Welcome to Black Mountain!
"Black Mountain was originally known as Grey Eagle to the Cherokee and Catawba Native Americans who lived and hunted here in great numbers. Early settlers of the area were lured by the adventure and rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains.
The Town of Black Mountain was founded in 1893. It was named for the Black Mountain range of mountains that border the Town to the north. At the time of incorporation, the Town of Black Mountain had become a major pathway for the westbound immigrants, commercial trade, and the mountain railroad. This strategic location helped establish Black Mountain as one of the most prosperous and picturesque communities in the country.
Spectacular views have welcomed Black Mountain residents and visitors for over 109 years as they step from the quaint shops, prosperous businesses, and friendly neighborhoods into the great outdoors that serves as the centerpiece for a visual feast that continues to draw so many to this lovely valley. Black Mountain’s friendly character and graceful setting have long lured botanists, hikers, travelers, and others seeking to commune with the great outdoors. However, the magnificence of the mountains has drawn more than just those seeking to enjoy this graceful natural bounty. Our historic downtown shopping district, vital service sector and clean industry all serve to attract fine people of every age and profession with backgrounds and interests as varied as the mountainous landscape that surrounds the Town. This special mixture of people and talent has created a lively community with varied assets and lifestyles".-from the official Black Mountain website
The past 75 years have made Black Mountain a worldwide attraction to scholars, tourists, and educational and religious leaders. Individuals looking to enjoy the great outdoors, or families simply looking to enjoy the tranquil lifestyle, will feel at home in our community. The beautiful setting of the Town and the opportunities within the community bring out a warmth in the people that is both genuine and proud. We welcome you to a town rich in history with a most prosperous future.
Guests who visit Black Mountain usually come in two varieties, those who stay often and those who are here for the first time. For those who come time after time, their agenda is often for rest and relaxation. They might walk through town or along the numerous upscale gift shops, galleries and Appalachian style craft stores, with unique local craftsmen demonstrating iron works, wood bowl turning and hand thrown pottery. They might spend an hour or more exploring the local fashion general store with its 35,000 item inventory. And finally they’ll take a break outside the corner ice cream parlor with a hand dipped cone.
After a wonderful dinner at one of the Black Mountain’s many fine restaurants, regular visitors will schedule a “digestive” walk around Lake Tomahawk. Just a few blocks from town in our quaint city park, Lake Tomahawk offers a well lighted, level path for safe strolling in the evening. The only noise a couple might encounter on their walk is the quacking of spoiled wild ducks who demand cracked corn from the grain bin placed near the parking lot. Adjacent to the lake are open lighted tennis courts and a childrens playground.
For the die hard golfer, Black Mountain offers a superb 18-hole golf course set against wooded hillsides and a small meandering creek. A quality course with conditioned greens, the Black Mountain links can prove surprisingly challenging, especially with the longest par 6 in the nation off its 17th tee box. Guests are advised to coordinate tee times (828-669-2710). Other public golf courses of the note in the area include Reems Creek (828-645-4393) and Mt. Mitchell golf Course (828-675-5454). Both are within an hour’s drive of town, and are each ranked by Golf Digest for their layout and beauty.
Many of our guests have come to know Black Mountain through the numerous conference centers located within a few miles of the town, including Ridgecrest, Blue Ridge Assembly, The Cove and Christmount. The small township of Montreat, the home of the Reverend Billy Graham, actually abuts the city limits of Black Mountain and is a unique and charming village in itself, with a small liberal arts college and the Montreat Conference Center. If exploring this area, be sure and check out the breathtaking Ben Long fresco in the new chapel on the campus grounds.
Many of the folks who come to Black Mountain are interested in hiking and enjoying the gorgeous foliage and mountain scenery. Hiking and biking trails abound within minutes of the Red Rocker, from up in the fringes of Montreat, to across Ridgecrest along the pass to Old Fort, to the trails behind Route 9. They vary in skill level, from the hour’s easy hike to Lookout Point, to an all day strenuous trek across the Seven sisters mountain range. And if a challenge is really needed, why not consider the Ultra Marathon up to Mount Mitchell from Lake Tomahawk, held every February? Not for the faint of heart!
Festivals!
Black Mountain’s annual Sourwood Festival is always a hit with the locals and visitors alike! There’s always plenty to see and do, great music and lots of fun and of course lots of great mountain cookin’. Held each year in August, it’s a time for good food, good fun and good friends. Come on over and join us, we’ll be expecting you!
For the more adventurous, there’s the annual Black Mountain Marathon & Mt. Mitchell Challenge in February. Glorious views and crisp, cleansing air make this an exhilarating trek!
The holidays always bring lots of festivity to Black Mountain & Swannanoa. In the fall, there’s a “Fall by the Tracks”, sponsored by the Old Depot Station, and of course, a “Pumpkin Festival”. Winter brings a Christmas Parade, “Circle of Lights” around Lake Tomahawk (a sight to behold!) and the “Holiday Tour of Country Inns”. Spring brings “Taste of Black Mountain” sponsored by the Chamber, and the "Lake Eden Arts Festival", better known as "Leaf". In the Summer, there’s craft shows and the 4th of July celebrations, and lots more fun to be found.
