Hero - Interior Page Hero Module
Listicle View
Winter Adventures on the Slopes
When winter rolls in, Sugar Mountain transforms into a snowy playground for adventurers of every level. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding across Sugar Mountain Resort’s 125 acres of terrain — the most ski area in NC’s Blue Ridge Mountains — take a spin around the outdoor ice rink, or grab a tube and race down the 700-foot lanes. For a slower pace, strap on snowshoes and explore peaceful forest trails surrounded by fresh mountain air.
Spring wildflower hikes
When the snow melts, Sugar Mountain comes alive with wildflowers and fresh mountain air. Trails wind through rhododendron tunnels, past waterfalls and up to sweeping overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, while Grandfather Mountain and Pisgah National Forest offer rugged treks and backpacking options. From sunrise views at Beacon Heights to the challenging climb of the Profile Trail, there’s a hike for every pace just minutes from the village.
Summer mountain biking
Each summer, Sugar Mountain Resort trades snow for dirt and turns its slopes into a mountain biking paradise. The Summit Express chairlift carries riders and bikes to the 5,300-foot peak, where a mix of beginner, intermediate and expert trails wind back down with rollers, tabletops and sweeping mountain views. If you’re there just for the scenery, the lift ride alone is worth the trip, offering a peaceful way to take it all in — including on a short trail at the top that leads to outcroppings overlooking Pisgah National Forest — before gliding back down. Pro tip: The temperature often decreases 5 to 10 degrees as you ascend, so have a jacket handy.
Fall color drives
Sugar Mountain is one of the first places in North Carolina to see the vibrant colors of fall, and it’s perfectly positioned for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway. From the village, take a leisurely drive that winds past the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct, peaceful Price Lake and the beauty of Linville Falls. With crisp air, endless jaw-dropping overlooks and trails painted in autumn’s colors, Sugar Mountain is the sweet spot for leaf-peeping season in the High Country.
Tee Off at 4,000 Feet
Cool mountain air and sweeping views make every round at Sugar Mountain Public Golf Course one to remember. Designed by Frank Duane, this par-64 course winds through rhododendron forests and along mountain streams, offering a mix of challenge and charm for players of all levels. With summer highs in the 60s and 70s, it’s the perfect spot to trade the heat for a day on the green followed by lunch on the deck at the Caddyshack Café.
Alpine Thrills
For a dose of pure adrenaline, head to Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster and Adventure Course located near the entrance of Sugar Mountain. Control your own speed as you wind through the forest on individual carts that can reach up to 27 miles per hour, blending the excitement of a coaster with the feel of a mountain sled. Beside it, the multilevel Adventure Course challenges you to climb, balance and navigate 28 treetop obstacles, with a mini course available for younger adventurers.
Mountain Flavors
Start your morning at Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co., where a hearty breakfast burrito and a freshly brewed cup of coffee are the perfect way to begin your day in the mountains. For a laid-back lunch or quick bite, stop by Puerto Nuevo Mexican & Seafood Restaurant near the entrance of Sugar Mountain Village and dig into tableside guacamole or sizzling fajitas. When evening rolls around, settle in at Reid’s Café for a refined dinner featuring oysters, handmade pastries and seasonal dishes that highlight local ingredients, all served in a cozy, art-filled space that captures the spirit of the High Country.
This listicle was produced in partnership with Sugar Mountain TDA.