A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

[caption id="attachment_193255" align="alignright" width="300"] Venture into the Land of Oz to meet familiar characters along the Yellow Brick Road.[/caption] As a little girl, Kate Gavenus was one of the first

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

[caption id="attachment_193255" align="alignright" width="300"] Venture into the Land of Oz to meet familiar characters along the Yellow Brick Road.[/caption] As a little girl, Kate Gavenus was one of the first

Savor the Seasons in Beech Mountain

Mountain bikers in the Emerald Outback in Beech Mountain, NC
Cast of the Land of Oz in Beech Mountain

Venture into the Land of Oz to meet familiar characters along the Yellow Brick Road. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

As a little girl, Kate Gavenus was one of the first to visit the Land of Oz. She went with her mother, a reporter for The Charlotte Observer who was covering the new theme park soon to open on Beech Mountain. Free to explore in the days before the park opened, Gavenus imagined she was walking through the movie — “there was the Wicked Witch for real and the Yellow Brick Road,” she says.

But one backdrop was more than a fantasy. “Beech Mountain got its name for the beech forest at the top of the mountain,” she says. “The trees are naturally kind of gnarly. They bend and twist in the wind and grow a little strange. You know when the trees in the movie start throwing apples? They look like the kind of trees that would throw apples at you.”

Today, half a century later, Beech Mountain’s landscape continues to thrill and surprise Gavenus, who works as the town’s community and economic development director. Throughout the year, the mountain town delights its guests with accessible outdoor activities and natural beauty, whether they picnic under the beech trees or fly down the slopes. Depending on when you choose to visit, the following seasonal adventures await.



 

Children on the town sledding hill at Beech Mountain, NC

In town, youngsters get a thrill while sledding at the municipal sledding hill. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

Winter

It’s reasonable to expect you’ll find the epicenter of the winter sports action at Beech Mountain Resort. However, there’s a second smaller, but equally gleeful, show: the town’s sledding hill.

“If you’re feeling even just a little grumpy, the joy happening on that sledding hill is a great reset for a bad day,” Gavenus says. “I love to sit and watch the families having so much fun. Yesterday there were 150 kids out there.” The sledding hill is free, and Gavenus suggests picking up a round, saucer-style sled at any High Country grocery store for a few dollars. “My grandkids practically fly on those things!”

Skiers at Beech Mountain, NC

Take your pick between Beech Mountain’s two terrain parks, For Pete’s Sake and The Powder Bowl. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

When you’re ready for the big leagues, Beech Mountain Resort’s skiing, snowboarding, and tubing slopes await. The resort’s “snow guns” blow tiny droplets of water into the air, where they freeze, turn into snow, and allow for dependably luxurious powder. Not one for skiing? Relax by the fire pits in the resort’s village.

When you reach the resort’s summit, take time to visit the deck of 5506’, the skybar. “It’s a gorgeous place to experience winter on the mountain” Gavenus says of the bar that offers lofty views at an elevation higher than any of the surrounding area. “There aren’t really words to describe that kind of view. It really puts things in perspective and takes away your stress.”

Winter dining tip: When it’s time to warm up after a day in the snow, cozy into the Bavarian-inspired Alpen Restaurant and Bar, located inside Top of the Beech Inn. While the steak menu is extensive, this is your place to experience the mountain’s favorite fish: fresh trout. Order it pecan-crusted or dressed in a lemon-butter sauce.

 

People hiking in Beech Mountain, NC

Trails in the Emerald Outback range from .3 miles to 1.3 miles (amounting to a total of 7.5 miles), so you can spend as much or as little time exploring as your itinerary allows. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

Spring

Activity on the mountain slows in March and April, as many businesses take a breather after their busy winter season. However, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the hiking and biking trails come May, Beech Mountain’s official hiking month. Spring days filled with sunshine warm the 7.5 miles of trails that traverse the Emerald Outback. This is your destination to experience the mystical beech forest Gavenus first marveled at as a child. “I was up there recently for an early-morning hike, and it was kind of a cool day. The fog was rolling over the mountain, and it was so otherworldly,” she says.

Kayaking in Buckeye Lake in Beech Mountain

Paddle and fish in Buckeye Lake or explore the trails around the 43-acre recreational park. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

Farther down the mountain, the Buckeye Lake area offers an entirely different landscape. “In the mornings when I come to work and go to the top of the mountain, it might be cloudy and cool or raining,” Gavenus says. “But I can go five miles down to the Buckeye Lake recreation area, and it’s sunny. Because it’s in a little bit of a bowl, you’re not as exposed to the wind, and because it’s 2,000 feet lower, it can be three to four degrees warmer.”

