After you’ve explored the mountain, take a driving tour along the Hi-Lo Adventure Trail to find many fun activities for the entire family.
The Lakeside Loop (105 miles) is for those who love to hike, fish, swim, and boat, as well as those who just love a well-marked drive, mainly on mountain highways. You’ll find several lovely picnic spots along the way, so pick up lunch or snacks at Fred’s General Mercantile before leaving Beech Mountain. The route includes Lake Coffey and Buckeye Lake on Beech Mountain and leaves the town from Buckeye Creek Road, takes a right on Buckeye Road and left onto US-321.
A short drive along US-321 takes the adventurer to Watauga Lake, where the shoreline offers a moderate woodland hike to a waterfall. Passing through Hampton and turning left onto US-19E will lead to Roan Mountain, Tennessee, where pleasant hikes along the Doe River or strenuous hikes up Roan Mountain to the Appalachian Trail offer a break from the drive.
Further along on US-19E, the route returns to North Carolina and the town of Elk Park. Just before the town, a left on Old Mill Road and another left on Elk River Road will lead to Elk River Falls. Within Elk Park, an antique shop and the iconic Brinkley Hardware store offer unique shopping opportunities. A left turn off US-19E onto NC-194 N (Elk River Depot restaurant is on the corner) and a seven-mile drive lead bad to a left turn onto NC-184 and up the front side of Beech Mountain.
Stop by the Beech Mountain Visitor Center to pick up a map. Or order the free map here to be mailed to you.
Favorites Count: 0