Enjoy your hike even more with these helpful tips from our helpful staff members at the Beech Mountain Visitor Center:
- As the highest town in Eastern USA and coolest town in North Carolina, bring jackets and extra layers even in summer months.
- Take water and snacks. Even short hikes take a while as you stop to enjoy your surroundings.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good soles. Often, roots and rocks are surprisingly slippery.
- Wear sunscreen since UV exposure at high elevations is significantly greater than lower elevations.
- Use our Hiking Guide to plan a perfect outing for your fitness level and physical abilities.
- Check weather forecast before. Do not rely on weather apps since our they are usually not accurate at our high elevation. The best local forecast is Ray’s Weather.
- Be prepared for fast changing weather, including summer downpours that seem to appear out of nowhere!
- With limited mobile phone service in remote areas of town, bring a paper hiking map (available for free at the Beech Mountain Visitor Center and Buckeye Recreation Center) and download maps from AllTrails in advance.
- Let someone know in advance of your planned hike and planned return time.
- If possible, hike with another person. Always keep children in your sight.
- Carry a flashlight in case you are delayed on a hike and the sun sets.
- Many of our hiking trails are compatible with mountain biking, so please observe caution.
- Camping and campfires are not allowed on any trail.
- Dogs are welcomed on all trails on Beech Mountain. Leashes are required for the safety of your pet and our wildlife.
- See the Leave No Trace principles for more ways to protect our trails.
- Do not approach or attempt to feed any wildlife.
- If you see a bear, don’t panic or run. Our bears are usually wanting to avoid people. Talk calmly to the bear so they understand you are not a threat.
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