Mark File is a Beech Mountain local and lifelong North Carolinian with a passion for the mountains, travel, exploring, and hiking. Mark works closely with many High Country towns, giving him a unique familiarity to Beech’s outdoor recreation and what makes it special. Here are Mark’s Trip Tips for making the most of your time in Eastern America’s Highest Town!
Most overlooked area to recreate? The Town of Beech Mountain has many trails that see few daily visitors – so it’s the perfect place to get away from crowds that flock to more well-known hikes. The Emerald Outback has some spectacular viewpoints on the Southern Ridge Trail – and very interesting trees that are wind-sculpted at 5,000 feet elevation.
What’s your favorite season to recreate in NC and why? Spring and fall are my favorites on Beech Mountain since it’s a slower time for visitors. Spring is exciting with wildflowers and fall color is gorgeous especially with colorful reflections of trees onto Buckeye Lake. In winter, I love to snowshoe on Grassy Gap Creek Trail from Buckeye Rec Center.
What level of experience is needed to recreate in this area? Beech Mountain is fantastic for beginner hikers and families with small kids. Many of the trails, like Red Fox, are wide so groups are able to walk together. For those looking for a short, easy walk, the paved Greenway is perfect. The section that goes by the Sledding Hill offers some great views back at the summit. There are benches to rest and enjoy the views.
How long should you plan on visiting the area? If possible, booking a vacation rental for a week makes for a more relaxed, rewarding getaway. Especially during the summer months, Beech Mountain is the perfect basecamp location for the many attractions in nearby areas of both North Carolina and Tennessee.
What sets the area apart from other destinations? As the highest town in the Eastern USA, it’s the coolest town in North Carolina during the summer. Typical daytime highs are in the 70s and you often need a hoodie to through on in the evening. In the winter, it’s the snowiest town – making for epic winter fun on and off the ski slopes. Since the town is located atop a mountain, you don’t have to hike a strenuous trail to be on top of the world!
What is unique about the facilities and infrastructure of the area? For a small town, Beech Mountain has some very impressive facilities for outdoor recreation. In addition to the many miles of hiking and biking trails they maintain, the Buckeye Recreation Center provides many things to do both inside and outside. From playgrounds to the small kids to tennis and pickleball for competitive adults. They even have free kayaks and canoes to paddle on Buckeye Lake.
How do you plan ahead and prepare for your recreational activity? BeechMtn.com has a great hiking guide with trail guides. I also keep the free Beech Mountain Trail Map with me – especially on the Emerald Outback network of trails. They are free at the Visitor Center. Of course, check the weather. The best local forecast is Rays Weather. Be prepared for fast changing weather, including summer thunderstorms that seem to appear from nowhere. Take snacks and dress in layers as the temperatures may change a good bit during a hike or bike ride.
What piece of outdoor equipment is your must-have? Good hiking shoes is a must, along with clothing geared to outdoor recreation. Hiking poles are good for some of the steeper trails with roots and rocks. Having a flashlight handy is great since the skies are extra dark here at night.
How do you put one Outdoor NC Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle in action before/during/or after your activity? We always carry out any trash, including food scraps. Often, we pick up some extra trash we find along the trails. While it’s tempting for the many tame deer on Beech Mountain, we never feed them since we know it’s dangerous for them.
Favorite place to visit before or after an outdoor adventure for a meal/coffee/or another beverage? Fred’s General Mercantile is a longtime popular spot to get supplies before a hike and great a hearty breakfast or lunch in their deli. After a day of play outdoors, nothing beats a great pizza. My two favorite spots for that are Bullwinkle’s and Famous Brick Oven.
Share a unique place to stay in the area. Why would you recommend these accommodations? Beech Mountain has some of the most adorable cottages and chalets. Go to AirBnB to see a big variety to find a unique home and setting to enjoy. It makes the trip even more memorable.
Other overlooked and under-visited locations in the area to see while in town? I’m often surprised that more folks are not hiking on the Buckeye Lake Loop and Falls Trail. They have a variety of gorgeous lake and waterfall views and are tucked away behind the Buckeye Recreation Center and a local’s favorite. Don’t tell anyone!
What is your ‘can’t-miss experience’ in the area? Your first stop as you arrive into town should be the Beech Mountain Visitor Center, located beside Town Hall, to find the staff of very helpful locals to guide you to the perfect hike, tell you about events, and share timely tips on weather and more. The lobby is open 24/7, and it has many free magazine guides and brochures for you to give ideas (better than Google!).
Insider tip! On weekends, especially during prime time for winter skiing, go to restaurants off-peak times! If you have a vacation rental, stop at a grocery store in Banner Elk or at Fred’s General Mercantile on your way in to stock up to cook and enjoy your home away from home. Christmas Week and January weekends are definitely the busiest of the year, so come other times for a much more relaxed visit.
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