America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains

Here, we present the best small mountain towns with populations of about 10,000 or fewer that are filled with charm and scenic adventures you'll love.

50 Best Small Mountain Towns in the U.S.

Small towns and wide-open landscapes are the places to be in 2020. Some small towns are lucky enough to be tucked into the mountains where people can explore on foot, bike and skis — all with hardly another person in sight. (Or at least at a 6-feet distance!)

Here, we present the best small mountain towns with populations of about 10,000 or fewer that are filled with charm and scenic adventures you'll love.

Mountain cabins are easy to find if you want to maintain a distance, but there are also some luxurious properties promising to keep you safe as you make your getaway into the hills of the U.S. We list some favorites for you to enjoy, too.

Ellijay, Georgia

Elevation: 1,280 feet

Population: 1,711

In the North Georgia Mountains, this "Apple Capital of Georgia" is found at the southernmost end of the Appalachian Trail. While its apples draw visitors every fall, especially during the annual festival it hosts in October, this small town of roughly 2,000 people is filled with antique shops and restaurants to enjoy after spending time hiking and biking in the area's natural beauty.

Visit Ellijay.

Where to Stay

Enjoy Southern charm with a stay at the Ellijay River House Bed and Breakfast. This craftsman home built in 1915 is a riverfront, adults-only B&B within walking distance of Downtown Ellijay's shops and dining. And just look at that porch! All you need is some sweet tea and a good book.

Book here.

Taos, New Mexico

Elevation: 6,969 feet

Population: 5,971

A visit to this New Mexico mountain town will have you meeting and mingling with artisans and craftsmen in an array of galleries and shops. The adobe pueblo-style architecture lends a unique backdrop to your vacation photos, and in the winter months, Taos becomes a quiet ski destination with its mountain blanketed in snow.

Visit Taos.

Where to Stay

Located right in the heart of town is the 45-room Historic Taos Inn, nicknamed the "Living Room of Taos." Each guest room has its own unique style, and live entertainment is provided nightly, with its restaurant and bar serving up New Mexican fare.

Book here.

Ketchum, Idaho

Elevation: 5,853 feet

Population: 2,827

Downtown Ketchum runs itself to where the mountains soar and beckons visitors and residents alike to take to the hills. When it's warm, hiking and biking trails are plentiful. When the snow arrives, the mountains become world-class ski slopes in Sun Valley. And everyone comes down from the mountains no matter what the season to enjoy downtown's entertainment, dining and shopping.

Visit Ketchum.

Where to Stay

The Limelight Hotel has become one of Sun Valley's most popular hotels, aiming to bring its guests into the surrounding outdoors with bicycle rentals and adventures. When you're at the hotel, you can stay outdoors and enjoy the views from the outdoor pool, hot tubs and the plaza's giant lounge chairs (and perhaps partake in a drink or two since it's vacay!).

Book here.

Telluride, Colorado

Elevation: 8,750 feet

Population: 2,484

What was a mining town during the Victorian era has become today's charming town of Telluride. Colorado's Rocky Mountains are filled with many quaint mountain towns that welcome summer hikers and winter skiers, but somehow, strolling the streets of this San Juan Mountain spot makes you imagine life in the West more than 100 years ago. Plus, this town is home to great events like the Telluride Jazz Fest, Telluride Mountain Film Fest and Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Visit Telluride.

Where to Stay

If you're going to visit a ski town during the winter months, there isn't anything better than a ski-in, ski-out home away from home. Hotel Telluride offers you a basecamp for your adventures while lending the feel of a European chalet. Its location is also near the historic town's shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Book here.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Elevation: 1,260 feet

Population: 2,091

Enjoy the Ozark Mountains with more Victorian stylings in Eureka Springs. It, too, has a preserved downtown with shops, galleries and restaurants housed within the town's original structures. However, what makes it unique are its bath houses that give you a chance to seep into the area's natural hot springs.

Visit Eureka Springs.

Where to Stay

If you're going to visit a Victorian town, why not stay at a hotel that began in 1886? Crescent Hotel and Spa is a member of Historic Hotels & Spas of America and has served as the leading hotel for the town since its opening. The hotel offers 15 acres of walking trails and gardens and provides events and activities to ensure guests are fully enjoying Eureka Springs.

