The 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S.
Right about now, we could all really use a magical trip to the mountains. Think: fresh air, rugged trails, the smell of marshmallows roasting over an open fire and cozy cabin rentals. What’s more, a high-altitude escape may actually be closer than you realize—like within driving distance. From old standbys such as Aspen and Stowe to a few spots you’ve probably never even heard of (what’s up, Hamburg?), these are the best mountain towns in America.
1. STOWE, VT
- Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: scenic views, ultra charming
Where to stay:
- Chic Townhouse (8 guests): $375/night
- Vacation Condo (sleeps 6): $204/night
- Townhome in Stowe (sleeps 6): $203/night
2. JACKSON HOLE, WY
- Getting There: Fly into Jackson Hole airport
- Why We Recommend It: tons of outdoor activities, Old West flair, close to national parks
Where to stay:
- Hotel Jackson (2 guests): $1,465/night
- Snow King Condo (5 guests): $400/night
- Cozy Log Cabin (4 guests): $125/night
4. ASPEN, CO
- Getting There: 20 minutes from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
- Why We Recommend It: renowned skiing, luxury shopping, lots of arts and culture
Where to stay:
- Aspen Condo (4 guests): $400/night
- Mountainside Condo (4 guests): $261/night
- Downtown Aspen Condo (4 guests): $355/night
4. GATLINBURG, TN
- Getting There: 1 hour and 16 minutes from McGhee-Tyson Airport
- Why We Recommend It: things to do all year round, tons of hiking trails
Where to stay:
- Elegant Cabin (3 guests): $273/night
- Log Cabin (4 guests): $185/night
- Black Bear Ridge (4 guests): $230/night
5. BANNER ELK, NC
- Getting There: 1 hour 52 minutes from Tri-Cities Regional Airport
- Why We Recommend It: great food, quaint town, lots of wineries
Where to stay:
- Log Cabin With Hot Tub (4 guests): $175/night
- Cozy Mountain Cabin (6 guests): $128/night
- Beech Mountain Condo (7 guests): $125/night
6. HOOD RIVER, OR
- Getting There: 1 hour from Portland International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: scenic hiking, lots of breweries, farm-to-table eats
Where to stay:
- Mid-Century House (4 guests): $205/night
- Freshly Remodeled House (4 guests): $219/night
- Mt Adams View House (6 guests): $204/night
7. NORTH CONWAY, NH
- Getting There: 1 hour 32 minutes from Portland Airport
- Why We Recommend It: great ski town, family friendly, outlet shopping
Where to stay:
- Large Chalet with Hot Tub (10 guests): $273/night
- Cozy Condo (6 guests): $95/night
- Barn House (14 guests): $325/night
8. LEAVENWORTH, WA
- Getting There: 40 minutes from Pangborn Memorial Airport
- Why We Recommend It: European vibes, tons of outdoor activities
Where to stay:
- Aventyr Hus (4 guests): $166/night
- Cozy Riverfront Cabin (4 guests): $202/night
- Willkommen Zuhause (6 guests): $192/night
9. BAR HARBOR, ME
- Getting There: 22 minutes from Hancock-County Bar Harbor Airport
- Why We Recommend It: family friendly, tourist favorite
Where to stay:
- Saltair Inn Waterfront B&B (2 guests): $552/night
- Summer Salt Cottage (6 guests): $290/night
- Spindrift Cottage (12 guests): $482/night
10. LAKE PLACID, NY
- Getting There: 16 minutes from Saranac Lake Adirondack Airport
- Why We Recommend It: great eateries, fall foliage, lots of cold weather sports
Where to stay:
- Town House Lodge (2 guests): $274/night
- Mirror Lake Inn & Resort (2 guests): $529/night
- Lake Placid Getaway (4 guests): $234/night
11. TELLURIDE, CO
- Getting There: 1 hour and 29 minutes from Montrose Regional Airport
- Why We Recommend It: lots of skiing, vibrant night life
Where to stay:
- Downtown Telluride Studio (2 guests): $244/night
- One-Bedroom Condo (4 guests): $279/night
- Modern Townhouse (4 guests): $299/night
12. SUN VALLEY, ID
- Getting There: 26 minutes from Friedman Memorial Airport
- Why We Recommend It: uncrowded ski slopes, lots of history, upscale vibe
Where to stay:
- Knob Hill Inn (2 guests): $344/night
- Elkhorn Village Condo (6 guests): $150/night
- Snow Creek Condo (5 guests): $210/night
