Sugar Mountain is a sweet little mountain village located at an altitude of 5,236 ft in the High Country of North Carolina.
It’s a perfect place for year-round outdoor adventures, offering gorgeous waterfall hikes in the Summer, awesome leaf-peeping in the Fall, and snow skiing and snow tubing in the Winter.
Nestled in the heart of Pisgah National Forest, within a stone’s throw of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the village is the ideal base for exploring everything the Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer.
What’s more, Sugar Mountain is very close to several of our favorite NC mountain towns, including Banner Elk (4 miles), Blowing Rock (15.7 miles), and Boone (15.1 miles).
Read on for our guide to 10 fun things to do in Sugar Mountain NC, including all the best hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic drives, family-friendly attractions & more!
Places to Stay in Sugar Mountain NC
- The Sugar Suite Apt/Hotel, 3.1 mi to resort, 2bd/1ba view, AC, kitchen, pool, hot tub, sauna, gym
- Misty Woods Apt, 2.5 mi to resort, 2bd/2ba, pet-friendly, restaurant & spa on-site
- Sugar Top Resort Apt/Hotel 3.1 mi to resort, 2bd/2ba view, kitchen, pool, hot tub, sauna, gym
- Bee Branch 02 ground-floor Apt 0.6 mi to resort, 2bd/2ba, access, spa facilities & restaurant
- Slopesider 14A slopeside house, 8-minute walk to resort, 2bd/2ba, 4×4/AWD required in winter
READ MORE: 20 Must-Visit Blue Ridge Mountain Resorts
1. Hike Grandfather Mountain
Scaling Grandfather Mountain requires hiking a challenging trail has you scrambling along cliff edges and climbing ladders up particularly craggy spots. But the reward at the top is simply spectacular!
The entire area has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve due to its unmatched ecological diversity, and the surrounding views are positively breathtaking.
There are 13 miles of Grandfather Mountain hiking trails to traverse, but you must fill out a free permit at the trailhead before heading out on your hike.
Note that Grandfather Mountain State Park trails also connect to the Asuti Trail and the Tanawha Trail, both of which are managed by the Blue Ridge Parkway/National Park Service.
READ MORE: Hiking Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC
2. Visit Otter Falls
Located in the Seven Devils Community, Otter Falls is just 6.5 miles from the entrance to Sugar Mountain.
This short, but strenuous hike is 1.2-miles round trip, rewarding you with a stunning view of a 25-foot waterfall. But you will have to descend about 230 feet, and it is all uphill on the way back!
There’s a nice wooden observation deck that provides you with the perfect view of the falls. If you clamber down further, there are excellent sitting spots for a mid-hike picnic.
At the trailhead, you’ll see a map showing several other hiking trails that take you through the forest. Be careful during the winter months, when snow and ice can be prolific.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Waterfalls Near Blowing Rock NC
3. Spend a Day in Banner Elk
In our opinion, Banner Elk is the perfect Blue Ridge Mountain town, with endless activities to keep you busy.
The town is perfectly positioned to enjoy all the outdoor adventures the NC High Country has to offer. But it’s also a great place to be if you’re looking for a day of downtown fun.
It’s located at 3,701 feet in elevation, with relieving cool air to counter the heat of summer in NC. There are lots of shops, wineries, and breweries here to keep you entertained and relaxed.
There are also some truly fantastic Banner Elk restaurants, offering everything from fine dining to good old-fashioned comfort food, making it one of Western NC’s best culinary hotspots.
READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC
4. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway
You can hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway within 8 miles of Sugar Mountain.
Within 25 miles on the BRP, you can hit up amazing attractions like Moses Cone Memorial Park, Julian Price Memorial Park, and the Linn Cove Viaduct.
There are lots of trailheads along this stretch too, including the Rough Ridge Trail, the Boone Fork Trail, and the Tanawha Trail (which passes right under the Viaduct).
All these points of interest aside, there’s also something inherently rewarding about a simple drive on the Parkway, stopping to take in a few overlooks along the way!