Book here.

Big Bear Lake, California

Elevation: 6,752 feet

Population: 5,281

Southern California mostly gets touted for its beaches, but this small town surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest provides another reprieve complete with cool lake waters. In the winter, the town becomes a ski resort with Snow Summit serving as SoCal's four-season getaway.

Visit Big Bear Lake.

Where to Stay

Fully enjoy your stay in the San Bernardino Mountains at the Club at Big Bear Village. Here you'll find two- to four-bedroom cabin-style suites outfitted with living and dining areas with fireplaces, full kitchens and room for the entire family. Nearby, enjoy the lake with water skiing, wakeboarding and boat rentals, or hike and bike in the hills.

Book here.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Elevation: 1,289 feet

Population: 4,144

Nestled at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains and the national park of the same name, Gatlinburg is your entryway into the 520,000-acre park and its miles of trails. As the most-visited national park in America, Gatlinburg is ready and able to accommodate all who come with entertainment, restaurants, shops and accommodations that don't involve sleeping in a tent.

Visit Gatlinburg.

Where to Stay

Do the Smokies right by staying in a rustic cabin such as that found at the Lodge at Buckberry Creek. But this isn't roughing it in the least. This luxurious resort is returning to its Gilded Age beginnings and expanding with one- to three-bedroom suites, a swimming pool and an onsite restaurant.

Book here.

Lake Placid, New York

Elevation: 1,801 feet

Population: 2,509

The town that rests upon the lake of the same name, as well as Mirror Lake, provides a crisp-air getaway in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. Stroll along its tourist-friendly sidewalks in the heart of town for shopping and dining, and make your way to the museum that celebrates Lake Placid's history as host of two Winter Olympics. In the winter, its Whiteface Mountain becomes central to the fun.

Visit Lake Placid.

Where to Stay

Don't visit a mountain lake town without staying on a lake. Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa provides a private beach and access to the lake so you can do just that. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Mirror Lake Inn has won awards for its service and accommodations, and you won't be disappointed in this pampering place.

Book here.

Leavenworth, Washington

Elevation: 1,171 feet

Population: 2,010

Find a bit of Bavaria in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State when you visit Leavenworth. Its alpine stylings make for a fairytale setting, and it's home to a Nutcracker Museum with thousands of nutcrackers. Of course, this bodes well for a winter getaway with nearby skiing, but visit during the fall for Oktoberfests with German beer or in the summer when Washington's vineyard wineries are producing crisp white wines.

Visit Leavenworth.

Where to Stay

Keep the German spirit going with a stay at Leavenworth's Bavarian Lodge. Located within the Bavarian Village, you'll be able to walk out the door to get to the town's shops, restaurants, and hiking and biking trails. Inside are rustic stylings befitting its mountain location.

Book here.

Bryson City, North Carolina

Elevation: 1,752 feet

Population: 1,450

Another gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains can be found in North Carolina. The residents of Bryson City know they are lucky to have the mountains surrounding them along with the Tuckasegee River for fishing, kayaking and rafting. This Appalachian town offers trails to scenic overlooks, refreshing waterfalls and lakes that make this an outdoor paradise.

Visit Bryson City.

Where to Stay

You can enjoy the heart of town with a stay at the Everett Hotel, a landmark of Bryson City's historic district. Formerly a bank at the turn of the 20th century, the hotel reclaimed it to transform into a lovely boutique property with a rooftop patio for taking in the mountain views.

Book here.

Park City, Utah

Elevation: 7,000 feet

Population: 7,822

Famous for being a high-end skiing destination, Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics within its Wasatch Range. You may spot celebs strolling its Main Street, a modern luxury shop-filled street that still retains its architecture from the Victorian mining days. Festivals and top chef dining round out a visit to this intimate mountain town.

Visit Park City.

Where to Stay

Deer Valley Resort is the top of the line for Park City fun, so stay at the Chateaux Deer Valley for four-star accommodations. For 20 years, the stone- and wood cabin-inspired resort has provided suites with one- to four-bedrooms with fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, separate living and sleeping quarters, and full kitchens. Outside of your suite, the resort makes it easy to enjoy the mountains with hiking and biking trails nearby.

