Black Mountain, a town of about 8,000 residents, lies just to the east of Asheville.  It is nestled at the southern end of the Black Mountain Range, a part of the Southern Appalachians.  It is the first small town that you encounter coming West from the foothills of the Piedmont region of North Carolina.

There are so many reasons that Black Mountain is a special place to both visit and reside.  Despite its close proximity to Asheville (it is actually part of the Asheville metropolitan statistical area), it has a flavor entirely its own.  Locals cite its small town feel as a major draw.  With little traffic and lots of charm and friendly faces, it is easy to understand.  Here are some of the reasons that we find this neighborhood so appealing.

Natural Beauty in Black Mountain

The town of Montreat lies just to the north of Black Mountain.  At the base of the mountains near the back of Montreat community are many trailheads that you may take for stunning mountain views such as the one at Lookout Mountain.  The Swannanoa River flows from East to West through the Swannanoa Valley and Black Mountain.  

Trails at Warren Wilson College meander along the river, and picnicking along rocky outcroppings is a popular year-round outing. Explore the stunning Point Lookout Greenway Bike Trail by starting in Old Fort and climbing 3.6 miles and 900 feet to Ridgecrest.

Black Mountain Cultural Highlights

A hub of the community is the Black Mountain Center for the Arts.  Located in the renovated Old City Hall, it hosts exhibits on music, visual and performing arts on a monthly basis.  The area’s dedication to fine art is exhibited by the Ben Long fresco gracing the walls of the Montreat Conference Center.  The Swannanoa Valley Museum in downtown Black Mountain interprets and preserves the cultural, natural and social history of the Swannanoa River Valley.

Each August, thousands of people fill the streets for the annual Sourwood Festival.  This free festival is in its 39th year and features music, dancing, arts and crafts in a family-friendly environment.  Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) is held on the campus of Camp Rockmont and draws a sell-out, arts-loving crowd twice a year.

Black Mountain Public Spaces

Black Mountain’s city park is located just outside of the town center at the lovely Lake Tomahawk.  A half mile loop encircles the lake at the foot of the Seven Sisters Peaks and Greybeard Mountain.  

Montreat Park is a favorite area destination for families.  A wonderful playground sits on the banks of a babbling creek among the laurel thickets where families can all enjoy the lush mountain scenery.

Local Black Mountain Businesses

Black Mountain is renowned for its crafters and artists.  Check out the gorgeous Seven Sisters Gallery, Song of the Wood Musical Instruments, Black Mountain Ironworks or Black Mountain Quilts. 

Enjoy tea at local teahouse Dobra Tea or coffee at Dripolator Coffeehouse.  A long-standing casual restaurant is Our Father’s Pizza and Pasta or enjoy the country elegance of the Red Rocker Inn. 

For nightlife, you can always join a rowdy crowd at White Horse Black Mountain bar and music venue or journey east a few miles through the Swannanoa Valley to Pisgah Brewing which marries craft beer with nationally touring music in their gorgeous outdoor venue.    

For more information on real estate in Asheville, please contact Mike Figura at mike@mymosaicrealty.com  or call him anytime at (828) 337-8190.

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