Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain is a mountain town located in Avery and Watauga counties with terrain that slopes and rises across several miles. The community has recreational facilities and sits at one of the highest elevations for a settled area east of the Rocky Mountains.

The community was officially established as a town in 1981 and began as a very small settlement. Growth occurred gradually over the following decades as infrastructure expanded.

The town draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round who embrace hiking, skiing, and nature exploration as central to daily life. These activities shape how people spend their time and connect with the landscape around them.

Most visitors arrive by car and can find parking throughout the area, making access straightforward. It helps to bring layers of clothing for hikes and be prepared for changing weather conditions at the higher elevation.

The town sits at one of the highest elevations east of the Rocky Mountains, shaping its climate and plant life in distinctive ways. This extreme altitude allows snowfall that rarely occurs in other parts of the region.

Location: Avery County

Inception: 1981

Elevation above the sea: 1,678 m

Website: http://townofbeechmountain.com

GPS coordinates: 36.20640,-81.88310

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:15