Book here.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Elevation: 489 feet

Population: 281

Where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet within the Appalachian Mountains you can find the historic town of Harpers Ferry. From the town's 19th-century architecture and its place in history highlighted at the National Historical Park, the town also boasts river rafting and hiking trails in its adventure offerings.

Visit Harpers Ferry.

Where to Stay

While many hotels in Harpers Valley are run-of-the-mill chains, Hillbrook Inn and Spa is a delightful five-building, home-styled bed and breakfast, situated on land that was originally owned by George Washington. Only 19 suites are available in this elegant B&B with a spa, onsite dining and pet-friendly accommodations.

Book here.

Manchester, Vermont

Elevation: 899 feet

Population: 4,258

Within the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont, you'll find Manchester. Easily accessible from Boston or New York, this is your quintessential New England town that is filled with colonial homes, white-picket fences and old-growth trees that turn vibrant colors throughout the fall.

Visit Manchester.

Where to Stay

What fun Kimpton hotels can be. Not only are they boutique properties, but they also offer unique perks like complimentary bicycle rentals, pet goldfish for your room, and free happy hour mingling opportunities to meet other hotel guests. At the Taconic Hotel in Manchester, you will also find a lovely front porch to sit and enjoy the surroundings like a true New Englander.

Book here.

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

Elevation: 730 feet

Population: 4,659

The Pocono Mountains is home to a town named for the great Native American athlete Jim Thorpe (although he grew up in Oklahoma). Deep within the Lehigh Gorge this Victorian-era mining town serves as a hub to the area's hiking trails that lead to some of the state's most beautiful waterfalls. There are lots of shops and restaurants, not to mention outdoor adventure outfitters that will take you river rafting and exploring the hills.

Visit Jim Thorpe.

Where to Stay

Along with most of the town, the Harry Packer Mansion Inn boasts historic Victorian architecture from its location in the heart of town. If it looks familiar, it is because this home was the model for the haunted mansion at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland! To play up on the fun, the inn hosts Murder Mystery weekends and other events surrounding its supposed hauntings.

Book here.

Hood River, Oregon

Elevation: 160 feet

Population: 7,167

This small town in Oregon can be found along the state's rafting adventure river, the Columbia, which is why it has one of the lowest elevations on this list. However, its location as a port within the Cascade Range is at the base of Mount Hood, where hiking and mountain biking is plentiful. The mountain town also lies within Oregon's large wine region, and beyond the wineries and vineyards, you'll find craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants.

Visit Hood River.

Where to Stay

If you're looking for stunning views, look no further than the Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa, which overlooks the Columbia River. Situated on 7 acres, the four-star property provides guest rooms so comfortable that, during its original heyday, it welcomed the likes of Shirley Temple and President Calvin Coolidge.

Book here.

North Conway, New Hampshire

Elevation: 525 feet

Population: 2,349

Deep within the White Mountains and minutes from the Presidential Range, North Conway is the overnight place you'll retreat to when you aren't climbing Mount Washington, skiing Bretton Woods or rafting along the Saco River. This small mountain town features restaurants, art galleries and mountain decor shops.

Visit North Conway.

Where to Stay

One of the last of the grand resorts that were once the summer playgrounds of the wealthiest citizens of New York and Boston at the turn of the 20th century, the Omni-owned Mount Washington hotel is an old-school hideaway. A wraparound porch with rocking chairs looks upon the Presidential Range, and multiple restaurants, activities and a spa make the resort a place you may never want to leave.

Book here.

Whitefish, Montana

Elevation: 3,028 feet

Population: 7,870

Whitefish has everything: mountains, lakes, skiing, shopping and trails. The gateway to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is on the glacier-made Whitefish Lake, which allows for boats, kayaks and swimming with a sand beach. In the winter, Whitefish Mountain Resort is a ski haven. Out of the water and off the peak is the small town to enjoy a drink with newfound friends.

Visit Whitefish.

Where to Stay

Stay at a classic Montana lodge at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, which is both rustic and elegant at the same time. The lodge offers access to Whitefish Lake and the Viking Creek Wetland Preserve's 28 acres for water-bound activities. It's also just 10 minutes from Whitefish Mountain for skiing (it even provides a free shuttle).

