Home to 73,301 named mountains, the US has an abundance of charming towns that make the most of its incredible mountain landscape. From luxury winter resorts in Colorado to laid-back retreats in Tennessee, America's mountain towns have a little something for everyone no matter the season. Read on to discover the most beautiful across America.
Famous for hosting the Sundance Film Festival, the historic Park City lies within a rugged mountain range in northern Utah. Formerly a 19th-century mining town, its main street is lined with listed buildings built during the silver mining boom while more than 1,200 miles (1,931km) of mining tunnels wind through the landscape, a reminder of its prosperous past. Since then, Park City and the surrounding mountains have been transformed into a vibrant ski resort and with 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, it is the largest ski resort in the US.
Nestled along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is a sparkling jewel on the banks of the Tennessee River. The city is brimming with stunning sights, historic attractions and natural beauty. One of the best-known attractions is Lookout Mountain home to Ruby Falls, which is the deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the US. The Incline Railway is another highlight, known as one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, the historic train climbs for one mile (1.6km) up Lookout Mountain, through some of the region's most jaw-dropping scenery.
With its galleries, world-class restaurants, bars and music venues, Asheville is brimming with excitement and activity. At its heart is its colourful downtown which has a relaxed bohemian vibe, with more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the US bar Portland, Maine, earning Asheville the nickname Beer City. Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains and with more than 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Asheville is the ultimate playground for outdoor adventures. Hiking, climbing, mountain biking or rafting are just a few of the thrilling ways to explore its stunning scenery.
This pretty mountain town serves as a gateway to the Grand Teton National Park, which is beautiful in its own right. Wild and remote, Jackson is surrounded by rivers, lofty peaks and lush greenery which has remained relatively intact. The unspoilt landscape is home to an abundance of wildlife too including bison, moose and grizzly bears, making it a great place for wildlife watching. Sitting in the Jackson Hole Valley, the town is also home to three ski areas including the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort which is often ranked as one of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations in the country.
Lying north of Lake Tahoe in California, Truckee may be small but certainly packs a punch with its natural wonders, outdoor activities and vibrant community. Once a thriving logging town, its Old-West-style downtown serves as a striking symbol of times gone by. Museums, art galleries and independent shops are aplenty here, with local history at the forefront. Although a popular vacation spot during winter, Truckee is wonderful year-round, with sights like Donner Lake, a bold blue freshwater lake fringed by pine forest and West End Beach, a pretty park along the lake with a sandy beach, sports courts and boat rentals.
Set against the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Tao’s ancient orange-hued buildings serve as a striking symbol of the town’s Native American past. Within the town, the multistorey adobe buildings of Taos Pueblo have been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. Taos Pueblo is the only Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. The town's beauty has inspired artists and photographers including the likes of Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Beyond the architecture, Taos is dominated by the rugged Wheeler Peak, which stretches 13,161 feet (4,011m) high over the town.
Just 70 miles (113km) from Denver and within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park is a picture-perfect example of a charming mountain town. Known as Colorado’s Original Playground, Estes Park is the perfect base camp for exploring the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, featuring lofty peaks, lakes, gorges and waterfalls. The town itself is teeming with natural beauty too, Lake Estes, a nearby reservoir where wildlife such as elk and deer roam freely, is perfect for boating, fishing and kayaking, while its sandy shores provide a tranquil spot for picnics.
The Deschutes River runs through the heart of Bend, which lies on the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountain range near three volcanic peaks. Self-proclaimed the “Outdoor Playground of the West” and with 300 days of sunshine a year, Bend is a delight no matter what the season, offering world-class recreation such as climbing, caving, mountain biking and more. Floating, tubing or kayaking on the Deschutes River is the best way to take in the scenery, offering a peaceful journey through the middle of the town.
Nicknamed 'the Switzerland of America', Ouray soars nearly 8,000 feet (2,438m) high among the snowy San Juan Mountains. Established in the 1870s during the gold and silver strikes, the town survived the boom and bust due to its popularity as a place to relax and unwind. Leisure is the backbone of this town, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool is fed by natural springs nearby and draws both locals and vocals to enjoy its therapeutic waters. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, the town is a scenic spot for watching the leaves change colour in autumn, while the nearby peaks and network of old mining routes make it popular for off-road driving.
Sitting at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe is best known for being a popular skiing resort, but there’s more to this town than snow. The historic alpine village is a four-season destination, offering a range of activities and events year-round. In winter, there’s the Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival where rides offer incredible views across the mountains and beyond while in summer, visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor concerts at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge.
