25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S.

Mark Vandenberg

1. STOWE, VT

Getting There: 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport
Why We Recommend It: scenic views, ultra charming

Nested at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Stowe is a quintessential New England town and everything you’d want in a Vermont getaway. In terms of outdoor attractions, there are ski slopes, backcountry trails, waterfalls and The Current’s annual outdoor sculpture show. While the cute little downtown area has wonderful shops, restaurants, breweries and inns.

Where to stay:

Chic Townhouse (8 guests): $375/night
Vacation Condo (sleeps 6): $204/night
Townhome in Stowe (sleeps 6): $203/night

Explore Stowe

Putt Sakdhnagool/Getty Images

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

What’s not to love about Jackson Hole? This tourist mecca thrills visitors with its spellbinding natural beauty, rustic charm (how about those iconic shed antler arches in the town square?), high-end hotels, ski areas and access to not one but two national parks. After exploring you’ve definitely worked up an appetite, head to Glorietta for handmade pasta and locally sourced wood-fired meats.

Where to stay:

Hotel Jackson (2 guests): $1,465/night
Snow King Condo (5 guests): $400/night
Cozy Log Cabin (4 guests): $125/night

Explore Jackson Hole

Jonathan Ross/Getty Images

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

Few places (if any) manage to marry the rustic and refined quite like Aspen. Of course, the slopes are killer. But you can find epic skiing all over. People go to Aspen for more than snow-capped peaks. The upscale shopping, ritzy resorts, award-winning dining and après scene really set this legendary resort town apart from the rest.

Where to stay:

Aspen Condo (4 guests): $400/night
Mountainside Condo (4 guests): $261/night
Downtown Aspen Condo (4 guests): $355/night

Explore Aspen

Alexandra Marcu/Getty Images

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

The fabled gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg in eastern Tennessee is a playground of outdoor adventure. No matter the season you visit, there’s always something active (and totally awesome) to do—from hiking and whitewater rafting to skiing and snowshoeing when the temperature drops.

Where to stay:

Elegant Cabin (3 guests): $273/night
Log Cabin (4 guests): $185/night
Black Bear Ridge (4 guests): $230/night

Explore Gatlinburg

Anthony P. Albarello Photography/Getty Images

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

Even the name Banner Elk just sounds rustic doesn’t, it? This picturesque alpine village in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains certainly fits that description. Best of all, it puts an array of outdoor activities within arm’s reach. For avid skiers, Beech Mountain Resort lies to the north. Just outside of town, you’ll find trails and the famous mile-high swinging bridge.

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

Explore Banner Elk

Anne Gorin/Getty Images

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

Named after the nearby Hood River, this small town in Oregon isn't actually a high-altitude destination. The reason it earned a place on our list is its location within the Cascade Range. Mount Hood casts an imposing shadow. It also provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking and soaking in scenic vistas. Lest we forget the wineries and craft breweries just outside of town.

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

Explore Hood River

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

7. NORTH CONWAY, NH

Getting There: 1 hour 32 minutes from Portland Airport
Why We Recommend It: great ski town, family friendly, outlet shopping

“Live free or die" is the official motto of New Hampshire. Freedom to do whatever you want—as long as that falls within the category of climbing rock faces, hiking rolling hills, skiing Bretton Woods, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, rafting on the Saco River, playing golf, shopping along Main Street and perusing art galleries—well, that’s exactly what awaits in North Conway.

Where to stay:

Large Chalet with Hot Tub (10 guests): $273/night
Cozy Condo (6 guests): $95/night
Barn House (14 guests): $325/night

Explore North Conway

Connie Coleman/Getty Images

8. LEAVENWORTH, WA

Getting There: 40 minutes from Pangborn Memorial Airport
Why We Recommend It: European vibes, tons of outdoor activities

You might be surprised to learn there are actually a handful of Bavarian-style towns across the country—though none more authentic than Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Between the alpine-style building, German restaurants, beer halls, ski slopes and the Nutcracker Museum, you might forget you’re still in America (especially after a few pints). Leavenworth is basically like a trip to Germany with no passport required.

Where to stay:

Aventyr Hus (4 guests): $166/night
Cozy Riverfront Cabin (4 guests): $202/night
Willkommen Zuhause (6 guests): $192/night

Explore Leavenworth

Peter Unger/Getty Images

9. BAR HARBOR, ME

Getting There: 22 minutes from Hancock-County Bar Harbor Airport
Why We Recommend It: family friendly, tourist favorite

Bar Harbor is the perfect home base for exploring Acadia National Park. (We’d highly recommend catching the sunrise from the overlook at Cadillac Mountain.) More than just a place to rest in between treks, this utterly enchanting seaside village treats visitors to fresh-caught local lobster, strolls along the craggy coastline, whale watching and, of course, oodles of Down East charisma.