Book here.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Elevation: 4,531 feet

Population: 1,306

Step right into the old Wild West with a visit to Deadwood. This is a place where Wild Bill and Calamity Jane walked the once-dirt streets in the late 1800s dodging horses and bullets. Today, the town offers throwback saloons, rodeos and horsing events, and casinos. The town is surrounded by the Black Hills for outdoor explorations.

Visit Deadwood.

Where to Stay

The Deadwood Mountain Grand is a hotel, entertainment complex and casino, housed in the Homestake Mine Slime Plant. Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows of the transformed factory provide modern and rustic rooms and suites. More than 40 different concerts and shows take place throughout the year at the property, which is home to the area's only casino.

Book here.

Warm Springs, Virginia

Elevation: 3,773 feet

Population: 2,945

As the town's name implies, Warm Springs is situated above natural hot springs in Bath County. You can soak in the springs in the bathhouses known as the Jefferson Pools, aptly named for Thomas Jefferson who would come here to soak in the rich mineral waters said to improve health. Surrounding the town is the George Washington National Forest of the Allegheny Mountains with a tiny town that may not offer too much to do but serves you well when you visit.

Visit Warm Springs.

Where to Stay

Since 1766, the Omni Homestead Resort has stood out as the grande dame of the Allegheny Mountains. When visitors came to take to the springs, they stayed at this 2,000-acre historic property. A destination resort, it features multiple restaurants, shops, and entertainment and activities, including kids' clubs and programming.

Book here.

Cordova, Alaska

Elevation: 82 feet

Population: 2,160

Found at the mouth of the Copper River and overlooking the Prince William Sound, Cordova stands at the lowest elevation of small towns on this list, but its mountain peaks nearby are part of the Chugach Mountains. As with any small town in Alaska, you'll enjoy a number of outdoor activities. However, not all of them feature glaciers to explore. Choose from the land or sea adventures (there's skiing nearby), and pop into Cordova's cultural center and museum.

Visit Cordova.

Where to Stay

Alaska's bohemian lifestyle carries into its hotels. Try a stay at the Reluctant Fisherman Inn, which overlooks the Orca Inlet. Rooms feature views of the harbor from balconies, as does the inn's restaurant. The marina filled with boats, the white-capped mountains in the distance, a seal popping up to say hello — this is true Alaska.

Book here.

Anaconda, Montana

Elevation: 5,276 feet

Population: 9,131

Named for the mountain range in which it sits is Anaconda, which is just 8 miles from the Continental Divide. It's the mountains and Deer Lodge National Forest that entertain its visitors, be it in the warm months or when snow-covered. You can boat and fish in Georgetown Lake, ski and board at Discovery Ski Area, and hike the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, with a charming small town awaiting when you are ready to come back from the outdoors.

Visit Anaconda.

Where to Stay

A destination resort, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort provides a place to relax under Montana's Big Sky with two giant Olympic-sized swimming pools and two mineral-soaking pools, all heated by the area's hot springs for you to enjoy their medicinal qualities.

Book here.

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

Elevation: 499 feet

Population: 601

Can you guess what Berkeley Springs is best known for? This is a spa town that has welcomed guests since Colonial times to enjoy its hot springs. Nicknamed "America's First Spa," Berkeley Springs is only 90 minutes from Greater Washington, D.C., and provides a host of full-service spas built around the hot springs as well as shops and dining that bring the city-folk to town.

Visit Berkeley Springs.

Where to Stay

There are more than 100 different places to stay in Berkeley Springs, including historic inns, bed and breakfasts, resorts and cabins. Try the Country Inn, which first opened to visitors in 1933 and offers 70 guest rooms and suites.

Book here.

Sonora, California

Elevation: 2,946 feet

Population: 4,870

A former mining town from California's Gold Rush days, Sonora can be found in the Sierra Nevada foothills. As the "Queen of the Southern Mines," its Main Street was once a rough and rowdy place but today is proudly one of California's first Main Street cities due to its restoration and preservation programs.

Visit Sonora.

Where to Stay

You can step back into Victorian days with a stay at the Inn on Knowles Hill Bed and Breakfast, which overlooks the town from its hilly perch. The property, once the mansion of a gold mine investor, is surrounded by gardens and will have you feeling as if you are sitting in 1927 Sonora.

Book here.

