You Won't Believe This Town Is In North Carolina
North Carolina is renowned for its wild horses, rolling hills, sun-soaked Atlantic beaches, sweltering summers, sweet tea, and the fast-paced rhythms of bluegrass music. Hidden away in the western part of the state, however, is a place where visitors can find a ski resort over 5,000 feet above sea level.
Beech Mountain, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains (a subrange of the Appalachians), is both a mountain and a town, offering countless activities for visitors in all seasons. With the rest of North Carolina receiving little to no snow in the winter, Beech Mountain experiences an annual snowfall of about 4-6 feet, a stark contrast to the state's typically sun-kissed image. With the Emerald Outback hiking trails and access to the best skiing in the south, it is truly hard to believe this town is in North Carolina.
Life Above The Clouds
The town of Beech Mountain has been fully incorporated since 1981, although humans have been living in the area since time immemorial. Long before Beech Mountain became a ski resort, it was the hunting grounds for the Cherokee people, known as Klonteska. An ancient path known as The Great Trading Path was said to have run through the surrounding area, originating in Virginia and extending through North and South Carolina, before ending in Georgia.
In the early 1900s, the area became significant for the lumber it could provide, and several camps sprang up on the mountain for workers to live during the week, the ruins of which can still be seen in the area today. Although the hill was used in the 1930s for skiing by intrepid adventure seekers, it wasn't until 1961 that Thomas Brigham, a dentist from Birmingham, Alabama, first envisioned the ski resort.
Eventually, several other interested parties joined together to create the Carolina Caribbean Corporation, which opened the first ski resort in 1967, the Beech Mountain Club in 1969 (which included tennis courts, a heated pool, a gazebo, and a bathhouse), and a small theme park called Land of Oz. Unfortunately, the ski resort had a rough go with several setbacks, including a winter fire, vandalism, and, ultimately, bankruptcy in 1980, which led to the theme park's closure. Eventually, though, the Property Owners Association purchased the land in 1981, aiming to create a mix of a popular tourist destination and charming town. Today, Beech Mountain has a year-round population of about 550 residents.
The Highest Town in the Eastern United States
Beech Mountain is the highest town in the entire eastern United States. Typically, mountains and cities that come to mind when considering high-elevation towns are in the Rocky Mountains, where Denver is situated at over 5,000 feet, and the Appalachian Mountains, where cities like Asheville and Boone are located between 2,000 and 3,000 feet above sea level. It’s likely surprising for many to learn, however, that Beech Mountain far surpasses both of these cities with its elevation of over 5,500 feet.
Oftentimes, when cities are built on and around mountains, they are constructed purposely below the mountain peaks for the sake of simplicity. It’s far less challenging and costly to build roads, pipelines, and railways on even ground. Providing essentials, education, and retail services can also be difficult in more remote places. This is part of what makes Beech Mountain such a unique and must-see town, and also explains why the elevation is so high, especially when compared to other mountain towns; It’s built right on the peak of the mountain.
The Best Skiing in the South
Here, you will also find the highest skiing area in the Eastern United States, a title that goes hand-in-hand with the remarkable altitude of the town. With 17 trails and 95 acres earmarked for skiing, the Beech Mountain Resort is the go-to spot in North Carolina for a slopeside vacation. With approximately 80 to 100 inches of snow on average during the season, due to the resort's high elevation, you are unlikely to find any exposed terrain on these trails. For the rare times when snowfall is below average, the resort has invested in high-tech artificial snowmaking systems that cover nearly the entire ski terrain, keeping visitors covered in more ways than one.
The trails themselves accommodate a wide range of skill levels, with five trails designated for beginners, seven for intermediates, and five marked for advanced skiers. From the Crossover run, a short trail catering to beginners, to the popular White Lightning Trail, the steepest black diamond run on the hill, there is something here for everyone, regardless of their progress level. For the night owls of the group, the resort also offers a night skiing experience, where all slopes are lit by LED lights starting at 5 pm daily. A unique experience for those looking to take their skiing to the next level.
A Distinct High-Elevation Ecosystem
Beech Mountain is home to one of the highest trail systems in the Eastern United States, called the Emerald Outback. The high-altitude climate, with air that is thinner and cooler temperatures, creates the ideal conditions for plants such as American beech, mountain laurel, and several species of ferns. The resulting dense undergrowth attracts animal species that also prefers the high-altitude environment, making for great bird watching and wildlife spotting. Some of the animals your eyes may be treated to are hawks, owls, salamanders, red fox, and even more threatened species like the monarch butterfly. The Emerald Outback, a trail network spanning approximately 8 miles in total, is the perfect spot to get lost in the beauty of nature and, if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of some of these animals along the way.
The Emerald Outback has seven trails on offer for visitors to explore, with scenic views of other mountains and the surrounding area. The trails cater to all experience levels, offering everything from relatively easy to challenging routes. For those looking for a more casual stroll, the Oz Forest Run may be the perfect option, offering a gentle trail with minimal elevation change. The trail is about a mile long, with stunning views of Roan Mountain in Tennessee. For those looking for more of a challenge, the Southern Ridge trail may be the way to go. However, the terrain is less friendly, with rocky areas and some steep climbs. This mile-long trail rewards hikers with three lookout areas: Elk Valley, Awesome Oz, and Pride Rock. There are also a couple of trails earmarked for bikers only: Witches Tail, Witches Backbone, and Ruby Slippers. They are created with speed and agility in mind and include steep drops.
Final Thoughts
Beech Mountain is a tourist destination that will far exceed your expectations of North Carolina. For those adventurous enough to make themselves at home at an altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level, this unique blend of town and resort location offers numerous activities to explore. From nature walks where visitors are surrounded by nothing but vibrant green forests and scenic views with glimpses of unique animals, to the vast ski adventures on offer, this location provides an unforgettable experience and is a must-see for ski fanatics and nature lovers alike.
