You’ll see plenty of scenic sights and idyllic streetscapes in Black Mountain, named the “Prettiest Small Town in America” by Tripadvisor. But it’s what you can do here that leaves a lasting impression.
Just 15 miles east of Asheville, Black Mountain welcomes you with a walkable downtown chock full of great restaurants and eateries, friendly shops, eclectic stores and galleries brimming with local art. You can savor an international dish and sip a local beer; you can shop and explore for hours; or you can settle into a rocking chair and take it as easy as you please. The downtown is surrounded by mountains and lakes, making outdoor adventures just a stone’s throw away.
Here’s a look at the top 10 things to do in and around Black Mountain.
1. Explore Historic Downtown
Downtown Black Mountain encourages you to embrace the slower pace of a small town. Rocking chairs are sprinkled around so you can relax and take in the view. The city center offers a collection of independent stores, including the old-fashioned, nostalgia-tinged Town Hardware and General Store that has been selling a little bit of everything since the store opened in the late 1920s. Explore the diverse mix of restaurants, cafes, breweries, art galleries and craft furniture stores in this easily walkable historic district, and keep your eyes peeled and your ears wide open for live music.
2. Go Hiking and Seek Out Panoramic Views
Many of the Black Mountain area's best trails are in nearby Montreat. Among the great trails in this community is the Graybeard Trail, an easy to moderately strenuous hike with a rewarding payoff—a view from the sixth highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another popular but challenging hiking spot is Lookout Trail, which offers sweeping views of the Seven Sisters mountain range.
3. Do the Lake Tomahawk Loop
For an easier stroll with gorgeous views of the mountains from below, head to the Lake Tomahawk park a few blocks from downtown. Here you can walk the half-mile loop trail around the lake and enjoy views of Graybeard Mountain and other surrounding peaks.
The trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment or strollers. Plus, there’s accessible parking (with a paved parking lot surface), a wide 6-foot trail with a packed gravel surface, and a gentle grade. For more details about accessibility, see the AllTrails website.
Lake Tomahawk Park also offers a host of other activities—you can play, walk, swim, gather and relax within this centrally located green space.
4. Eat at Black Mountain Restaurants
Around town, you’ll find a slew of places to fuel up between adventures—some modern, some traditional, some with a worldly touch. The Blue Ridge Biscuit Company, Louise’s Kitchen and Black Mountain Ale House are all popular restaurants. My Father’s Pizza is long-standing local favorite. See the full list of Black Mountain eateries here.
5. Drink at Breweries, Cideries and Distilleries
Black Mountain is also home to some of the most sought-after beer in the southeast. Pisgah Brewing, which focuses on creating only organic beer, is a short drive from downtown. Their Pisgah Pale is a staple on most tap lists around town. Also check out Lookout Brewing Company, a small-batch brewery offering flights and heady pints of their popular beer.
Want to try something different? Visit the Black Mountain Cider + Mead, a Black-owned cidery that uses locally sourced apples and honey. Or, check out the Black Mountain Brewing Company for diverse beers, live music, a two-level deck and on-site BBQ truck.
For something more spirit-forward, there’s Oak and Grist, a grain-to-glass distillery specializing in Appalachian gin and whisky. Oak and Grist offers tours and tastings and reservations are recommended.
6. Shop for Unique Art and Gifts
The community of Black Mountain has attracted artists to the region for more than a century. It all goes back to Black Mountain College, an experimental and highly respected art school that acted as an important incubator for the American avant-garde in the 1930s-1950s. Today, that legacy is alive and well in the town’s thriving art community. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts, housed in the former town hall, hosts multiple exhibitions and featured artists. You can also discover beautiful art and purchase unique gifts from art hubs such as Red House Studios, Seven Sisters Gallery and Mountain Nest Gallery.
7. Go to a Live Music Show
It's easy to find live music in Black Mountain. Pisgah Brewing Company has a rotation of live acts that perform on its indoor stage, and when the weather is nice you can enjoy bigger events on the large outdoor stage. Another musical hot spot is White Horse Black Mountain, which features all types of music including old-time mountain music and Appalachian sounds that have defined the Blue Ridge Mountains music scene for generations.
In the fall, come celebrate world music, art, and culture at the LEAF Retreat and Festival, held against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Eden. This beloved fest is all about connection, curiosity, and a full spectrum of art.
8. Indulge in Sweet Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Black Mountain's tempting dessert spots. Enjoy delicious fresh-made cupcakes at Hey Hey Cupcake, or the imaginative ice cream flavors at The Hop, an Asheville favorite now available in Black Mountain. Check out the tried-and-true fudge options available at Kilwins, or for a tasty pick-me-up, head to The Dripolator Coffeehouse, a coffee roaster offering an array of smoothies and pastries.
9. Learn About Black Mountain History
Black Mountain is home to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and History Center. Housed in a beautiful 1920s fire station, the museum features major traveling exhibits and locally-based archives that tell the history of the region. The museum also offers guided hikes throughout the year to explore significant historical areas of the mountains.
10. Play Golf with Great Views
Tucked into the base of the Black Mountain Range is a golf course designed by the legendary Donald Ross. The Black Mountain Golf Course is open year round, and stunning mountain views can be seen in every direction. A claim to fame is the 747-yard, par 6 hole 17, which once held the title of the longest hole in the world.
For fans of disc golf, there’s Veterans Park. This 18-hole course takes you through dense forests, open fields and even across a creek, adding an extra element of adventure to your game. The breathtaking mountain views are a bonus.
Want to explore more? See our complete guide to Black Mountain.
