The Land of Oz opened on Beech Mountain in 1970, drawing families to the high-elevation North Carolina town for a decade before it closed in 1980. Each September, the yellow brick road opens again.
The Autumn at Oz Festival runs over three fall weekends on the site of the original 1970s theme park. The immersive event transports visitors through the Land of Oz, with the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains as the backdrop.
Beech Mountain has more to offer beyond the festival grounds. Outdoor adventure, local dining and regional history give visitors plenty of reasons to stay a few extra days.
"There's simply nothing else quite like Autumn at Oz. It combines nostalgia, imagination and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains into an experience guests can't find anywhere else," said Armando Garcia, marketing and tourism director for the town of Beech Mountain.
Stay on the Mountain
First things first: book lodging on Beech Mountain. The town offers condos, chalets, private homes and small lodges for groups of all sizes. Staying on the mountain keeps travel time to the festival short and helps visitors avoid heavy traffic during busy September weekends.
Trails and Outdoor Adventure
After following the yellow brick road, visitors can head straight for the Emerald Outback trail network. More than 7 miles of trails wind through the area, offering mountain views for hikers and cyclists of all skill levels.
Birdwatchers will find the Buckeye Recreation Center a reliable stop. The center offers guided hikes, and the surrounding lake area also has kayaking and fishing.
A View From the Top
Beech Mountain Resort's scenic chairlift rides offer a bird's-eye view of fall foliage across North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. It's one of the more efficient ways to take in the autumn color without lacing up hiking boots.
Family Activities
The new Mountaineer Adventure Tower features a 3-story rope course and a 25-foot slide. Mini golf and disc golf give families a lower-key way to spend an afternoon.
The History Behind the Festival
TheBeech Mountain History Museum traces the area's story from its earliest known inhabitants, the Cherokees, through logging, milling and railroad history. Exhibits also cover the development era under the Carolina Caribbean Corporation, the rise of Ski Beech resort and the Land of Oz amusement park.
Where to Eat and Drink
Beech Mountain Brewing Co. stands out as one of the few U.S. breweries owned and operated by a ski area. The family-friendly taproom pours house beers on tap and welcomes visitors after a day on the trails or at the festival.
The Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria serves pasta, sandwiches, hoagies, salads, ice cream, fudge and homemade chocolates, along with beers from around the world and a full bar. The restaurant also features an arcade, mini golf and outdoor fire pits.
Why Visitors Keep Coming Back
"For many, it's their first introduction to Beech Mountain, and we hope they'll take time to discover everything else our town has to offer—from spectacular views and miles of hiking trails to outdoor adventure, local restaurants, and the welcoming spirit of our mountain community. We want every visit to Autumn at Oz to be the start of a lasting connection with Beech Mountain and a reason to come back season after season," Garcia added.
Tickets and event information are available at landofoznc.com. Information about lodging, dining and activities on Beech Mountain is available at beechmtn.com.
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