13 United States Mountain Towns You’ve Probably Never Heard Of But Should Visit
The mountains are an outstanding source of hidden gems in the United States. From tranquil alpine lakes to charming historic downtowns, these lesser-known mountain towns are just what you are looking for in an escape dedicated to adventure, nature, and peaceful retreat.
Mountain towns in the United States are both picturesque and full of persona; if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and discover some new places, these 13 mountain towns should be on your radar.
Red Lodge, Montana
Red Lodge is the mountain town nestled at the base of Beartooth Pass and a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Its lively downtown is full of shops and eateries, and there’s hiking and skiing to do outdoors. One of the most scenic drives in the country is the nearby Beartooth Highway. There’s an old Western feel to any visit to Red Lodge.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs is a hidden gem in southwestern Colorado home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot springs. It‘s an ideal spot for soaking in the healing waters and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, the number one relaxing spot. There’s no lack of outdoor adventures with easy access to the San Juan National Forest. At times it opens up for skiing at the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Bryson City, North Carolina
Far from the tourist-packed towns, Bryson City is the perfect quiet retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains. Located near hiking trails, waterfalls, and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, It’s a nature’s paradise. There’s a taste of local culture within the town’s historic downtown, which includes charming shops and restaurants. This Appalachian hideaway has a peaceful Tuckasegee River running through it.
McCall, Idaho
McCall is a lesser-known gem of adventure waiting along the shores of Payette Lake. Boating and hiking are great in the summer and in the winter the area is turned into a snow lover’s dream; snowshoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. A beloved annual Winter Carnival brings together locals and visitors each winter for frosty fun. Lots of people come here to vacation and it’s every town hipster dream matched with an equally beautiful natural perfection.
Ouray, Colorado
The ’Switzerland of America’, Ouray has dramatic mountain peaks with natural hot springs circling the area. There are incredible hiking, climbing and off-road adventures in this Victorian-era mining town. But visitors love to take in the area’s beauty at Cascade Falls and Box Canyon Falls for example. The rugged surrounds of Ouray could not be farther from its historic main street, which instead is lined with cozy restaurants and shops.
Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, tucked in the Silver Valley of northern Idaho, is a historic mining town that’s a living museum of stories past. Much of its downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, revealing its silver mining heritage. Local museums can be visited, or a bike can be taken along the Route of the Hiawatha trail. Wallace is also known for its quirky festivals and friendly locals.
Damascus, Virginia
Damascus is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and is the ‘Friendliest Town on the Trail.’ It is a thru hikers’ key stop on the Appalachian Trail and also supports the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail for cyclists. There are plenty of outdoor activities at nearby streams to trout fish, or peaceful hikes in the surrounding wilderness. Damascus is a place that every person who has ever visited refers to as a ‘must visit’ destination.
Cloudcroft, New Mexico
Cloudcroft is a cool mountain escape from the desert heat of New Mexico. Towering at 8,600 feet above sea level, it boasts a selection of outdoor activities. You can visit Lincoln National Forest to hike and camp as well as watch the wildlife. The Cloudcroft Ski Area is a family-friendly snow sports destination in winter. This hidden mountain town has a creative touch with its historic downtown, and art galleries.
Stanley, Idaho
Stanley, with its population of less than 100 people, really is a true backcountry getaway for Idaho. The town sits at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, a refuge for the man wanting to live in the world in the way nature intended. Those into outdoor elements can raft the Salmon River, hike in the Sawtooth Wilderness and visit the close by hot springs. It is a real hidden treasure because the landscape here underneath Stanley is untouched.
Trinidad, Colorado
Trinidad is a town sitting at the base of Raton Pass with amazing views and rich cultural history. With its historic downtown featuring, Victorian architecture and art galleries, it was once a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail. There are great places for outdoor lovers to explore around Spanish Peaks or drive through on the Highway of Legends. Trinidad’s mix of history, art, and outdoor adventure makes it something different.
Ellicottville, New York
Ellicottville is located where Hudson Valley Mountain Life meets the Allegheny foothills and is a welcomed break from the crowded ski resorts in the Northeast. Holiday Valley, a popular ski area with year-round outdoor activities is the town’s best-known claim to fame. Its downtown features some fantastic cozy cafes, craft breweries, and boutique shops. Ellicottville’s laid-back pace is the perfect place to get exerted or merely lounge around.
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
Northern New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains contain a little-known hidden gem, Taos Ski Valley. The town is famous for its world-class skiing, but there are also hiking, mountain biking, and a ton of art galleries. The town’s Native American and Hispanic culture is evident in its cuisine and architecture, and visitors can experience that. The high-altitude village is an outdoor and cultural experience.
Boone, North Carolina
Boone a college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a place with a laid-back, small town feel. It’s surrounded by stunning scenery, and is a gateway to some of North Carolina’s best hiking and biking trails. Grandfather Mountain or the Blue Ridge Parkway can be visited or the views enjoyed by visitors. Boone has a lot of outdoor adventure and a vibrant arts scene to explore — a combination that’s worth discovering.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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