Yes, we have a beach in the mountains! Just a few minutes from Sugar Mountain, Wildcat Lake offers a popular swimming hole complete with white sandy beach, swimming pier, lifeguards and fishing dock. Tufts Memorial Park, located next door, provides a bath house and picnic tables. The beach area is open for swimming during summer months. It’s very family friendly and fun for all ages. Admission is free!
The park and 14-acre lake are owned and maintained by Lees-McRae College, with lifeguards from the Outdoor Recreation Management Program. Groups larger than 25 must contact Wildcat Lake staff at least one week in advance to ensure proper lifeguard staffing.
2023 Hours for Beach Swimming Area
May 29 through August 6 (10 weeks)
Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 1–6 p.m.
August 7 through October 1 (8 weeks)
Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 1–6 p.m.
Find free convenient parking on Hickory Nut Gap Road. Bring your own chairs. Outdoor equipment rentals (credit card) include volleyball, cornhole, disc golf, hammock, canoes and standup paddleboards.
Picnic Shelters
There is one handicap accessible pavilion available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are four pavilions by the lake that can be rented in advance. Groups larger than 25 must contact Wildcat Lake at least one week in advance to ensure proper lifeguard staffing. To reserve a pavilion, email [email protected].
Keep in Mind
Please help protect yourself and other visitors by adhering to these policies:
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- No swimming without a lifeguard on duty.
- No rough or rowdy play.
- No glass of any kind.
- No diving.
- No smoking, vaping, tobacco use, drugs, or alcohol.
- No bonfires or open flames.
- Pets allowed on leash.
- Park only in designated areas.
- Pack out all personal belongings, including trash.
Fishing is allowed from dusk till dawn at Wildcat Lake. Visitors may fish anywhere other than the beach/swimming area. All North Carolina fishing rules and regulations apply. A fishing license is required year-round.
Directions from Sugar Mountain
GPS: 4601 Hickory Nut Gap Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604
From Sugar Mountain, turn left onto NC 184 at the main entrance. Drive 2.2 miles to Hickory Nut Gap Road. Turn left and drive about a mile.
For more info, go to their website.