Need A Weekend Getaway? Try One Of America’s Most Beautiful Small Towns In The Mountains
It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, small mountain towns provide the perfect getaway in any season. Whether the winter turns these dream locals into snowy havens or summer turns them into big city hideouts, there is never a bad time to take a trip. From the west coast to the east coast and all across the United States, there is a small mountain town waiting for you to find it!
Leavenworth, Washington Is A Bavarian Getaway In The Pacific Northwest
Any city that is home to a Nutcracker Museum is worth the price of a hotel room for at least one night. Located in Washington state with a minimal population of 2,430, Leavenworth feels like a piece of Bavaria hidden away in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the most popular times to visit Leavenworth is during Oktoberfest when the drinks flow like waterfalls and it's impossible to have a bad time.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas Is A Victorian Dream Come True
Located in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is 1,260 feet above sea level and is home to 2,200 residents. The architecture around town is reminiscent of the Victorian era, making it unique among mountain getaways.
Several of the buildings located downtown, from the shops to the restaurants, are all original structures, adding an authenticity to Eureka Springs that makes it a wonder to walk around with family, significant others, or just by yourself.
Big Bear Lake, California Is The Escape Of Choice For Southern Californians
When you think of California, you probably don't think of snowy mountains and world-class skiing. Many residents of Southern California know where to go to find a winter wonderland without getting on a plane, though, and it's called Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Lake rests 6,752 feet above sea level and, during the winter, is blanketed by beautiful snow. The resort town has become a favorite escape for Southern Californians looking to hit the slopes for a weekend away from the office.
Telluride, Colorado Is Stuck In The Beautiful Past
Over a mile and a half above sea level, Telluride, Colorado has evolved from its humble beginnings as a mining town to a world-class mountain resort. While much about Telluride has evolved with the times, the quaint feel of the town has stayed wonderfully stuck in the past.
So take a trip back in time, rent a cabin or hotel room, and experience simpler life by the fire. And then strap on your boots and head to the top of the mountain for some of the best snowboarding in the country.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
The historic town of Harpers Ferry in West Virginia is an adventure seeker's dream. Flowing riverways allow for some of the best rafting in the country. The hiking is also considered top-notch for anyone looking to stretch their legs.
Harpers Ferry is located in the Appalachian Mountain Range where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet. The 19th-century architecture of the original buildings remains mostly untouched, giving visitors a glimpse into the past of the great state of West Virginia.
Whitefish, Montana Is The Gateway To Glacier National Park
With skiing, hiking, and biking trails, fishing, mountains, and lakes, Whitefish Montana is a beautiful mountain getaway that shouldn't be missed. The gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish sits on the glacier-made Whitefish Lake, making it one of a kind.
The perfect summer vacation spot, grab your boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and rafts, and head to Montana, where an amazing adventure awaits. Looking for a place to lodge? We recommend the Lodge as Whitefish Lake.
Lake Placid, New York Has Hosted Two Winter Olympics
New York is undeniably one of the most population-dense states in the country. It makes sense that residents of the great state would want a quiet mountain getaway. Lake Placid, located in the Adirondack Mountains, has become the spot of choice.
The mountain town has more to its name than just being a local escape. Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, features world-class dining, and top-of-the-line shopping.
North Conway, New Hampshire Provides A Presidential Experience
Located just minutes away from the Presidential Range, North Conway, New Hampshire provides a truly presidential experience. Ideal for guests looking to climb Mount Washington, raft the Saco River, or ski Bretton Woods, North Conway is a perfect year-round escape from the real world.
And the perfect place to stay during your trip is the Mount Washington Hotel, pictured here. Spend the night in elegance as you prepare for your daytime adventures.
Warm Springs, Virginia Delivers On The Promise Of Its Name
Appropriately named, Warm Springs, Virginia provides guests access to amazing natural hot springs in Bath County. Known as the Jefferson Pools, the town offers a great way to relax for a weekend and clear your mind.
The rich mineral waters in the hot springs are believed to improve health. You might not find all the amenities included in other mountain towns in Warm Springs, but you will find an escape that rejuvenates both the body and mind.
Montague Township, New Jersey Is The Highest Point In The State
Located at the highest point in New Jersey, the views guests can find at the Montague township are second to none. Standing 3,847 feet above sea level near the Delaware River, there is plenty of land for adventure seekers to explore.
