Escape the Heat in Cool Sugar Mountain: 20 Summertime Things to Do

This summer, take a cool trip to the Village of Sugar Mountain for a mile-high escape featuring panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views and unforgettable memories. Experience “mountain time,” where a summer respite means cooler temperatures (our average summer high is 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and outdoor exploration.

For Adventure

Golf

Golfers teeing off on hole surrounded by green trees and flowering plants

Golf

Play on one of the top-rated 18-hole public short courses in the country at Sugar Mountain Golf Club. The par-64 layout maximizes every view and mountain brook across 60 acres. Afterwards, Caddyshack Cafe is your place to relax with a drink after a scenic round.

Website

Tennis

Aerial of people playing tennis on courts with clubhouse and mountains in background

Tennis

Work on your backhand with some tennis lessons, or play friendlies on the meticulously maintained public clay courts. Options abound with one-time 1.5-hour time slots or passes good for 10 plays – plus 50 percent off after 2 p.m. and all day Sundays.

Website

Mountain Bike

Person riding mountain bike down mountain, trees and mountains in background

Mountain Bike

In the warmer-weather months, the ski slopes turn into one of the most thrilling bike parks in the South. Navigate downhill trails for all skill levels, then ride the lift up and repeat.

Website

Alpine Coaster

Person riding alpine coaster down with rest of track in background

Alpine Coaster

Race down the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster with a rush at every twist and turn. The coaster is open seven days a week year-round, and no experience is needed for this exhilarating ride.

Website

Adventure Course

Person climbing adventure course in trees

Adventure Course

Next door to the alpine coaster is the multilevel Wilderness Run Adventure Course, where 28 aerial obstacles test your balance and climbing skills. Bonus: There’s also a course for the littlest explorers ages 2-7.

Website

Pisgah National Forest

Person wearing hat standing at edge of cliff looking onto mountain range

Pisgah National Forest

Sugar Mountain is surrounded by hundreds of miles of hiking trails, including Pisgah National Forest, one of NC’s four national forests. If you’re looking for incredible views, waterfalls, picnics and a range of trail difficulties, Pisgah is your best bet.

Website

Grandfather Mountain State Park

People standing on mountaintop in distance, surrounded by other peaks

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Hike a rock formation that could be dating back 1.2 billion years on trails at Grandfather Mountain. Options include the Profile Trail (7.2 strenuous miles roundtrip with the option to hike to the highest point on Grandfather Mountain) and the Grandfather Trail (strenuous with panoramic views). The Profile Trail trailhead is located just outside the Village of Sugar Mountain.

Website

Tubing and Rafting

Paddlers on river surrounded by trees and mountains in distance

Tubing and Rafting

If you’re looking for a heart-pumping adventure, High Mountain Expeditions can get you on the water on a whitewater raft, kayak or canoe. Want to just float and relax? Put river tubing on the agenda.

Website

Swimming

Families enjoying beach and lake with green trees in distance on shoreline

Swimming

Lean into lake life with all the amenities: white sandy beach, swimming pier, lifeguards, fishing dock, bath house and picnic tables. The best part? Admission to Wildcat Lake is free.

Website

Summit Crawl

People ascending a mountain summit surrounded by green trees, mountains in back

Summit Crawl

Test your endurance with the July 4th Summit Crawl up the ski slopes. The distance isn’t far (1.2 miles), but the elevation climb is a challenging 1,200 feet. There’s no limit on time or fun – so run, hike, climb or crawl until you reach Sugar Mountain’s 5,300-foot peak.

Website

For Relaxation

Grillin' & Chillin'

Musician playing guitar as locals dance in background

Grillin' & Chillin'

Put on your dancing shoes at this summer concert series on Wednesday evenings, where the community comes together for food, drinks, live music, sunsets and panoramic mountain views.

Website

Scenic Chairlift Rides

People riding scenic chairlift down mountain with mountains in background during summer

Scenic Chairlift Rides

Glide to the top of Sugar Mountain via ski lift on weekends while soaking in the panoramic Blue Ridge Mountains. Pro tip: The temperature can drop 5 to 10 degrees as you ascend, so have a jacket handy.

Website

Gem Mining

Closeup of gems and stones at gem mining attraction

Gem Mining

Try your luck at gem mining and bring home some treasures from Sugar Creek Mining Company. Experts sort and identify your gemstones, and you can even get your newly found gem set into a piece of jewelry for the coolest souvenir ever.

Website

Grandfather Mountain

Aerial of Mile High Swinging Bridge and mountaintops and range

Grandfather Mountain

Head to Grandfather Mountain Nature Park (not to be confused with Grandfather Mountain State Park) and walk across the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge, stroll the wildlife exhibits, learn about ecosystems in the nature center and grab a bite to eat at Mildred’s Grill.

Website

Blue Ridge Parkway

Car driving on Blue Ridge Parkway with trees and mountains in background

Blue Ridge Parkway

Cruise the famous Blue Ridge Parkway to take in plenty of mountain scenery without ever leaving your car. The 23 miles of Parkway in the area even include the Linn Cove Viaduct, an S-shaped bridge that’s an engineering marvel.

Website

Shops and Boutiques

Display of art and pottery inside gallery with more art in background

Shops and Boutiques

For a small village, Sugar Mountain packs a punch with shops and boutiques. Browse home furnishings, consignments, outdoor gear and rentals, books, antiques and art galleries.

Website

Restaurants and Cafes

Diners enjoying meals on patio outside with mountains in distance

Restaurants and Cafes

More than 25 locally owned restaurants sit within 5 miles of Sugar Mountain. Eat your way through the options with coffee and bakeries in the morning, delis and relaxed restaurants for lunch, and fine dining for the grand finale at night. Don’t forget afternoon ice cream!

Website

Wineries

Aerial of winery, seating aerial and vineyards during summertime

Wineries

Sample vintages at three wineries nearby in beautiful mountain settings: Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard and Linville Falls Winery. If beer is more your speed, head to Kettell Beerworks in Banner Elk with a dozen brews on tap.

Website

Art Festivals

Tons of white tents set up in parking lot for art festival, trees and mountains in background

Art Festivals

Get in tune with the area’s love for the arts by browsing events such as the Avery Fine Art & Master Crafts Festivals (talk to hand-selected artists and buy homemade goods) and Art on the Greene (local and national artists, food vendors and other entertainment). Check out Sugar Mountain’s calendar for even more local festivities.

Website

Highland Games

Entry to Highland Games event with large crowds and mountains in background

Highland Games

For can’t-miss entertainment, head to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games – the grandest and highest in the country – the second weekend of July. Don your kilt and watch athletes compete in classic Scottish games, peruse hundreds of vendors’ booths, take in multiple stages of entertainment and eat traditional fare such as meat pies.

Website

Each evening, return to your “home away from home” vacation cabin or condo on Sugar Mountain to unwind on the porch and dream of your next sweet Sugar Mountain escape.

This article was produced in partnership with, and all photos are courtesy of, Sugar Mountain TDA.

Updated March 7, 2024
Top of Page