Littleton, New Hampshire

Elevation: 820 feet

Population: 5,928

A picturesque town located along the Connecticut River on the edge of the White Mountains, Littleton, New Hampshire, is very near the Vermont border. Downtown is a thriving area filled with local restaurants and shops and features a covered bridge for capturing some Insta shots. Nearby Parker Mountain offers 22 miles of all-season trails.

Visit Littleton.

Where to Stay

If you're going to visit a quaint town, you have to stay in a quaint hotel. Thayers Inn dates back to the 1850s when it was Thayer's White Mountain Hotel. The Greek revival stylings on Main Street made it stand out and became a presidential retreat for the likes of Ulysses S. Grant, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for the average tourist — as well as the spirit or two they say haunts the building.

Book here.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Elevation: 1,096 feet

Population: 5,253

Part of the Greater Greenville area of South Carolina, Travelers Rest was and still is exactly as its name implies. Serving as a rest stop for travelers between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina Low Country, this stopping point certainly offers rest and reprieve. From a 22-mile bikeway to nearby rafting and hiking, the town is filled with places to kick back and enjoy some Southern charm.

Visit Travelers Rest.

Where to Stay

Take in the amazing views from the 30-acre Hotel Domestique, which operates with just 13 rooms. You'll be enveloped in a European-style property and served high-end, locally sourced meals at the boutique hotel's Restaurant 17.

Book here.

Jacksonville, Oregon

Elevation: 1,569 feet

Population: 2,904

This small town surrounding Jackson Creek was originally a mining town that started the Oregon Gold Rush. The town itself is a National Historic Landmark (the first in American with such an honor), and visitors can explore the great outdoors in the Rogue Valley. The town is found in Oregon's Wine Country, and you'll have plenty of wineries in which to visit during your stay.

Visit Jacksonville.

Where to Stay

Jacksonville is such a small town that your accommodation options are limited to intimate inns and B&Bs. Try a stay at Jacksonville Inn, housed in an original mining-town building with eight rooms. Down the street are four cottages owned by the inn for a bit more privacy.

Book here.

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Elevation: 3,566 feet

Population: 1,307

The views from the Blowing Rock peaks for which this small town is named will blow you away. Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Johns River Gorge, Grandfather Mountain (where Blowing Rock rests) is one of the most beloved hiking areas in the state. The town itself has its own trails, waterfalls and gardens to explore.

Visit here.

Where to Stay

You can stay on the 78-acre Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, just steps from the village town. Here, select from one- to four-bedroom condos, and then enjoy a little recreation, including kayaking, fishing and tennis.

Book here.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Elevation: 9,600 feet

Population: 5,020

Found at the base of Tenmile Ridge in the Rocky Mountains, this former Gold Rush town has been preserved by the National Historic District that keeps its Main Street buildings fresh in color. When you're not shopping and dining, you'll be in the mountains, especially when Breck gets covered in powder come wintertime.

Visit Breckenridge.

Where to Stay

Breckenridge provides a number of basecamp accommodations, most of which are condominium-style. Choose one to four bedrooms with full kitchens, living rooms and ski-in/ski-out capabilities at Crystal Peak Lodge.

Book here.

North Bend, Washington

Elevation: 440 feet

Population: 7,163

Outside of Seattle is a town made famous by the '90s television show "Twin Peaks." North Bend's main peak, Mount Si, beckons hikers, and the area's lakes and rivers are great for rafting and fishing. Nearby is Snoqualmie Falls, which cascades 268 feet. Snoqualmie Mountain is also a ski resort during the winter months. But if "Twin Peaks" is your thing, you can also attend the annual fan festival and visit the sites that served as locations for the show.

Visit North Bend.

Where to Stay

You can stay at the Salish Lodge, built in 1916 to overlook Snoqualmie Falls. Here, 86 rooms with fireplaces and (most with) views of the falls provide a romantic setting for a Pacific Northwest getaway. You can head into North Bend for dining or enjoy one of two restaurants on site. Hiking trails can be accessed right from the front door.

Book here.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Elevation: 1,450

Population: 6,884

Another gold mining town can be found in the North Georgia mountains in Dahlonega, where gold was discovered in 1828 before the big rush to the West. There is still gold in these hills, but the real treasure is the waterfalls surrounding this Appalachian town, including Amicalola Falls, the tallest cascade east of the Mississippi. Within the town are tasting rooms of North Georgia wineries, restaurants, shops and entertainment encircling a town square — all utterly charming.

