HIKING TRAILS ON BEECH
The Town of Beech Mountain boasts 27 miles of beautifully maintained hiking trails that wind through lush forests, alongside babbling creeks, waterfalls, and up to breathtaking overlooks. Find something fun for everyone! Take an easy stroll through the woods or a vigorous climb up. In fact, Beech Mountain is an Outdoor NC Trail Town!
Before the first Native Americans set foot on Beech, wild animals often followed the same routes to find water, food or the easiest path from their wooded hideaways to the open fields. There’s even a paved accessible Greenway for those wanting a little exercise.
With the gorgeous mile high Emerald Outback trail park and several other miles of maintained trails, exploring the mountain is a thrilling activity for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are winding through the woods and stepping over the mossy stones by the creek to wave hello to a family of deer, there’s no better place to take the stigma out the phrase, go take a hike! In the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, discover a big variety of trails, including Waterfall & Lake Hikes!
Helene Recovery Update 2025: Some of our trails were damaged due to flooding rains and falling trees in September 2024. We’ve made great progress with repairs. However, the following trails are closed this year: Overlook, Upper Pond Creek, Lower Pond Creek and Smoketree. Partially closed trails Buckeye Lake Loop (Shane Park area and Trail from Boat Dock to Shane Park closed), Falls Trail (no bridge below Buckeye Creek Falls).
Top Hikes on Beech Mtn
Buckeye Lake Trail
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(1.6 miles roundtrip, moderate) Beginning at the Buckeye Recreation Center, take a pleasant hike through a serene forest around the scenic lake. Tall trees, dappled […]
Buckeye Rec Center Loop
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(1/3 of a mile, easy) This paved path is a a popular choice for walking and jogging year-round. It’s great for strollers and scooters. Conveniently […]
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 […]
Falls Trail
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(1 mile, moderate) The Falls Trail begins on the Buckeye Lake Loop Trail at Buckeye Recreation Center with plenty of parking. The one-mile loop descends […]
Grassy Gap Creek Trail
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(4 miles roundtrip, moderate) A favorite for mountain biking, hiking and snowshoeing, this woodland trail begins near Buckeye Recreation Center and ascends along Grass Gap […]
Lower Pond Creek Trail
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CLOSED FOR STORM REPAIRS IN 2025 (1.2 miles roundtrip, strenuous) This adventurous trail offers some of Beech Mountain’s greatest natural beauty. Water cascading over rocks […]
Red Fox Trail
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(1.5 miles roundtrip, easy) This trail follows a graveled town road with gentle climbs. The wide path and gentle grade make it great for families […]
Sassafras Trail
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(2 miles roundtrip, easy) An old roadbed that is perfect for a pleasant woodlands walk on Beech Mountain without navigating roots and rocks. It begins […]
Upper Pond Creek Trail
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CLOSED FOR STORM REPAIRS IN 2025 (2 miles roundtrip, easy) The town’s favorite trail is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Stations located along […]
Westerly Hills Trail
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(4.5 miles, moderate) This remote trail is great for snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country running and hiking. Since this trail is more isolated, you will be […]
Wild Iris Trail
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(3.4 miles roundtrip, easy) This easy woodland trail has a gentle elevation change, following old roadbeds through lush forests. As the site of Beech Mountain’s […]
Hiking Resources & Stewardship
Hiking Tips
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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 […]
Leave No Trace
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Please help care for our trails, forests and lakes on Beech Mountain and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. These seven Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles […]
Click here to see the Beech Mountain Trail Map! Also, pick up a free trail map at the Visitor Center or request one to be mailed to you!
Prefer a guided hike? See our Events Calendar for summer hikes with the Buckeye Recreation Center.
These trails welcome our leashed 4-legged friends. While enjoying your hike we ask that you practice our “Vanishing Footprint” policy. It’s easy! Just be sure to leave no evidence that you ever walked our trails. With your support we can make sure the wilderness and natural beauty of our mountain remain unharmed.
Beech Mountain is designated an Outdoor NC Trail Town, championing stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our trails for future generations. Join the movement to preserve North Carolina’s Outdoor Spaces by following the Leave No Trace guidelines.