SUMMER VACATIONS: BEECH TIME
Want to know the best way to beat the summer heat? “Coolcationing” is a trend on the rise as travelers search for an escape to cool off. East summer, while the rest of Southeast is sweltering, Beech Mountain’s temperatures barely reach 80 degrees. , making it a perfect destination for a milder forecast.
Plan an adventure-filled getaway to beautiful Beech Mountain! Known as the highest town in the Eastern United States at 5,506 feet, Beech is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure with the added perk of having cool mountain air year-round. Families often stay a full week to pack in all the options. With plenty of cabins and chalets to choose from, find one for any party size, whether you’re traveling with a large group, spending time with friends or making it a romantic getaway.
As an official “NC Trail Town”, you’ll find 27 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. See our Trails Guide for the top picks.
At the Buckeye Recreation Center with a beautiful lake, unlock the full potential of a Beech summer vacation. Short-term, affordable memberships are available that grant you access to Buckeye’s impressive pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts, as well as energizing exercise classes, indoor children’s play areas and more. Buckeye Recreation Center also offers hiking trails, kayaks, canoes and fishing gear to sign out free of charge, no membership required.
At Beech Mountain Resort, the snow has melted, the snow blowers have been stored and the slopes are converted to downhill mountain biking trails, complete with lift access. Scenic lift rides take you up to the 5,506′ Skybar for drinks and snacks with a mountaintop view. Their summer concert series is always a big hit.
Beech Mountain boasts a number of classic, must-see events throughout the summer season. From a Farmers Market to festivals, craft shows, July 4th festivities and live music, check our Events Calendar.
Since Beech is located in the middle of the high Blue Ridge Mountains, also find many things to do within a short drive. Use Beech Mountain as a basecamp. Go whitewater rafting, explore Grandfather Mountain, visit wineries and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Summertime Things to Do
Beech Mountain History Museum
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You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy learning about the fascinating history of the mountain. The collection includes early life on Beech […]
Beech Mountain Visitor Center
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Your first stop as you arrive in Beech Mountain should be the Visitor Center! Get updates on events, things to do, hiking trails, skiing, dining […]
Bike Park @ Beech Mtn Resort
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Winter ski slopes transform into an exhilarating summer mountain biking terrain for all experience levels. The Beech Mountain Resort summit is exclusively accessible via a […]
Buckeye Lake
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Buckeye Lake is the town’s water reservoir located adjacent to the Buckeye Recreation Center. The beautiful 6.5-acre mountain lake is surrounded by 60 acres of […]
Buckeye Recreation Center
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Our town’s recreation center offers a wealth of both indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. Indoors, find a gym, basketball, tennis, pickleball, playroom for kids, and […]
Emerald Outback Trails
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(7 miles, moderate) Step into the Emerald Outback Trails for soaring mountain vistas and forested trails along the ridgeline above 5,000 feet elevation. The 7-mile […]
Farmers Market
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From June through October, on the first Friday of every month, Beech’s much-loved Farmers Market pops up in the public parking lot next to the […]
Fred’s General Mercantile
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“If we don’t have it, you don’t need it” has been Fred’s slogan since opening its doors in 1979. And boy, has Fred’s lived up […]
Hiking Trails
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Our mile-high town of Beech Mountain has a network of scenic trails for all fitness levels – with summer temperatures that seldom top the 70s. […]
Lake Coffey
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This small mountain lake has a quarter-mile walking track and trailheads to two popular hiking trails. Located near the Beech Mountain Club facilities off of […]
Mountaineer Adventure Tower
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Explore the highest self-guided adventure tower in the southeast! Features 3 levels of climbing fun, 25’ corkscrew slide, 360-degree views, games, & more. Fun for […]
Mtn Bike Trails at Emerald Outback
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A bikeaholic’s paradise, the Emerald Outback at Beech Mountain is a 7-mile trail park, a popular mountain biking location year-round (weather permitting!). The trails criss-cross […]
Playground: Bark Park
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Visit one or all of Beech Mountain’s public playgrounds. The Bark Park Playground, located behind the sledding hill, features swings, slides, and a climbing fort […]
Playground: Buckeye Rec Center
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The Buckeye Playground encourages kids to “monkey around” in a wonderland of rope swings, ladders, huge logs, and slides. Located at Buckeye Recreation Center, it’s located […]
Playground: Firemans Park
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Located next to a real live fire station, lets your child’s creative mind run wild at this firefighter-theme park. Designed especially for smaller kids, they […]
Road Biking
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Beech Mountain’s 51 miles of bike road routes have a storied history. They were once the final stage of the Tour Du Pont, which was […]
Scenic Lift Rides
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During the summer and fall months (Thursday-Sunday), soar to new heights with a scenic lift ride at Beech Mountain Resort! Relax and enjoy panoramic views […]
Sunset Park
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This small park high on Beech Mountain is big on views! Take a short trail to boulders with westward views that are perfect for sunsets […]
Watauga Lake
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Surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and flanked by the Appalachian Mountains, Watauga Lake is one of the most scenic in the Tennessee River watershed. […]
Wolfie’s Gem Mining
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Grab the kids for some fun old fashioned gem mining on Beech Mountain! You will be provided with everything you need to pan for treasures. […]
Looking for more options for fun within a short drive from Beech Mountain? See our list of Things to Do Nearby.