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

Explore Bar Harbor

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

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

With its unique mix of peaceful Adirondack ambiance, gorgeous scenery and adrenaline-rush activities, Lake Placid is certainly a contender for the best mountain town in America. Soak in the views from the eight-passenger Cloudsplitter Gondola. Unwind with a relaxing walk around Mirror Lake. While thrillseekers can go bobsledding at the Olympic Complex (Lake Placid hosted the Winter Games in 1980).

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

Explore Lake Placid

HawaiiBlue/Getty Images

11. TELLURIDE, CO

Getting There: 1 hour and 29 minutes from Montrose Regional Airport
Why We Recommend It: lots of skiing, vibrant night life

It’s no secret that Colorado has so many awesome alpine towns. But Telluride is just a cut above the rest. Protected by the snow-capped San Juan Mountains, this mining hub turned four-season vacation destination entices travelers with its abundant recreation—skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking and fly fishing—plus Victorian-era architecture, Old West character (ahem, saloons) and events like Telluride Jazz Fest.

Where to stay:

Downtown Telluride Studio (2 guests): $244/night
One-Bedroom Condo (4 guests): $279/night
Modern Townhouse (4 guests): $299/night

Explore Telluride

Cavan Images/Getty Images

12. SUN VALLEY, ID

Getting There: 26 minutes from Friedman Memorial Airport
Why We Recommend It: uncrowded ski slopes, lots of history, upscale vibe

Sun Valley is hailed as the birthplace of resort skiing in North America. (Chair lifts were actually installed back in the 1930s.) Today, it remains one of the most sought-after spots to hit the slopes in the country. Besides conquering advanced runs (or bunny hills if that’s more your speed), be sure to visit the pedestrian-friendly village and the Sun Valley Museum of Art.

Where to stay:

Knob Hill Inn (2 guests): $344/night
Elkhorn Village Condo (6 guests): $150/night
Snow Creek Condo (5 guests): $210/night

Explore Sun Valley

Mableen/Getty Images

13. BIG SKY, MT

Getting There: 57 minutes Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport
Why We Recommend It: lots of adventure sports, tons of bars

With a name like Big Sky, you’d guess this storied spot in the Rocky Mountains of southern Montana is going to be a place of wild, untamed wilderness. That’s totally accurate. Yellowstone National Park lies to the south of town, which means you’re only a short drive from hot springs, geysers, canyons and forests. While Big Sky Resort boasts 6,000 skiable acres.

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

Explore Big Sky

BanyanRanchStudios/Getty Images

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

Eureka, we found the best alpine town in Arkansas. (Corny, but it’s true!) Set in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs lures stressed-out travelers with its natural springs. You can destress with a steamy soak morning, noon or night. In between trips to the bathhouse, be sure to check out the boutiques, art galleries, museums, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge and Thorncrown Chapel.

Where to stay:

Eureka Springs Vacation Cottage (6 guests): $142/night
Sundown Cottage (4 guests): $153/night
Mountainview Cottage (4 guests): $132/night

Explore Eureka Springs

Matt Young/Getty Images

15. MAMMOTH LAKES, CA

Getting There: Fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport
Why We Recommend It: great skiing terrains, lots of lakes

No roundup of mountain towns would be complete without Mammoth Lakes. Situated within the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, this dazzling destination offers visitors more fun-filled activities than you could possibly pack into a single trip. Enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, boating and rock climbing in the summer. Winter brings the chance to try snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

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

Explore Mammoth Lakes

Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images

16. HOMER, AL

Getting There: Fly into Homer Airport
Why We Recommend It: friendly, scenic views, bear viewing

Located at the southern end of the 138-mile-long Sterling Highway, near the Kenai Mountains, Homer has us hook, line and sinker. Yes, that’s a fishing pun. But that’s because “the Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea" is the ultimate spot to catch halibut. It’s also great for boating, bird watching, sipping local brews and seeing volcanic peaks across Cook Inlet.

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

Explore Homer

VRBO

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

One of the most charming small towns in Georgia, Blue Ridge, just 90 miles north of Atlanta, feels like a remote and far-flung refuge of alpine pursuits. Hike the trails that bisect the 106,000-acre Chattahoochee National Forest, go white water rafting on the Ocoee River, cast a line in the trout-filled streams and ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway.

Where to stay:

Skyline Lodge (6 guests): $246/night
The Little Red Barn (3 guests): $189/night
Storybook Cabin (4 guests): $166/night

Explore Blue Ridge

Carolyn Lehrke/Flickr

18. LEWISBURG, WV

Getting There: 10 minutes from Greenbrier Valley Airport
Why We Recommend It: historical landmarks, vibrant arts community, great restaurants

If loving (almost bordering on obsession) Lewisburg is wrong, we don’t want to be right. With a thriving arts scene, antique stores, quaint cafes, tours of Lost World Caverns, shows at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre and a slew of interesting historic sites, can you really blame us for getting so pumped about this darling West Virginia town?

Where to stay:

Little Red House (2 guests): $75/night

Secluded Farmhouse (2 guests): $203/night
Modern Craftsman Home (8 guests): $200/night

Explore Lewisburg

Caleb Perkins/Getty Images

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

In need of some soul searching? Add a rejuvenating trip to the New Age mecca of Taos to your shortlist. This New Mexico gem stirs the senses with a mashup of the mystical, natural and wellness-driven activities. With a population of 5,960 residents, there are more heart-opening and muscle-burning activities than people. Is that an over exaggeration? You be the judge.

