The town relies heavily on tourism, with the population swelling as high as 5,000 in the summer, and to 10,000 during the peak of ski season.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.7 sq mi (17.4 km2), all land.

At an elevation of 5,506 feet (1,678 m), Beech Mountain is the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi River.

Due to its high altitude, the cool summer temperatures make it an ideal place to escape the heat of the flat lands and the ample snowfall during the winter allows for over 3 months of skiing and snowboarding each year.

Each summer, the recreation department provides guided hikes to view birds, flowers, plants, and other items along the trails.

During the summer months, Beech Mountain Resort opens their downhill bike park, which is accessible via chair lift.

It was made famous during the 1990s as it was the queen stage of the now defunct Tour DuPont, as well as during Lance Armstrong's recovery from cancer treatment.

Guided tours are available through the Buckeye Recreation Center, as well as single day fishing licenses specific to Beech Mountain.

[14] Beech Mountain is the only municipality in the southern United States to operate a free public sledding hill.

Located across from the town hall building, the sled hill is open all winter long to children under the age of 12.

Also, be prepared to pay hourly metered parking (the hill is a bit steep & long to walk with small children), card accepted.

[15] Beech Mountain Resort offers tubing, which users must purchase tickets in person for, only issued on the day of visit.

Outside of the building, there are 2 outdoor tennis courts, a softball field, a walking path, and large ropes playground.

During the summer, the center hosts a daycamp for kids of all ages, as well as several other activities and events for residents and visitors alike.