Visit Dahlonega.

Where to Stay

Since 1899, the Smith House has provided a family-friendly mountain hotel within steps of Dahlonega's town square. Offering 16 rooms and four villas to guests, the property sits above an old mine shaft, which the owners discovered while doing renovations. Guests can view the shaft and contents on display and then enjoy communal-style dining in the hotel's restaurant.

Book here.

Bethel, Maine

Elevation: 679 feet

Population: 2,607

Just 5 miles from Sunday River ski resort you will find the village of Bethel. Filled with B&Bs, the village is welcoming whether you're on skis or off, making it ideal for a four-season getaway with the White Mountain National Forest serving as a backdrop. The Androscoggin River is great for kayaking and canoeing, and if you want to catch some serious views, hike in Grafton Notch State Park.

Visit Bethel.

Where to Stay

Don't pass up a chance to stay at the iconic Bethel Inn Resort, consistently ranked one of the best resorts in New England. The resort has been serving guests since 1913, and its renovated guest rooms are joined by additional townhomes to provide a home away from home across its 200 acres.

Book here.

Lake George, New York

Elevation: 360 feet

Population: 3,413

Your jumping-off town to the Adirondack Mountains, Lake George awaits on the lake with the same name. Here, the British-built Fort William Henry stands as a museum showcasing the area's pre-Revolutionary history. There are many restaurants, hotels and things to do along the lake, but leave it all behind and get into the mountains to take in the views of upstate New York. (Oh, and, yes, there is a Six Flags amusement park here as well!)

Visit Lake George.

Where to Stay

Since 1883, the Sagamore has served as the grand dame of Lake George, sitting pretty on its own private island in the lake. Guest rooms, lodges and two-bedroom condos are available at this resort that features an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa.

Book here.

Girdwood, Alaska

Elevation: 150 feet

Population: 2,065

Considered a resort town less than an hour from Anchorage, Girdwood rests in the Chugach Mountain Range and was once called Glacier City. The "only year-round resort" in Alaska features skiing at Alyeska Resort, dog mushing, biking, hiking, river rafting, fishing and scenic flights to take in the view of Turnagain Arm.

Visit Girdwood.

Where to Stay

Alyeska Resort may be the best place to stay when skiing, but its mountainside location also makes it perfect for year-round activities with a tram and gondola giving guests an easy ride to the mountaintop. The resort features a saltwater pool, spa, dining and all the modern conveniences of any resort on this list.

Book here.

Midway, Utah

Elevation: 5,584 feet

Population: 5,257

Nestled into the Wasatch Mountains south of Salt Lake City is the Heber Valley's Midway. Called Utah's "Swiss Alps," this area was settled by Swiss immigrants who designed homes in alpine style and created world-class Nordic skiing.

Visit Heber Valley.

Where to Stay

Enjoy Midway's premier hotel, the Homestead. During the summer, you'll find 18-hole golf, horseback riding, swimming pools, fly fishing and chuckwagon dinners. During the winter, ski at Soldier Hollow, and snowmobile in the valley.

Book here.

Presidio, Texas

Elevation: 2,582 feet

Population: 3,991

Just across the border from Mexico along the Rio Grande is Presidio, which means "fortress" in Spanish. A city since 1683 (but inhabited since 1500 B.C.), Presidio is home to the Chinati Mountains and Big Bend Ranch State Park, where you'll find two of Texas' tallest waterfalls.

Visit Presidio.

Where to Stay

There are not a lot of options in this remote West Texas town, but Riata Inn provides comfortable accommodations just minutes from the hiking trails of Big Bend. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants, and when you want to cool off, you can enjoy its outdoor swimming pool.

Book here.

Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Elevation: 4,850 feet

Population: 6,852

The Berkshires has long been a place of respite for Manhattanites longing for the countryside. Great Barrington, part of the greater Pittsfield area, is one of the best towns when it comes to Western Massachusetts escapes, particularly because it doesn't shut down after the summer, and guests keep arriving for its Butternut ski slope. You'll find two quaint villages here as well: Van Deusenville and Housatonic.

Visit Great Barrington.

