Take A Look At Life Inside Beech Mountain, The Snowiest Town In North Carolina

Unsurprisingly, the snowiest town in North Carolina is located on top of a mountain. Straddling Avery and Watauga Counties, the town of Beech Mountain is billed as Eastern America's Highest Town because, since 1981, it's been the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi. At an elevation of 5,506' above sea level, Beech towers over the valleys below and delivers some of the best long-range, layered views of the surrounding mountains. There's a reason it's the town that gets the most snow in North Carolina and attracts countless visitors every season. Let's take a closer look at the snowiest town in North Carolina ...

The very top of the mountain was developed from the get-go as a ski resort back in the 70s when Beech was first developed by a group of private investors.

You've probably heard of the well-known, now-shuttered 70s Land of Oz theme park with its famous yellow brick road that can still be seen from space on Google's satellite maps. Beech Mountain Ski Resort is adjacent to that park.

So what is life like in not only the snowiest town in the Tar Heel State, but also with a popular ski resort in your backyard? Speaking from firsthand experience, it's pretty fantastic.

For starters, Beech has fewer than 350 year-round residents, but more than 2,300 homes and condos. But the mountain is so huge you really never feel squeezed by the swells in population during the peak seasons.

All year long the views from all over the mountain are so incredibly rewarding. And the sunsets in the winter are perfectly picturesque.

The average snowfall on the mountain is right around 80 inches each winter. Technically, that's over most people's heads! Fortunately, this snowy town has a fantastic system in place for keeping the roads as clear as possible. Most of the time it's easy to get where you need to go when you need to be there.

Which is a good thing, because when it snows — it really pours it on.

Residents of this snow paradise enjoy a bevy of year-round outdoor activities. The mountain has an extensive trail system in place that can be accessed in the snow (if you dare). And if you do, then you'll be rewarded with some frigidly frozen waterfalls along the trails, making for some peaceful scenery.

The mountain has a few small tranquil lakes that are especially serene in a winter setting.

Of course, life with a ski resort in your backyard means you're always ready for a quick run or two down the mountain.

Snow days on Beech and in the surrounding towns at the base of the mountain can be super fun when you have a ski resort nearby.

Most locals prefer to stick to the mountain for necessities. The only general store on Beech is Fred's General Mercantile and they have virtually everything you really need from food to clothing. They even have a full-size restaurant on the bottom floor where you'll find a smattering of locals each morning sampling the coffee and gnosh. Nearly everyone says, "If Fred's doesn't have it, then you don't need it." It's true.

Several restaurants operate year-round on Beech. Across the street and up the road from Fred's, you'll find the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, specializing in subs, pizzas, desserts and always a smiling familiar friendly face behind the counter.

From a table in the front room of this eatery, you can have your pizza and views of the ski slopes too.

Next to the Visitors Center, the town operates a sledding hill popular with locals and visitors. Even if you're not actually sledding it's still fun to just watch everyone else as you're driving by.

Real life inside North Carolina's snowiest town is both exciting and laid back. It's pleasant and exhilarating at the same time. And since it's a resort, you too, can come for a visit and have a little slice of the winter pie dished out on top of Beech Mountain. Wondering where to see snow in North Carolina? You found it!

Have you ever visited Beech Mountain? What do you think of snow in North Carolina? Crazy, right? The Tar Heel State is full of surprises, including our very own winter wonderland! Let us know in the comments!