Surprisingly, the township doesn't offer guests much in the way of hotels. Just across the river, in Milford, is the perfect spot to rest your head, the Hotel Fauchere, a boutique inn with a one-of-a-kind experience you won't want to miss!
Taos, New Mexico Is Ideal For Artisans
Nestled away 6,969 feet above sea level with a population of just over 6,400 residents, Taos, New Mexico is a perfect mountain getaway. Filled with art galleries and boutique shops, it's a top-rated location for artisans looking to meet fellow artisans.
A year-round getaway, when the fall leaves turn to winter, snow settles in, and Taos becomes a quiet ski resort. Off the beaten path, it gives visitors a chance to escape from the speed of the city and the tourist-packed major winter resorts.
Ketchum, Idaho Is For Those Seeking Quiet
Downtown Ketchum offers a warm welcome to visitors looking to escape a busy life in the cities and slow things down in the mountains. With a population of 3,627 residents, quiet is easy to find in Ketchum.
Beautiful during every season, Ketchum offers gorgeous hiking trails in the summer, and blankets of snow during the winter. And no matter what season it might be, the food and shopping experience downtown is second to none!
Deadwood, South Dakota Send Guests Back In Time
Known by many thanks to the TV show Deadwood that aired on HBO, the town of Deadwood, South Dakota is also a great mountain town to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
With its rich history, Deadwood offers an experience designed to immerse guests in the past, including throwback saloons, horsing events, and rodeos. Anyone looking for an outdoor adventure won't be disappointed either, as the town is surrounded by the Black Hills.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee Will Help Jump Start Your National Park Adventure... If You Ever Leave
Gatlinburg, Tennessee isn't exactly hidden away, but instead welcomes visitors to the Smoky Mountains National Park. Once you stop to take in the scenes of the small mountain town you might just lose interest in the rest of the 520,000-acre national park altogether!
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, and Gatlinburg is one of the many reasons why. Resting 1,289 feet above sea level, it's the perfect spot to start your national park adventure.
Cordova, Alaska Overlooks The Prince William Sound
Cordova, Alaska has the distinction of being located at the lowest elevation on this list - only 82 feet above sea level. Still, the Alaskan getaway is perfect for mountain lovers. It sits at the mouth of the Copper River, overlooks at the Prince William Sound, and it's just around the corner from the Chugach Mountains.
Adventurers will be thrilled by their glacial surroundings, but that's not all Cordova has to offer. Hiking trails deliver beautiful scenery, and once you get high enough, the skiing is nearly unbeatable.
Midway, Utah Is Also Known As The "Swiss Alps"
Known by the locals as the "Swiss Alps" of Utah, Midway is nestled in the Wasatch Mountains just south of Salt Lake City. Midway was originally settled by Swiss immigrants, and the architecture of the town reflects that heritage.
One of the best spots to stay at in Midway is the Homestead, a hotel resort that offers several amenities on days you don't feel like exploring. The hotel offers an 18-hole golf course, fly fishing, chuckwagon dinners, and horseback riding.
Park City, Utah Is More Than Just Home To Sundance
Park City, located 7,000 feet above sea level, is most famous for hosting the Sundance Film Festival. The city, which is home to 8,200 residents, offers guests a wide range of amenities including high-end shopping and dining.
Park City is a true winter getaway, with a reputation cemented in 2002 when it hosted the Winter Olympics. This mountain town might not be as quiet as others, but it does offer one of the most star-studded experiences on this list.
Anaconda, Montana Is Eight Miles From The Continental Divide
Almost exactly one mile above sea level and eight miles from the continental divide rests Anaconda, Montana. The city is named for the mountain range it is located near and offers the perfect small-town feel for big-city dwellers.
Like other towns on this list, Anaconda has everything from hiking trailing, skiing in winter, and lakes to explore in summer. We recommend lodging at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, which is perfect for families and large groups alike!
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia Was America's First Spa
It should be obvious what Berkeley Springs is known for. The town is known as a "spa town" and features several hot springs for guests to enjoy and resent their souls with.
Historically referred to as "America's First Spa," Berkeley Springs is located 90 minutes from the greater Washington D.C. area and was built around the hot springs with the perfect getaway in mind. There are over 100 places to stay when you book your trip, so you should be able to find something in your price range.
Breckenridge, Colorado Is A Winter Wonderland
Tucked away at the base of the Tenmile Ridge in the Rocky Mountains you'll find Breckenridge, Colorado. The quaint former Gold Rush town is bathed in color and history and has been preserved perfectly by the National Historic District.
