The East's Highest Town:

"Atmospheric" Enough for You?

At 5,506 feet in elevation, Beech Mountain is the highest municipality in Eastern America. The ski resort community got its start in the late 1960s and became a town in May of 1981.

Beech is located "in the South," but it's nationally significant for the northern feel of its year-round climate. Summers are cool in the  NC High Country, but even on the hottest days, temps barely make the mid-70s on Beech. And in winter, nearly 100 inches of snow (more then Buffalo, New York) falls—and trees are often frosted into a winter wonderland.

Beech Mountain has an extensive system of trails—including new mountain bike paths that are making regional news. The town of Beech Mountain also has a state-of-the-art recreation center, golf course, restaurants, shops and more.