Where to Stay

You can't miss the Barrington. Beside the stylish boutiques and art galleries on Main Street, you'll be in the heart of the posh town that features museums, theater and live music venues galore.

Book here.

Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Elevation: 509 feet

Population: 5,548

Found in Eastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, Stroudsburg features a vibrant downtown filled with art galleries, music venues, wineries and restaurants. One of the hippest places in the mountains, you'll have plenty to see and do when not exploring the area's heights.

Visit Stroudsburg.

Where to Stay

Just because you're in the boonies doesn't mean you'll feel like you are when you stay at the refined Penn Stroud Hotel in the heart of town. As hip as the town it calls home, the Penn Stroud is an Ascend Hotel Collection property. It's a fully remodeled and modern hotel where lodging has always been provided for visitors.

Book here.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

Elevation: 899 feet

Population: 2,172

Founded by Swiss immigrants who thought it looked like their alpine homeland, New Glarus is a little Switzerland in the heart of the heartland. You'll find the Swiss culture alive and rampant in this small town with festivals and restaurants that will make you feel as if you've left the country. (See U.S. Destinations That Feel Like Europe for more!)

Visit New Glarus.

Where to Stay

The Chalet Landhaus Inn will add to the Swiss charm of the town with authentic chalet stylings. Even the restaurant is Swiss with schnitzel and fondue options prominently featured.

Book here.

Wears Valley, Tennessee

Elevation: 1,454 feet

Population: 6,486

Towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge may get all the press but Wears Valley lies between Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains, making it the true Tennessee gateway to the national park. More peaceful than its counterparts, Wears Valley is considered the "Jewel of the Smokies."

Visit Wears Valley.

Where to Stay

Rent your own cabin in the woods through Great Cabins in the Smokies. You'll find one-bedroom cabins and up to meet accommodations for every group. Plus, there are pet-friendly properties, so you can bring your pooch on your hikes.

Book here.

Montague Township, New Jersey

Elevation: 3,847 feet

Population: 3,668

With the highest point in New Jersey, Montague Township is the best town in the state for mountain views. Located along the Delaware River, the "Top of New Jersey's" foundations in the 1700s lends for historical sites as well as outdoor recreation in the Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area and High Point State Park.

Visit Montague Township.

Where to Stay

The closest you'll come to a hotel in this neck of the woods is actually across the river in Pennsylvania. Hotel Fauchere, located in Milford, is worth the over-the-river drive, as it is a Relais & Chateaux boutique inn. Amidst the woods and mountains, you'll be bathed in luxury. The hotel has a rich history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Book here.

Cloudcroft, New Mexico

Elevation: 8,676 feet

Population: 674

With its elevation and location within the Lincoln National Forest, Cloudland keeps cool during the heat of summer, making it an ideal getaway for New Mexico residents. The forest is 480,000 acres in size, so visitors can explore the great outdoors when not sampling a bit of the Old West town.

Visit Cloudcroft.

Where to Stay

They say the turn-of-the-century fire that burned the original Lodge Resort has given it "a haunting presence" and that the property's believed to be haunted! You'll feel as if you've stepped back in time at this grand hilltop property that still offers a taste of its historic offerings. (Read the 20 Most Haunted Hotels in the U.S. for more spooky stays.)

Book here.

Holbrook, Arizona

Elevation: 5,082 feet

Population: 5,053

Deep within Navajo Country, Route 66 passes right through Holbrook. Home to Petrified Forest National Park, this is wide, open space of the Painted Desert as well as where a giant meteor struck ground in 1912.

Visit Holbrook.

Where to Stay

When on the land of the Navajo, consider a stay in a wigwam — at the Wigwam Motel. Each wigwam, with two queens or two double beds, has its own bathroom, heat, air-conditioning and cable TV.

Book here.

Hill City, South Dakota

Elevation: 4,974 feet

Population: 1,018

Within the Black Hills of South Dakota, Hill City is one of the highest towns on this list. A perfect spot for staying while visiting Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, you'll take in the views of the Cathedral Spires and the 7,242-foot peak of Black Elk.

Visit Hill City.

Where to Stay

Stay at the family-owned and operated Mountain View Lodge, which provides rooms for up to six people or cabins with full-size kitchens and kitchenettes. The budget-friendly property provides breakfast in the morning and campfires in the evening near cookout grills, so you can get away from it all without really getting away from it all.

