Welcome to Beech Mountain!
Trail to Transformation
Hiking for Hope & Healing
In preparation for my Appalachian Trail thru hike in 2025, I took a week-long hiking and backpacking journey to the North Carolina High Country!
Beech Mountain -
Emerald Outback Trails
Dorothy, you're not in Kansas any more! I don't know the history of Beech Mountain or the Emerald Outback Trails . . . but someone used The Wizard of Oz as inspiration for trail names. There is OZ, witch, and ruby slippers to name a few.
Day 4: Given that I hiked/climbed/and risked body, mind, and soul on Days 1, 2, and 3, I decided to ease it up a bit and go for a hike in a more relaxing . . . more secluded . . . part of North Carolina's High Country. My trip up Beech Mountain was enjoyable, and I got in a good hike, but nothing overly strenuous.
A good day on the trail!
Beech Mountain & Emerald Outback Trails
Challenges
With trail names such as Oz Forest Run & Ruby Slippers
Nothing too strenuous; great views all around!
Don't trust GPS to get to where you need to go; ask a person!
A Better You is What You Need
Grow, learn, and build friendships - the way friendships should be created . . . through trust, actively helping, and encouraging the people around you. This is an opportunity for US Service Member Veterans to challenge themselves, expand thier world, and become a better version of themsleves.
Backpacking
Day pack to full pack, learn to carry your equipment to successfully accomplish the mission. What's in your pack? Be ready for what life brings you!
Camping
Investing in yourself takes effort. Embody the whole person you want to become, and allow the path of life guide the way forward.
Decision Making
What is your compass? Your values? Your destination? Where are you going in life? How will you know you arrived? Don't be left behind.
Meditation
Know thyself! And know how the universe around you works. Harmonize you with your environment to become the best version of yourself.
Enjoy the Terrain and the Views from Beech Mountain and Emerald Outback Trails
Miles of Trail - Wide Open Spaces - Spectacular Viewpoints
Ruby Slippers
A leisurely hike across Ruby Slippers trail is good exercise and provides a great view of the surrounding area.
Southern Ridge Trail
Oz Forest Run takes you to Southern Ridge Trail. These are your starting points to a great hike!
Roan Mountain overlook
There are a few good overlooks on the top of Beech Mountain, with Roan Mountain Overlook being one of them.
We're Off to See the Wizard
It may feel like you're in the movies with the wide-open terrain and beautiful scenery. However you're approaching 5,500 feet in elevation. This makes Beech Mountain the highest (in elevation) incorporated town east of the Rockies (USA).
After three grueling days on Grandfather Mountain, I needed a respite from the strenuous paths, steep slopes, and rocks. Beech Mountain was the ticket, offering a few hours of hiking atop one of the tallest mountains I've been on to date (May 2024). There was so much ground to cover, but I did not have the time to hike it all.
I'll be back!
Welcome to
The Wizard of Oz
Pleasant Views
Easy Hikes
5,506 ft.
Elevation Above Sea Level
Taking on the Challenge
What does it take to take on one of the most dangerous peaks (not the tallest, just one of the more dangerous) in the Southeastern United States? A deep breathe and a steady focus on what you came here to do. With this as my intent, I went on to traverse the obstacles, climb the cliff face, and hold on for dear life!
Test Your Limits
Why Do We Climb Mountains?
Expand Your Horizons
Why Do We Climb Mountains?
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