When the snow hits the mountains, travelers come from all over the country to tackle the powder. Breckenridge becomes a winter wonderland that should be on any snowboard or ski enthusiast's bucket list.
Holbrook, Arizona Is In Navajo Country
Anyone traveling Route 66 will want to stop and take in the sights of Holbrook, Arizona. Nestled deep with Navajo Country, Holbrook is home to Petrified Forest National Park. The city also happens to be where a giant meteor crashed in 1912.
Staying in Holbrook for a night or two also offers a unique experience. Instead of staying at a hotel or inn, we recommend staying at the Wigwam Motel. Each room offers multiple beds, making it perfect for family trips!
Bethel, Maine Is A Bed And Breakfast Haven
If a top-notch bed and breakfast is what you're after, look no further than Bethel, Maine. The small village is located 679 feet above sea level, just five miles away from the Sunday River ski resort.
Bethel is an ideal four-season getaway, but as you can see from the picture, its light really shines during the winter. Anyone looking for a place to stay should consider checking the availability at the historic Bethel Inn Resort before booking elsewhere.
Jacksonville, Oregon Hit It Big During The Gold Rush
Jacksonville, Florida may get all the attention, but it's time to give Jacksonville, Oregon the respect it deserves. The small mountain escape is located 1,569 feet above sea level and surrounds Jackson Creek.
The city first found success as a mining town during the Oregon Gold Rush and has been listed as a National Historic Landmark, the first city in history to be given the designation. This one should be on the bucket list of every history buff to visit.
Presidio, Texas Has Been A City Since 1683
Resting alongside the Rio Grande, just across the border of Mexico, is the town of Presidio, Texas. It sits 2,582 feet above sea level and is home to just over 3,000 residents,
Presidio has been a city since 1683 and is home to several sights to see. One of the most popular stops is in the Big Bend Ranch State Park, which contains two of Texas' biggest waterfalls. Presidio is also home to the Chinati Mountains.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina Is Named For The Views That Will "Blow You Away"
Named for the view guests and residents get from the Blowing Rock peaks, Blowing Rock, North Carolina is a spectacle to behold. Some say the incredible views will even "blow you away" with their majestic beauty.
The city overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains and Grandfather Mountain (where the Blowing Rock rests), providing lush hiking trails that have been rated as some of the best in the state. There are also a variety of gardens to explore for plant lovers.
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Named after the elite athlete and its native son, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, sits 730 feet above sea level. It is home to some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls and provides great rafting for anyone looking to get out onto the water during the hot summer months.
Looking for a place to stay in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania? Consider staying at the Harry Packer Inn. Located in the heart of town, the Victorian structure is the perfect place to settle in for your mountain escape.
Girdwood, Alaska Was Once Called "Glacier City"
Formerly known as "Glacier City," Girdwood, Alaska has a population of 1,894 residents and is located less than an hour from Anchorage. It is also the only resort in the state that operates year-round.
The hot spot for guests to stay in Girdwood is the Alyeska Resort. Mountain adjacent, it's perfect for snow sports enthusiasts and provides a gondola ride for guests looking for the fastest way to get to the top of the mountain.
Hood River, Oregon Is Perfect For A Drink By The River
Although Hood River, Oregon, only rests 160 feet above sea level, it is still an important mountain getaway. A port for the Cascade Range nestled along the Columbia River, Hood River provides biking trails and hiking galore.
The city also offers a great rafting experience, that can be followed by a trip to one of the state's many wineries. There's nothing quite like wrapping up a rafting session with a cold glass of chilled white.
Chester, Vermont Is One Of The Country's Best Antique Towns
With a population of 3,008 it would be easy to guess there's not much to do or see in Chester, Vermont. That assumption couldn't be further from the truth. The city has several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Perhaps most intriguing to visitors is that Chester is considered to be one of the best antique towns in New England. Its location, adjacent to the mountains, makes it a great stopover before a day on the slopes, too!
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania Is A Modern Marvel
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania has one of the larger residential populations we've featured on this list, with 5,796 residents. These locals keep the town modern and vibrant, a fact highlighted by the downtown area.
Once you set foot downtown you might never leave. You definitely won't run out of things to do! The hip spots include art galleries, concert venues, wineries, and restaurants. Just make sure to pull yourself away for a few hours to explore the surrounding nature areas!
