Beech Mountain, NC Family Guide
Where to eat, play and hike with kids in Beech Mountain in the summer and fall
Many people only visit Beech Mountain to ski, but there is so much more to do there! We have been going to Beech Mountain regularly since 2021 and while we love to ski, we love to visit in the summer and fall as well. In the summer, you’ll get a break from the heat that the rest of the state is experiencing (it is the highest town on the east coast!), and in the fall, you’ll see spectacular foliage.
In the summer, we love to hike, visit our favorite playgrounds in the area and of course go out to eat! Here are our favorite spots that you can check out on your next trip to Beech Mountain!
Beech Mountain Hikes
Falls Trail
My top pick for kids is the Falls Trail which is a 1 mile, moderate hike that begins at the Buckeye Recreation Center (there is plenty of parking). The one-mile loop (in 2025, it’s a there are back because of Hurricane Helene damage) goes down and eventually follows a creek to the 25-foot waterfall, Buckeye Creek Falls. We did this with my kids (3 and 5) and 70 year old mom on our recent July trip and loved it (although it was a bit difficult for my mom, even with her hiking stick). The kids took their shoes off and played in the stream before heading back!
Emerald Outback
For a more challenging hike, I’d recommend the Emerald Outback trails. We did this without kids, but if you want to bring them along there are one mile each way options. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views! If you do hikes in this area, don’t forget your bear spray! Here is a full list of Beech Mountain hikes (note that there are still some hurricane damage closures).
Beech Mountain Playgrounds
I think at this point I can safely say we’ve hit up every playground at Beech Mountain! My kids love a playground and I love the ones in Beech Mountain because of the “cool” temps in the summer and foliage in the fall!
Buckeye Recreation Center
This is a rope-based playground with parking, a slide, picnic tables, public restrooms inside, and pickle ball/ tennis courts, a greenway and trailheads nearby. What more could you ask for? There is also an indoor playroom in the rec center which would be great for a rainy day. Some of these amenities may require the purchase of a day pass or membership, but the playground and trails are free!
Bark Park and Bark Park Playground
This is located in “downtown” Beech Mountain, and you’ll find a Bark Park (dog park) with a playground next door! My kids love combining a visit to this playground with lunch at Fred’s or Brick Oven Pizza, both of which are in walking distance! There is some street parking in town but also a paid lot if needed.
Firemans Park
This is a small playground with a fire truck play structure, which of course was a big hit with my kids! It is surrounded by woods which is lovely and cool in the summer.
Adventure Tower
We have seen this at Beech Mountain for years, but decided to give it a try with our 3 and 5 year old this year. It was a HUGE hit for both adults and kids! There is a fee ($15 per hour or $20 for all day per kid), but it was well worth it in my opinion. While the kids climbed in the tower, the adults hung out in the shade below on the swings, chairs and picnic tables. We saw people bring in food and drinks, and there were also some games below for younger kids that couldn’t do the tower.
I would say this is a great activity for kids ages 4 and up (or 3 if you have an adventurous kid like me). It seemed like more older kids arrived in the afternoon, which made it a bit more rowdy. It would probably be best to take littles in the morning.
5506’
Named for its elevation, this bar located at the top of Beech Mountain (unsurprisingly) has amazing mountain views! You can ride the chairlift from Beech Mountain ski resort, hike, bike (or park at Emerald Outback trailhead, but it’ll still be a bit of walk) to get here. Once you make it, you’ll be able relax and enjoy a beverage and amazing views! Sometimes they have live music, food trucks and even yoga classes! Last time we were there my kids kept busy picking wildflowers for us. It is open seasonally so check the website before heading up.
Beech Mountain Dining
This is not a full list of the dining options in Beech Mountain, but just the ones we’ve tried. We tend to each eat out for lunch and eat at home for dinner. These are the spots we return to again and again! Here is a full list of the dining options.
Fred’s Backside Deli and Mercantile
The vibe at Fred’s are unmatched! You’ll find locals there - and for good reason! It is open year around, and even the indoor seating has windows all around so you can enjoy the surrounding woods. On Saturdays in the summer, they have burgers cooked on the outdoor grill, which I highly recommend! Otherwise, I get the chicken salad sandwich and my kids love the grilled cheese.
While you are there, don’t forget the check out the store upstairs! This store has the essentials and more, including great Beech Mountain merch. It is also the only grocery store in town (there is a Food Lion in Banner Elk, about 20 minutes away), so stock up while you’re there. My kids also love pressing the button that makes the toy train attached to the ceiling move.
Brick Oven Pizza
We hardly ever come to Beech without visiting Brick Oven! We usually pick up pizza, wings and salad on the way into town for dinner (their Greek salad dressing is so good), but eating there is also fun! My kids love the arcade (especially the motorcycle game) and there is a toy train that goes around the ceiling with a push of a button! There is also mini golf right outside in the warmer months.
Holy Smokes BBQ
Another good option for take out or to eat in! They have a kids menu and a fudge counter which is sure to be a hit with little ones.
Beech Mountain Brewing Taproom & Grill
This is located at the base of Beech Mountain ski resort and is a great place to stop for lunch or a beer whether you are skiing or not. They’ve got a great outdoor space for kiddos to run around!
Festivals
Summer Concert Series
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Beech Mountain summer concert series! This takes place at the ski resort, and it is so cool to essentially watch a concert on a ski slope! A few years ago my husband and I saw My Morning Jacket there and had a blast! Although we left our kids with grandparents, we did see plenty of kids there! If your kids can hang, I say bring them! You can find information about the concert series here.
July Fourth
We recently spent the 4th of July in Beech Mountain and we would love to make this an annual tradition! The town hosting several fun events including a giant slip and slide on the town sledding hill and a BBQ dinner! There was also an amazing fireworks show at the ski resort, which we could luckily see from the porch of our house! We woke our 5 year old to watch them and it will definitely be a core memory!
There are many of fun events throughout the summer and fall such as family fun nights, outdoor music at local restaurants and a fall oyster roast! You can find the full list of Beech Mountain events here.
There you have it! Our favorite things to do in Beech Mountain in the summer and fall. Let me know if you check out any of these spots! And check out my guide to other great towns in Avery and Watauga counties in WNC.