Water and the Economy
The Town of Beech Mountain peaks at 5,506 feet above sea level. As the highest town in eastern America, securing an adequate water supply to support the local economy is a critical issue; while several small tributaries begin here, there are no deep, rushing rivers found on our steep mountainsides.
Why does that matter? Over 680 people call the Town of Beech Mountain home, and another 10,000 part-time residents and visitors come in peak season for winter sports, with a secondary population peak of around 5,000 in summer months. These full- and part-time residents, along with our many visitors, support around 50 businesses on the mountain. The mountain provides income for a workforce of over 750 people, more than 90% of whom travel to the mountain from other areas in the region.
Our hotels, rental homes and lodging companies alone grossed well over $24,000,000 last year; the estimated annual revenue generated by all the businesses on Beech Mountain was in excess of $75 million. In addition to the lodging industry, there are restaurants, shops, real estate and construction companies, web designers, hair stylists, event venues, and a private club. Two major attractions are the Beech Mountain Resort, which offers skiing and ice skating in winter and summer mountain biking, and the Land of Oz theme park, which is open seasonally.
The Town of Beech Mountain is an economic engine for all of northwest North Carolina and northeast Tennessee. Responsible development of the town’s water system will help our businesses provide area residents with economic opportunities for many years to come.