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Occupying a scenic spot along the banks of the Yellowstone River, Livingston has drawn cowboys, artists and the rich and famous with its spectacular scenery for more than 100 years. Known as the original gateway to the Yellowstone National Park, the quaint town is home to an eclectic mix of shops, museums, theatres, golf courses and galleries, with some of its buildings dating back to the 19th century. Backed by four mountain ranges, Livingston is certainly not short on natural wonders and picturesque sights laced with trails.
In the middle of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth looks more like a scene in a Christmas film set in Germany than a pretty town in Washington. The picturesque alpine village offers a taste of Bavaria with its adorable speciality shops, restaurants, spas and quaint accommodation. Surrounded by clear blue lakes, gushing rivers and rugged mountains, Leavenworth provides an idyllic retreat for discovering the beauty of central Washington.
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs has been a popular resort town and vacation spot since the 1880s. Its winding mountainside streets are lined with Victorian buildings hugging cliffsides, with an array of independent shops, boutiques, art galleries, museums, restaurants and more, giving it a unique yet charming feel. With its forests, mountains, lakes and rivers, the characterful town is surrounded by some of the region’s best scenery and sights.
Originally founded as Mauch Chunk, this small town was renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954 in honour of Olympic medal winner, James Francis Thorpe. Often named one of the most beautiful small towns in America, its elegant Victorian mansions were once the home of the late 19th-century industrialist millionaires and have since been transformed into shops, restaurants, museums and B&Bs. Beyond Jim Thorpe's historic streets, the Pocono Mountains are on its doorstep, home to a plethora of trails, rivers and scenic viewing spots.
With its cobblestone streets and rustic air, it's easy to see why Helen enchants travellers from all over the world. Another Bavarian-style town with endless charm, Helen sits within the Southern Appalachian Mountains in northeast Georgia. Over 200 specialist and import shops are dotted across the pretty streets, offering everything from candle making and quilts to pottery and peanuts. Thanks to its mild climate, Helen is great to explore year-round, highlights include its Oktoberfest celebrations and the Yonah Mountain Vineyards, a 200-acre family-run winery that hosts wine tours and tastings.
Lying within southwest Colorado’s Four Corners region, Durango is the quintessential old Western town. Traces of its cowboy past can be seen dotted across its Main Avenue, lined with relics and fixtures from the early 19th century which has since become a designated Historic District. One of the best attractions is the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Once used to transport ore from Silverton, it is now used to take visitors through the soaring San Juan Mountains, along the Animas River, and past waterfalls as it trails through the incredible mountain landscape.
Roughly 15 miles (24km) from Asheville, Black Mountain gets its name from the magnificent mountain range that towers over it. During the mid-20th century, the town thrived as a haven for pioneers in art, music, poetry and architecture. Black Mountain’s artistic tradition has since lived on, with several galleries dotted across town, showcasing some of the region's best southern Appalachian arts and crafts alongside restaurants, independent shops, music halls and breweries.
Perched between mountains overlooking the picturesque Dillion Reservoir, Frisco offers a laid-back vibe just 90 minutes from Denver. Known as the doorstep to the Rockies, the quaint town is a wonderful mix of natural beauty and country charm. Uniquely situated within half an hour of six world-class ski resorts including Copper Mountain, the town provides a perfect base for thrill-seekers wanting to tackle the slopes during winter. In the warmer months, the Frisco Bay Marina offers all the components for a tranquil lakeside retreat, from pontoon boats and paddleboards to fishing and sailing.
Nicknamed the “Apple Capital of Georgia”, Ellijay can be found at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. Quintessentially charming, the city draws visitors with its hiking trails, lakes, apple farms and the tranquil Cartecay River which winds through it from the Chattahoochee National Forest. The heritage apple orchards are the main attraction, and as the greenery foliage transforms into pretty fall colours come October, Ellijay hosts the annual Georgia Apple Festival, where hundreds of vendors offer food, arts, crafts and more. The festival has plenty of entertainment too, including an antique car show, parade and a 5K road race.
In the heart of the White River National Forest and bordered by the peaks of the Elk Mountains, Aspen is one of the best-known ski destinations in the US – and the world. Four mountains make up the legendary Aspen Snowmass, renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, plus its restaurants and bars as well, offering some of the best Après ski scenes in the country. The town itself is equally as impressive, with a variety of shops, restaurants, luxury hotels and museums against a beautiful mountain backdrop, offering a dreamy retreat all year long.