READ MORE: The 20 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks in North Carolina
5. Take a Scenic Lift Ride at Sugar Mountain Resort
Even if you’re not into skiing, taking a lift ride can be an excellent way to while away some time, especially on a crisp Autumn day.
Leaf peepers travel from miles around to see the spectacular Fall colors in the NC High Country. Now imagine seeing those glorious hues while slowly climbing to 5,300 feet!
The Summit Express Chairlift at Sugar Mountain Resort offers a near 1-mile round-trip rise for just $18 per person. But temperatures can get pretty chilly up there, so be sure to wrap up.
The views from atop Sugar Mountain are fantastic, and there’s a short trail that leads to a rock outcropping that offers breathtaking views overlooking Pisgah National Forest.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall
6. Hit the Sugar Mountain Tubing Park
Snow tubing is one of the most fun and accessible wintertime activities. If you’re lacking in ski skills, but long to whizz down snow-covered slopes, just grab a tube and get to sliding!
The Sugar Mountain Tubing Park has several 700-foot-long lanes that are well-maintained for your snow tubing pleasure.
Daily sessions run from 10 AM to 10 PM and last around two hours, with a Magic Carpet Lift to help haul you back up the slope. So you’ll get several chances to go dashing through the snow.
Note that parents can tube with kids in their laps and/or have a few solo runs of their own. Wear regular wintertime apparel, such as hats, gloves, scarves, and coats.
READ MORE: The 10 Best Places for Snow Tubing in North Carolina
7. Explore J.Douglas Williams Park
J. Douglas Williams Park is a 14-acre wooded haven nestled in the heart of Sugar Mountain. There’s something for everyone here, from nature trails to picnic tables and pavilions.
Picnics are obviously encouraged, and alcoholic beverages may be enjoyed in plastic containers. The park just asks that all visitors be bear aware!
The park has a well-maintained, very accessible 4-mile trail that takes you through a beautiful hardwood forest and offers a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hikers, joggers, and families all come to enjoy the trails and fresh mountain air.
READ MORE: The 20 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails in North Carolina
8. Go On a Guided Snowshoe Tour
Whether you’re looking for an intense workout or a casual “stroll” in the snow, a guided snowshoeing tour could make for a perfect Winter wonderland-style activity.
No experience is needed for the tour. A guide will help you find the perfect sized snowshoes and trekking poles, and off you’ll trek over the hills of snow!
This is a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the snow and the beautiful mountain surroundings without having to learn snow skiing or snowboarding!
Dress up warmly with gloves and hats, and waterproof gear is recommended on snowy days. Sugar Mountain Resort is a great place to start your snowshoeing career with snowshoe rental and tours readily available for all ages and expertise.
READ MORE: The Best Places for Snow Skiing in North Carolina
9. Have Fun Ice Skating at Sugar Mountain
Sugar Mountain Resort is also a great place for some epic seasonal skating.
This timeless Winter activity takes place on a 10,000 sq ft outdoor skating rink, near the snow tubing park and the Pro Shop (where you can get all your skating rental needs).
After you’re all skated out, hit up the Sugar Mountain Resort restaurant, where you can cozy up with a hot chocolate and a warming meal!
There are also shops where you can get all of your winter clothing gear—socks, gloves, hats, and scarves— and stock up on all your Sugar Mountain souvenirs and winter paraphernalia.
READ MORE: The Best North Carolina Ski Resorts to Visit
10. Brave the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is the first alpine coaster in the state of North Carolina, and riding it is quite a unique experience!
Individual carts can reach speeds of up to 27 mph and propel you through 360° turns. This exhilarating ride feels like a cross between a roller coaster and a snow sled run.
The self-steering carts have brakes that allow you to control your speed as you venture through the forest and rock formations, with spectacular views of Sugar Mountain along the way.
Each ride takes about 7 minutes, and multiple ride tickets are available. Note that you must be 16 years old or older (and at least 54″ tall) to ride solo. Otherwise, two-person carts are available. –by Emma Gallagher; lead image courtesy of SeeSugar.com
