC High Country," this pizzeria with a truly local vibe is a must visit while in the area. BONUS: The pizzeria also has “Polar Golf,” a miniature golf course located in front of the restaurant!
   
   
5. FLY A KITE + PICNIC
   There aren't many places in the eastern United States that you can claim to have flown a kite a mile high, but this is one of them! The Beech Mountain Kite Field is located directly behind Brick Oven Pizzeria and is open during daylight hours for flying.  The field is also a great spot for a picnic.  We suggest picking up a box lunch from Fred’s General Merchantile (located across the street).
   
   
6. BIKING
   
   ROAD CYCLING
   Beech Mountain has 51 miles of cycling routes so there is definitely a route for you! If you need extra help selling your friends on the idea of visiting just tell them Beech Mountain was a training location for Lance Armstrong. All routes start at the Beech Mountain Visitor Center, so drop in for advice on which route to take.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
The town of Beech Mountain has 12 trails with over 18 miles of biking terrain. The town maintained Emerald Outback is fast becoming a destination for mountain biking.  The 2013-14 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Biking Championships were held there.  Find trail charts and maps HERE

7. FREDS GENERAL STORE
   Fred's is the one (and only) shop for any and everything atop Beech Mountain. Find Wizard of Oz memorabilia, handmade baskets and homegrown tomatoes. If you need a kite for flying, they have those too!

LOCAL TIP: Go upstairs to find discounted ski and outdoor apparel.

8. BIRDING
   Birding is a popular pastime in the High Country and Beech Mountain is a great spot to view and listen to many different species. Find more details on the birds to spot in the area HERE
   
   
9. BUCKEYE REC CENTER
   This 22,500 square foot facility is a hidden gem in the NC High Country.  There are so many activites here for children and families, including:

• Indoor basketball, volleyball & tennis
• Children's indoor playroom
• Outdoor playground
• Outdoor courts with ball rentals
• Outdoor track with children's bike & helmet rentals

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