With its rolling snow-covered hills, towering peaks and clean air, Lake Placid has all the qualities of a classic mountain town and more. A small town with a big city feel, Lake Placid lies on the shores of Mirror Lake within New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, a museum in town is home to objects from both events and explores the town's winter sports history. The shimmering lake is a year-round attraction while the nearby peaks provide the perfect slopes for skiing and mountain biking.
Discover more of America's most charming small lakeside towns and cities
Sitting at the confluence between the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harpers Ferry has a fascinating history. It was the site of the Harpers Ferry raid in 1859, where abolitionist John Brown and several of his followers barricaded themselves in a fort, to help initiate a slave revolt in the Southern states. The group were eventually captured and Brown and several of his men were hanged for treason. Now part of the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, the fort has become a popular tourist attraction, alongside the John Brown Museum which explores the life of the abolitionist through films, interactive exhibits and displays.
Gatlinburg has a few thousand residents but attracts millions of visitors each year with its proximity to the Smoky Mountains National Park and its small-town charm. The area is regarded as a gateway to the famous park and features incredible views of the mountain scenery. There are plenty of attractions here too, highlights include the 407-foot-high (124m) Space Needle with vistas across the landscape and Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies, home to thousands of sea creatures including sea turtles and sharks in 10 themed viewing galleries.
This adorable mountain town is known for its shopping, beautiful scenery and family-friendly attractions. Lying in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is filled with fun activities, from thrilling attractions like the Dollywood theme park to live music and dancing at the Country Tonite Theatre, this town has something for everyone to enjoy. For those seeking a peaceful escape, the Great Smoky Mountains Park is just a 30-minute drive away, packed with scenic routes, peaceful hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.
Where land, mountains and water meet, Cordova is a thriving fishing community on the east coast of Prince William. Sandwiched between Hawkins Island and Lake Eyak, the small coastal town lies in the shadow of Mount Eccles. Home to nearly 3,000 residents, Cordova's small community are rewarded with a beautiful unspoiled setting featuring glaciers, lofty peaks, forests and meadows. With plenty of water nearby, Cordova is a prime spot for kayaking, swimming and fishing, with the likes of halibut and silver salmon swimming in its pretty waters.
Often overlooked in favour of southern California’s famous beaches, Big Bear Lake is beautiful in its own right. Right on the doorstep of the San Bernardino National Forest and near its namesake lake, it has easy access to water, forests and mountains, making it a nature-lover’s dream. A hub for outdoor activities, skiing, kayaking and fishing are just a few of the ways to enjoy the town’s incredible landscape. Big Bear Lake Village is another draw, the charming district is home to adorable gift shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants and is where the city's holiday events take place.
With its jagged peaks, towering pine trees, pretty ski slopes and charming ski lodges, it’s easy to see why Crested Butte is often referred to as “the last great Colorado ski town”. Crested Butte pays homage to a bygone era of small-town mountain life everywhere you look. The colourful, well-preserved mining-era homes, saloons and shops have been transformed into locally owned boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafés. From cross-country skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and horseback riding, the tiny town has activities for every season. No visit here in spring or summer is complete without checking out the beautiful wildflowers which carpet the greenery in a rainbow of colours.
Surrounded by Arizona’s iconic red-rock buttes, canyons and natural arches, Sedona feels like another world. Known as a spiritual mecca, the desert town is thought to sit among numerous energy vortexes which are areas where healing and spirituality are enhanced. Visitors flock from all over the world to experience the town’s healing properties through physic readings, meditation, spas and yoga. Alongside being a wellness retreat, Sedona’s striking desert scenery makes it an incredible hiking spot, while the small town is home to over 80 galleries showcasing everything from fine art paintings to contemporary jewellery.
The oldest town of the Black Hills, Custer is close to some of South Dakota’s biggest attractions. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer Park and the Wind Cave National Park are all nearby, making it the perfect base for an outdoor adventure. Custer’s historic downtown is home to an array of unique shops, galleries and restaurants serving up locally made cuisine.
Tucked away in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains among forest-clad peaks, Telluride is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Colorado. Founded as a mining town in the late 1800s, the Victorian-era town is a lovely mix of historic architecture, world-class hotels, boutiques and restaurants that make it a real gem of the Rockies. With more than 2,000 acres of beautiful terrain, skiing here is world-class, while the gourmet dishes from the mountain restaurants offer skiers a top-notch culinary experience after enjoying the slopes.
Now explore 50 of North America's most beautiful attractions