Where to stay:

El Pueblo Lodge (2 guests): $180/night
The Dobson House (4 guests): $192/night
Cozy House (6 guests): $189/night

Explore Taos

Jason Cameron/Getty Images

20. PARK CITY, UT

Getting There: 43 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport
Why We Recommend It: small-community feel, cultural hub

Surrounded by the Wasatch Range, Park City is a winter tourism darling that leads the charge in skiing and snowboarding, well, depending on who you ask (if it’s us or the thousands of snow bunnies that visit each year, they’d totally agree). Its other major claim to fame? The Sundance Film Festival. Devotees also rave about the many restaurants, bars and shops.

Where to stay:

Luxury Penthouse Suite (4 guests): $99/night
Spacious Three Kings (4 guests): $155/night
Old Town Condo (10 guests): $275/night

Explore Park City

Carolyn Cole/Contributor/Getty Images

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

California has so many great mountain towns, but Truckee ranks at the top of our list of all-time favorites. This salt-of-the-earth North Lake Tahoe destination doesn’t fall victim to the touristy trapping of some of its neighbors. Instead, it welcomes visitors with open arms and loads of backcountry appeal. When the decision is between hiking, paddle boarding and walking around Old Town, there’s no wrong choice.

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

Explore Truckee

Alex Potemkin/Getty Images

22. JIM THORPE, PA

Getting There: 46 minutes from Lehigh Valley International Airport
Why We Recommend It: small town vibes, scenic parks

Tucked away in the Poconos Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe is the perfect escape from the pressures and stress of everyday life. Equal parts history and natural beauty, it serves up attractions like the Asa Packer Mansion, Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary, Jim Thorpe Memorial and Stonekeep Meadery with a side of small-town hospitality.

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

Explore Jim Thorpe

Vrbo

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

Perched at the foot of the Turtle Mountains, Bottineau invites visitors to channel their inner outdoorsman (what exactly that means is really open to interpretation). Plan a canoe excursion through the lakes and wetlands. Fishing for walleye and cooking ‘em up over an open fire feels very off-the-grid. When snow covers the ground, it’s all about embracing the untouched terrain and making your tracks.

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

Explore Bottineau

Visions of America/Contributor/Getty Images

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

The slogan, “minutes, not miles, from adventure,” pretty much sums up a trip to the former mining town of Custer. The crown jewel of South Dakota’s Black Hills puts visitors within spitting distance of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore, Black Elk Peak and Jewel Cave National Monument, the third-longest cavern 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

Explore Custer

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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

The Garden State is more closely associated with beaches than mountains. And while that’s certainly an accurate characterization, it leaves out the likes of Hamburg. What can you expect from this under-the-radar town near the New Jersey stretch of the Appalachian Trail in addition to great hiking? Golf and wine tasting, plus goat yoga at Crystal Springs Resort.

Where to stay:

Gorgeous Getaway (6 guests): $108/night
Mountaintop Getaway (5 guests): $174/night
Skylift Lodge (8 guests): $241/night

Explore Hamburg

The 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S.

1. STOWE, VT

2. JACKSON HOLE, WY

4. ASPEN, CO

4. GATLINBURG, TN

5. BANNER ELK, NC

6. HOOD RIVER, OR

7. NORTH CONWAY, NH

8. LEAVENWORTH, WA

9. BAR HARBOR, ME

10. LAKE PLACID, NY

11. TELLURIDE, CO

12. SUN VALLEY, ID

13. BIG SKY, MT

14. EUREKA SPRINGS, AR

15. MAMMOTH LAKES, CA

16. HOMER, AL

17. BLUE RIDGE, GA

18. LEWISBURG, WV

19. TAOS, NM

20. PARK CITY, UT

21. TRUCKEE, CA

22. JIM THORPE, PA

23. BOTTINEAU, ND

24. CUSTER, SD

25. HAMBURG, NJ

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The 25 Best Mountain Towns in the U.S.

1. STOWE, VT

2. JACKSON HOLE, WY

4. ASPEN, CO

4. GATLINBURG, TN

5. BANNER ELK, NC

6. HOOD RIVER, OR

7. NORTH CONWAY, NH

8. LEAVENWORTH, WA

9. BAR HARBOR, ME

10. LAKE PLACID, NY

11. TELLURIDE, CO

12. SUN VALLEY, ID

13. BIG SKY, MT

14. EUREKA SPRINGS, AR

15. MAMMOTH LAKES, CA

16. HOMER, AL

17. BLUE RIDGE, GA

18. LEWISBURG, WV

19. TAOS, NM

20. PARK CITY, UT

21. TRUCKEE, CA

22. JIM THORPE, PA

23. BOTTINEAU, ND

24. CUSTER, SD

25. HAMBURG, NJ

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