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, this mountain town welcomes you with a downtown where creators, chefs, and community come together to stand out. Wander between galleries layered with local stories, savor global dishes crafted with Appalachian soul, or settle into a rocking chair and let the mountains set the tempo.
What are the top things to do in Black Mountain, NC?
1. Wander a Main Street Made for Slow Days
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. Earn Big Views on Montreat's Mountain Trails
Many of the Black Mountain area's best trails are in nearby Montreat. A popular but challenging hiking spot is Lookout Trail, which offers sweeping views of the Seven Sisters mountain range. A small detail before you go: Montreat trailhead parking asks for a suggested $5 daily contribution, so come prepared and plan accordingly.
3. Take a Scenic Lap Around Lake Tomahawk
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 0.55-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. Experience Appalachian Food Culture
Around town, you’ll find a slew of places to fuel up between adventures—some modern, some traditional, some with a worldly touch. The Pure and Proper, Hell or High Water, Louise’s Kitchen, Beradu and Cousin's Cuban Café are all popular restaurants. My Father’s Pizza is long-standing local favorite. See the full list of Black Mountain eateries here.
If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, swing by the Black Mountain Tailgate Market, a seasonal community market featuring organic and sustainably grown produce alongside plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs, value-added goods, and handmade items from local artisans.
Looking for something a little more farmstead? Round Mountain Creamery crafts small-batch cheeses just outside town, offering a taste of the mountains perfect for picnic provisions or an afternoon sampling stop.
5. Sip the Valley's Best Brews and Spirits
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 a diverse selection of beers and live music.
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. Bring Home a Piece of Black Mountain’s Art Legacy
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, NC Glass Center and Mountain Nest Gallery.
7. Catch a Set Where the Mountains Keep Time
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 spring and fall, celebrate world music, art, and culture at the LEAF Retreat and Festival. This beloved fest is all about connection, curiosity, and a full spectrum of art.
8. Treat Yourself to Small-Town Sugar Fixes
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. Step Into Swannanoa Valley Stories
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. Stay For a While
Black Mountain has some great places to stay! Check them all out here. Want to explore more? See our complete guide to Black Mountain.