Book here.

Chester, Vermont

Elevation: 3,154 feet

Population: 823

Tucked into Vermont's Green Mountains, Chester was named one of the best antique towns in New England, and its Stone Village Historic District and Main Street place it on the National Register of Historic Places. The town's mountain location also makes it easy for winter visitors to get to slopes in Stratton, Killington, Okemo and Mount Snow.

Visit Chester.

Where to Stay

Located in the heart of Chester is the Fullerton Inn, which dates back to 1885. Each room is decorated to match the historic property, with 20 guest rooms all with en suite bathrooms. Dine in the dining room, the inn's tavern or on the front porch overlooking Chester and feel its charm.

Book here.

Damascus, Virginia

Elevation: 1,952 feet

Population: 789

One of the U.S.'s best trail towns, Damascus is home to seven renowned trails such as the Virginia Creeper Trail and the world-famous Appalachian Trail. The town welcomes seasonal hikers with microbreweries, a downtown of artisans and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in its own backyard.

Visit Damascus.

Where to Stay

There are many charming and historic inns in Damascus, but the Damascus Old Mill Inn is one of the largest. Offering 12 rooms in what was formerly a grist mill, the inn overlooks the grist mill waterfall and mill pond. The inn also features its own restaurant with three different decks outdoors providing views of the waterfall.

Book here.

Walhalla, South Carolina

Elevation: 1,033 feet

Population: 4,367

In the northwest corner of South Carolina, Walhalla calls itself "Main Street to the Mountains." Found within the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains and nestled beside the Chattooga River, the city knows you're staying here to enjoy nature's spoils. That's why it gives you Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park. And, when the state's longest pedestrian trail, Palmetto Trail, completes, it will end in Walhalla.

Visit Walhalla.

Where to Stay

If you're here for the mountains, you might as well get right into them at Bolt Farm Luxury Treehouse & Retreat. The adult-only, eco-friendly Airbnb is literally a luxurious treehouse where you'll stay high above the ground.

Book here.

Crosby, Minnesota

Elevation: 1,260 feet

Population: 2,341

Mountain bikers in the know love Crosby for its 30 miles of trails through the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, which passes through Crosby. The trails provide breathtaking rides and overlooks, complementing the town's paved trails near Serpent Lake.

Visit Crosby.

Where to Stay

Stay in the heart of town in a 120-year-old building restored to offer eight guest rooms in a bicycle-themed hotel. Crosby Lofts provide ride-in, ride-out access to the trails and is beloved by riders.

Book here.

Irvine, Kentucky

Elevation: 679 feet

Population: 2,325

This small town offers 350 acres of hiking trails within its Lily Mountain Nature Preserve. The nearby Daniel Boone National Forest and the 150-year-old Fitchburg Furnance, the largest charcoal iron furnace in the world, are popular attractions to this community found just outside of Lexington.

Visit Estill County.

Where to Stay

Enjoy the true Appalachian experience with a stay at Snug Hollow Bed & Breakfast. Choose to sleep in the two-story farmhouse, a restored log cabin or one of two pine/cedar cabins while you enjoy the quiet of the Central Kentucky hollow.

Book here.

Burley, Idaho

Elevation: 4,163 feet

Population: 10,464

You'll find the small town if Burley in southern Idaho, near the Snake River. Because of its skiing, hiking and mountain biking, the median age in this town is just under 30. If you visit, catch the young (and young at heart) racing outdoors during the annual Spudman Triathlon.

Visit Burley.

Where to Stay

The Best Western Plus Burley Inn and Convention Center is one of the largest hotels in the tiny town. Within steps of the Snake River, the hotel features an outdoor pool and onsite dining.

Book here.

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Elevation: 843 feet

Population: 1,947

Home to the Norman Rockwell Museum, you can see how Rockwell was inspired by his hometown in Western Massachusetts. Idyllic in every way, the town allows you to enjoy the Berkshires that surround its quaint center of botanical gardens, art galleries and mansion estates of esteemed residents of the past.

Visit Stockbridge.

Where to Stay

Since 1773, the Red Lion Inn has been providing lodging to guests of Western Massachusetts. You'll find 125 rooms and suites filled with antiques in this charter member of the Historic Hotels of America.

Book here.