Fred's General Mercantile in Beech Mountain, NC

Pick up gear, groceries, and other sundries at Fred’s General Mercantile — plus, don’t forget a bowl of their famous chili while you’re there. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

Spring dining tip: When locals want to grab a bite, they head to Fred’s General Mercantile. “His motto is, ‘If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,’ and it’s true!” Gavenus says. Here, you can find a home-cooked breakfast and lunch, a killer bowl of chili (Fred’s late wife Margie’s recipe), and a fully stocked grocery store.

 

Summer

The Mountaineer Adventure Tower in Beech Mountain, NC

With three levels to climb, a corkscrew slide, and 360-degree views at the top, the Mountaineer Adventure Tower provides excitement to families who don’t want to travel far from town. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

“If I got to pick the weather when I get to heaven, it would be June on Beech Mountain,” says Gavenus. “The weather is in the 70s with no humidity. It’s gorgeous — an outdoor adventure land.”

Summer days are spent outdoors, either riding a rented e-bike or taking an ATV tour at the White Wolf Lodge, exploring the three-story ropes course at Mountaineer Adventure Tower (kids can play all day while their parents relax in rocking chairs around a waterfall feature on the ground level), or kayaking or fishing at Buckeye Lake.

If you’re into mountain biking, Beech Mountain Resort’s downhill slopes are famously challenging, and you can rent bikes from the resort and transport them up to the start of the trails via the lift. Gavenus is in it for the lift ride. “In the summer, the lift slows down to accommodate the bikers. So, it’s a pleasant, relaxed ride up to the top. The last time I did it, probably in August, I saw a couple of bears meandering around for an afternoon stroll.”

Arcade inside Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria in Beech Mountain

More than a place to share a tasty pie, Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria offers a year-round destination for family-friendly fun. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

Summer dining tip: Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria is your ultimate spot to share a pizza with friends or family. About 10 years ago, Jimmie Accardi bought it from his parents, who built it in 1988. “We have pizzas, hot sandwiches, and really good wings — plus a cool dessert bar with huge cookies,” he says. “All the recipes are my parents’.” His favorite is the olive-oil based white pie, topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.

In addition to a year-round arcade inside the pizzeria, Friday nights in June through July draw a crowd for an evening that kicks off with bounce houses and ends with a family-friendly movie under the stars. “It’s been a huge success,” Accardi says. You can grab a pizza at the restaurant or bring your own picnic. “It’s like a big outdoor concert for everyone.”

 

Loops of the Avery County Quilt Trail lead you to colorful tiles throughout Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, Newland, Crossnore, and Linville. photograph by Beech Mountain TDA

Fall

When families want to get a lay of the land — and a peep of fall foliage — Gavenus suggests exploring the Avery County Quilt Trail by car. The quilt tiles adorn barns and buildings, showcasing the old Appalachian style of quilt making while paying homage to people’s families, traditions, and heritage.

Think of the quilt trail as a treasure hunt; the journey is half the fun. “While you’re out looking for the quilt squares, you might get hungry and find a new restaurant, or happen upon a pottery area where you can get out and go shopping. You’ll definitely find something new you didn’t know about,” Gavenus says. About 60 quilt squares live on the current map (available at the Beech Mountain Visitor Center).

Within a short drive, you can also reach three of the area’s wineries: Linville Falls Winery, Grandfather Vineyard, and Banner Elk Winery. Banner Elk is the closest, about 15 minutes from the center of Beech Mountain on the north side. In the fall, they offer hayrides along with the year-round tastings and a picturesque pond.

Fall dining tip: Gear up for the day with a made-to-order breakfast or lunch from Fred’s Backside Deli (part of the mercantile), whether it’s a homemade muffin or the Old Smokey sandwich with turkey topped with melted provolone and grilled onions and peppers. At the end of the day, unwind with a cold pint at Beech Mountain Brewing Company, the resort’s very own craft brewery.

No matter the time of year you plan to visit, it’s easy to find a Beech Mountain adventure to immerse you in the High Country setting. Click here to learn more and start planning your trip.

This story was published on Jan 21, 2025

Robin Sutton Anders

Robin Sutton Anders is a writer based in Greensboro.