Beech Mountain Guided Hikes

Tuesday Hikes on Beech Mountain Offer Escape from Summer’s Heat

For those looking for a family adventure this Spring and Summer that is both educational and fun and allows you to explore the great outdoors while beating the summer heat, Beech Mountain has the answer. The first Tuesday of each month from April through October, the town of Beech Mountain, Eastern America‚s highest town, hosts guided hikes, which are perfect for all skill levels.

Tuesday Hikes on Beech Mountain appeal to both the experienced and novice hiker and range from two to four miles in length. Each hike is led by a volunteer that has the knowledge and expertise to give visitors an insider’s look at the mountain. “We are excited to offer an educational, outdoor activity that can be enjoyed by everyone- from the advanced hiker to a family with small children,” said Peggy Coscia, office manager for the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. With miles of hiking trails and a variety of skill levels, Beech Mountain offers visitors a wide range of options.

“Visitors can enjoy a steep, strenuous hike to Buckeye Creek or a leisurely stroll through Berry Country to pick their own berries. And with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 72 degrees at Beech Mountain, it’s a great way to escape the heat while still enjoying the outdoors.” said Fred Pfohl, owner of Fred’s Mercantile, who has led the hikes for four years.

The schedule of guided hikes includes:

June 20: As one of the newest areas to explore on Beech Mountain, Westerly Hills consists of more the 4.5 miles of moderately difficult trails. In spring and summer, there are also many wildflowers to enjoy along the way.

July 18: The trail is an almost level pathway winding two miles through woods filled with Maple, Beech, Mountain Magnolias and Hemlock trees.

August 1: The Beech Creek Bog Trail follows a unique 12,000-year-old mountain bog. Now a state park, the bog is adjacent to the town of Beech Mountain.

August 15: Best described as an easy woodland trail, the Wild Iris Trail is two miles in length with only a moderate elevation change along the way.

September 5: Grassy Gap Creek Trail

October 3: The Buckeye Gap Loop Trail is a vigorous hike that will take you over a variety of terrain including grassy paths, old logging roads and unimproved town roadways.

Beech Mountain, the highest town in the eastern United States at 5,506 feet, is nestled in the northwestern North Carolina Mountains, only two hours from Charlotte and Asheville.

Throughout the year, the town also embraces a wide range of cultural activities ranging from street dances and Sunday evening sunset concerts to the town-wide 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog on July 4th and arts and crafts festivals.

For more information about hiking Beech Mountain, please contact Fred Pfohl at (828) 387-4838 or visit www.hikebeechmountain.com or contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (800) 468-5506 or visit www.beechmtn.com