Being Well in Black Mountain, NC: Seven Healthy Ways to Keep Your 2026 New Year’s Resolutions
From the Black Mountain Recreation Facebook page
Every January begins with good intentions. More movement. More fresh air. More balance. The trick, of course, is finding ways to turn those intentions into habits that stick.
In Black Mountain, North Carolina, you’ll find it a little easier to nurture the New Year’s promises you make for yourself, especially those that support a year-round, well-rounded lifestyle. Here are seven New Year’s–worthy ideas that can support your 2026 resolutions to keep personal wellness a top priority:
1. Find like-minded neighbors to help keep me motivated.
Photo from the Black Mountain Recreation Facebook page
Resolution: Don’t let winter be my excuse to hibernate.
The definition of invigorating is winter on the trail: crisp air, quiet spaces, blue skies, and the satisfaction of showing up for yourself no matter what. Black Mountain Recreation’s 2026 Cabin Fever Defeater Series is designed to help you get outside and enjoy the company of others seeking the same inspiration. The series begins in January 2026, so watch for the details to be posted on the Black Mountain Recreation Facebook page and webpage calendar.
2. Start the year with a local event that gets me moving.
Resolution: Set achievable and measurable goals.
Circle Saturday, February 7, 2026, on your calendar for the 4th Annual Valentine Greenway Challenge. Set along Black Mountain’s scenic greenway, this 5K Challenge offers a great mix of fitness, fresh air, and neighborly encouragement on a newly-designed course beginning near the picnic pavilion at Lake Tomahawk. All sponsorships, donations, and 50% of registration fees will help rebuild the greenway bridge along the Oaks Trail at Veterans Park. For more information and to register, visit raceroster.com/events/2026/112664/2026-valentine-greenway-challenge.
3. Play outside with the dog.
Resolution: Prioritize my pet’s health, too.
I find it virtually impossible not to be happy when spending time with a happy dog. Black Mountain is such a pet-friendly town, which is why we’re celebrating the opening of a fenced-in play area in Riverwalk Dog Park. This is the first step in the park’s restoration from the destruction of Hurricane Helene. Upcoming additions will include woodchips and a shade structure. For now, the play area is open and ready for the zoomies! Located at 205 NC 9.
4. Find my favorite places to gather in Black Mountain.
Resolution: Choose activities that are even more fun with friends.
Take an art workshop! Go to a concert! See a play! Or if you’re looking for a “good walk spoiled,” the Black Mountain Golf Course is ideal for the seasoned golfer or anyone hitting the links for the first time. The back nine is open year-round; the front nine is still under repair following Hurricane Helene. Visit our Things to Do page for more ideas.
5. Connect with Black Mountain’s outdoors outfitters and experts.
Resolution: Invest in experiences, not just equipment.
Lake Tomahawk
Black Mountain’s outdoor-minded businesses are hubs of knowledge and encouragement. Epic Cycles, Take a Hike Mountain Outfitters, and Mountain Running Co., to name a few, help locals and visitors get properly outfitted for biking, hiking, running, and exploring and connected to events, trails, and like-minded adventurers. Visit our Shops/Services directory for more info.
6. Discover local wellness resources.
Resolution: Prioritize my daily commitment to wellness and recovery.
Physical activity is only one part of being well. Black Mountain is home to wellness practitioners and centers that support rest, recovery, and balance, from bodywork and mindfulness to holistic approaches that treat wellness as an ongoing practice. Visit the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce business directory for a listing of member practitioners.
7. Nurture spiritual wellness in a local faith-based community.
Resolution: Connect to something larger than myself.
For many, spiritual wellness is the cornerstone of a balanced life. Black Mountain’s faith-based communities offer spaces for reflection, service, music, learning, and connection. Whether you’re seeking quiet contemplation, shared ritual, or opportunities to give back, these communities help anchor wellness in meaning. Use your preferred search engine or visit the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce business directory for a listing of local congregations.
Here’s to a happy, healthy New Year in Black Mountain, NC
Wellness comes in many forms: a greenway run, a wagging tail, time spent in community, or a quiet moment in nature. Regardless of the paths you choose, here’s to a 2026 that feels good inside and out.
Click here to learn more About Black Mountain, and click here to find great Places to Stay in Black Mountain.
About the Author
This blog story was written by Amy J. Schultz, an award-winning author, brand/marketing strategist, and overall creative type. She, her husband Brian, and their giant dog Bentley love their downtown Black Mountain neighborhood.
