Beech Mountain is the highest downhill ski area in the east and many of the nearby trails in town become excellent for cross-country skiing when winter hits and snow is sufficient. The Wild Iris Trail is a lollipop loop trail that is easy to cover with only mild changes in elevation. There are other trails in the Beech Mountain area that can also be used for cross-country ski trips of varying distances/difficulties but snow is not always adequate so check current conditions before making the trip out.