April & May
Spring is a beautiful season in Sugar Mountain as the mountain blooms appear and the trees become bright green. It’s the quietest season of the year, so it’s perfect for a relaxing getaway in one of the vacation homes or condos. Since our mile-high resort village is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, watch the wildflower show or find a waterfall brimming with waters from melting snow. See our list below for many things to do in our village and within 20 miles of Sugar Mountain.
Sugar Mountain Golf Club: Opens for the season April 19, 2024! Our 18-hole public golf course has been voted #2 short course in the USA. The par-64 layout maximizes every view. Green fees start at just $15. Read more.
Sugar Mountain Tennis: Opens for the season mid May 2024! Located adjacent to our Golf Club are our six public tennis courts meticulously maintained of fast-dry, Har-tru clay. No membership required! Reserve a court for as low as $5/person. Read more.
Stay: The big variety of vacation home and condo rentals on Sugar provides many options for a perfect getaway to unwind. Sit on your deck or log cabin porch all day to soak in the spectacular Blue Ridge views, rock your cares away and enjoy our fresh mountain air. Find the perfect vacation rental.
Blue Ridge Parkway: After being closed for much of the winter in our area due to snow, the Parkway reopens for drives on the famous scenic road. Stop along the way at overlooks and attractions. Take our suggested 55-mile loop drive from Sugar that includes the most beautiful section: Blue Ridge Parkway Trip Guide.
Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster: Take an exhilarating ride down the first coaster in the North Carolina mountains, located at the base of Sugar Mountain. No experience necessary. Read more.
Wilderness Run Adventure Course: An aerial playground for both kids and adults, located beside the Alpine Coaster. Explore the treetops via easy, immediate and advance routes with 28 obstacles to navigate while safely harnessed at all times. Read more.
Wineries & Breweries: Sample wines at three wineries near Sugar Mountain in beautiful mountain settings with plenty of outdoor space and live music: Banner Elk Winery, Grandfather Vineyard and Linville Falls Winery. For local beer, head to Kettell Beerworks in Banner Elk with a dozen brews on tap. See our Winery Guide.
Art Galleries: Stroll through some outstanding galleries and studios in our area – including Banner Elk, Foscoe and Valle Crucis. See our list.
Shopping: Browse local shops, antique stores, and find great deals on end of season winter gear! See our list.
Picnics: Pick up picnic goodies at one of our many restaurants or a grocery store, then head to Williams Park on Sugar, the Blue Ridge Parkway or Tate Park in Banner Elk.
Restaurants: Find dozens of delicious local dining options – including Italian, Mexican, Asian, bar & grills, barbecue, steaks, seafood and farm-to-table. Most have outdoor dining and take-out. See our restaurant guide.
Grandfather Mountain: Our famous next door neighbor is the ultimate place to hike, see wildlife and walk across the Mile High Bridge. Read more.
Hiking: See our top 20 hikes for mountain views and forest exploration. Find options for all skill and fitness levels in the surrounding Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Spring is wildflower season! Read more.
Waterfalls: See five waterfalls near Sugar Mountain – along with details on how to find each. Go waterfall hunting!
Wildflower Stroll: Watch the spring blooms emerge at Williams Park on Sugar along the nature trails. Read more.
Whitewater Rafting: At the base of Sugar Mountain, find High Mountain Expeditions for rafting and kayaking trips on the Nolichucky River, Watauga River and Wilson Creek. Or go tubing on the New River. Trips begin in May. Read more.
Ziplines: Ride 20 ziplines at Hawksnest at speeds up to 50 MPH. They are just 8 miles from the Sugar Mountain main entrance. Read more.
Hero’s Axe House: Owned by first responders, they have six axe throwing lanes with projected targets for exciting games with digital scoring! Try Line-Up-Four, Tic-Tac-Toe, Duck Hunter, and more. Ages 10 & up. 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 6, Seven Devils. (next to Highlander’s Grill). Go to their website.
Rock Climbing: Learn from the pros from Edge of the World with climbing and rappelling in Little Lost Cove Cliffs in the Wilson Creek Wilderness Area. Read more.
Farm Tour: At Apple Hill Farm, take a guided walking tour to see a variety of farm animals and take home some Alpaca yarn, socks and more. Get info.
Gem Mining: At Sugar Creek Mining Company at the main entrance to Sugar Mountain, grab a bucket and head to the flume line. Their staff helps you sort your gemstones, identify them and even create a piece of jewelry. Get info.
Tweetsie Railroad Amusement Park: Experience wild west adventure for kids of all ages with steam locomotive train ride, classic amusement rides, zoo, gem mining and a variety of live entertainment. Located about 18 miles from Sugar Mountain. See our Tweetsie RR Guide.
New to Sugar Mtn? See our Illustrated Village Map.
Memorial Day Weekend @ Sugar
Kick off the summer season with scenic lift rides and Bike Park reopening (Friday-Monday), Food Truck Festival on Saturday and live music at Chillin & Grillin on Monday. Go to our Memorial Day Weekend Guide for details.
Looking ahead: Summer Guide | Fall Guide | Winter & Holidays Guide
More info: What weather to expect?