In the summer, the ski lift totes mountain bikers and joyriders to the top of the mountain where they can access the trails (or simply take in the views). Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

“If I got to pick the weather when I get to heaven, it would be summer on Beech Mountain,” says Kate Gavenus, who works as Beech Mountain’s community and economic development director. “The weather is in the 70s with no humidity. It’s gorgeous — an outdoor adventure land.”

While the mountain’s snowy slopes draw attention during the winter, the mile-high elevation creates a summertime sanctuary to escape the season’s sweltering temperatures. Here, days are spent outdoors, and the ways to pass the hours range from high-thrill activities like mountain biking across rugged terrain to relaxing in a lawn chair as renowned musicians perform on outdoor stages.

During all seasons of the year, Beech Mountain delights its guests with accessible outdoor activities and natural beauty. So, send a kite soaring high into the sky, take a leaf-peeping road trip, or sail down the slopes — and read on for the seasonal adventures that await.

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Beech Mountain Getaway: That’s cool!

What makes Beech Mountain the ideal summer escape? Cool temperatures, fresh air, natural beauty, and small-town charm; all while you enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, scenic lift rides and a vibrant music scene. Did we mention cool temperatures?

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Seasoned riders can tackle steep slopes, wooden descents, and rocky sections along the advanced trails at Beech Mountain.  Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

Summer

If you’re into mountain biking, Beech Mountain Resort’s downhill slopes are famously challenging and draw avid cyclists during the summer months, in large part due to the lift access to the bike park. Even if you don’t arrive with a bike, you can rent one from the resort and transport it 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, I saw a couple of bears meandering around for an afternoon stroll.”

Rent bikes at White Wolf Lodge and explore the trails around Beech Mountain. Photography courtesy of Beech Mountain TDA

Not a mountain biker? Not a problem: You can still sightsee by cruising around on a rented e-bike or an ATV tour, both available through the White Wolf Lodge.

The annual Mile High Kite Festival is an eye-catching sendoff to summer. Held every Labor Day weekend, the festival invites professional and amateur kite-flyers to send their color creations soaring, and it includes kite-flying demonstrations, kite-themed crafts, food vendors, and more. This year’s festival occurs on August 30.

Summertime also brings a surge to Beech Mountain’s entertainment scene with everything from local musicians to nationally acclaimed acts, including Jason Isbell and Lake Street Dive. Free outdoor concerts happen weekly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the summer at venues that range from the lawn at The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria to 5,506’ to the gazebo outside of Fred’s General Mercantile. Bigger names headline the Summer Concert Series at Beech Mountain Resort — click here to check out the lineup and learn more about tickets.

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.

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!”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.