Beech Mountain, North Carolina

For the geographical feature, see Beech Mountain (North Carolina).

Beech Mountain is a town in both Avery and Watauga counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 320. The town is located atop Beech Mountain and is the highest town east of the Rocky Mountains.

Geography

Beech Mountain is Located in Avery County, North Carolina. Beech Mountain is located at 36°12′23″N 81°52′59″W / 36.20639°N 81.88306°W / 36.20639; -81.88306 (36.206374, -81.883115). According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.7 sq mi (17.4 km²), all land.

At an elevation of 5,506 feet (1,678 m), Beech Mountain is the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi River. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is one of very few ski areas operating in the Southeastern United States.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 310 people, 145 households, and 95 families residing in the town. The population density was 46.6 people per square mile (18.0/km²). There were 1,868 housing units at an average density of 280.8 per square mile (108.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.42% White, and 2.58% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 0.97% of the population.

Beech Mountain (North Carolina)

For the incorporated town, see Beech Mountain, North Carolina.

Beech Mountain is a mountain in the North Carolina High Country and wholly in the Pisgah National Forest. Its elevation reaches 5,506 feet (1,657 m) and generates feeder streams for the Elk River. Nestled on the top is the Town of Beech Mountain.

Attractions

Beech Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter months. In the summer, multiple walking and mountain bike trails are available. One of the more interesting walking areas is the defunct Land of Oz theme park, which existed briefly in the 1970s; remnants of the park can be visited today.

References