13. BIG SKY, MT
- Getting There: 57 minutes Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: lots of adventure sports, tons of bars
Where to stay:
- Rainbow Ranch Lodge (2 guests): $475/night
- Stunning Golf Course Condo (4 guests): $150/night
- Central Big Sky Condo (6 guests): $197/night
14. EUREKA SPRINGS, AR
- Getting There: 1 hour and 11 minutes from Branson Airport
- Why We Recommend It: quaint town, great hiking trails, access to hot springs
Where to stay:
- Eureka Springs Vacation Cottage (6 guests): $142/night
- Sundown Cottage (4 guests): $153/night
- Mountainview Cottage (4 guests): $132/night
15. MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
- Getting There: Fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport
- Why We Recommend It: great skiing terrains, lots of lakes
Where to stay:
- Beautiful Sun-Filled Condo (6 guests): $143/night
- The Village Lodge (2 guests): $349/night
- Cozy Updated Condo (5 guests): $189/nights
16. HOMER, AL
- Getting There: Fly into Homer Airport
- Why We Recommend It: friendly, scenic views, bear viewing
Where to stay:
- Cozy Cabin in the Sky (4 guests): $135/night
- Heather View Vacation Rental (6 guests): $175/night
- Historic Downtown House (6 guests): $265/night
17. BLUE RIDGE, GA
- Getting There: 1 hour and 52 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: cool weather, vibrant arts scene
Where to stay:
- Skyline Lodge (6 guests): $246/night
- The Little Red Barn (3 guests): $189/night
- Storybook Cabin (4 guests): $166/night
18. LEWISBURG, WV
- Getting There: 10 minutes from Greenbrier Valley Airport
- Why We Recommend It: historical landmarks, vibrant arts community, great restaurants
Where to stay:
- Little Red House (2 guests): $75/night
- Secluded Farmhouse (2 guests): $203/night
- Modern Craftsman Home (8 guests): $200/night
19. TAOS, NM
- Getting There: 1 hour and 26 minutes from Los Alamos County Airport
- Why We Recommend It: lots of cultural heritage, tons of outdoor adventure
Where to stay:
- El Pueblo Lodge (2 guests): $180/night
- The Dobson House (4 guests): $192/night
- Cozy House (6 guests): $189/night
20. PARK CITY, UT
- Getting There: 43 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: small-community feel, cultural hub
Where to stay:
- Luxury Penthouse Suite (4 guests): $99/night
- Spacious Three Kings (4 guests): $155/night
- Old Town Condo (10 guests): $275/night
21. TRUCKEE, CA
- Getting There: 1 hour 46 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: renowned logging town, tons of water sports
Where to stay:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe (2 guests): $999/night
- Mountain Lodge Style Home (10 guests): $567/night
- Contemporary Townhome (8 guests): $227/night
22. JIM THORPE, PA
- Getting There: 46 minutes from Lehigh Valley International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: small town vibes, scenic parks
Where to stay:
- Jim Thorpe Townhome (5 guests): $186/night
- The Dolon House (2 guests): $245/night
- Cabin in the Trees (3 guests): $160/night
23. BOTTINEAU, ND
- Getting There: 1 hour and 18 minutes from Minot International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: small town vibes, lots of outdoor activities
Where to stay:
- Cobblestone Inn and Suites - Bottineau (2 guests): $100/night
- Oak Creek Granary (5 guests): $102/night
- Rural Getaway at Homestead Lodge (15 guests): $375/night
24. CUSTER, SD
- Getting There: 1 hour and 2 minutes from Rapid City Regional Airport
- Why We Recommend It: historic town, holds one of the largest bison herds in the world
Where to stay:
- Lost Bison Cabin (4 guests): $175/night
- Granite Reef Cabin (6 guests): $250/night
- Remodeled Log Cabin (8 guests): $304/night
25. HAMBURG, NJ
- Getting There: 1 hour and 16 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport
- Why We Recommend It: lots of antique shops, family friendly
Where to stay:
- Gorgeous Getaway (6 guests): $108/night
- Mountaintop Getaway (5 guests): $174/night
- Skylift Lodge (8 guests): $241/night