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
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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.
Tennis
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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.
Mountain Bike
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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.
Alpine Coaster
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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.
Adventure Course
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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.
Pisgah National Forest
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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.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
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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.
Tubing and Rafting
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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.
Swimming
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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.
Summit Crawl
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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.
For Relaxation
Grillin' & Chillin'
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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.
Scenic Chairlift Rides
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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.
Gem Mining
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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.
Grandfather Mountain
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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.
Blue Ridge Parkway
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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.
Shops and Boutiques
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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.
Restaurants and Cafes
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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!
Wineries
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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.
Art Festivals
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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.
Highland Games
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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.
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.