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30 Most Majestic Mountain Ranges in the U.S. to Visit

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1. rocky mountains.

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2. The Great Smoky Mountains

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3. Alaska Range Mountains

4.  cascade mountains.

5. Uinta Mountains 

6. blue ridge mountains.

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7. Olympic Mountains

8. california coast mountains.

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9. Adirondack Mountains

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10. Bitterroot Range

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11. Appalachian Mountains

12. wasatch range.

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13. White Mountains

14. tetons (wyoming).

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15. Black Hills 

16. san juan mountains.

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17. Wind River Range

18. sawtooth range (idaho).

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19. Mission Range

20. san bernardino mountains.

Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA , CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

21. Chugach Mountains

22. ruby mountains.

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23. Klamath Mountains

24. colorado plateau.

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25. Wallowa Mountains

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26. Sangre de Cristo

27. Pecos Mountains

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28. Absaroka Range

29. san gabriel mountains.

Pimlico27 , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

30. Big Horn Mountains

Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

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25 Most Beautiful Mountains in the United States You’ll Love

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 23/08/2024

With a country this big, it’s no surprise you can find many beautiful mountains in the United States.

Some of the most beautiful cities in the US can attribute their vanity to these towering rocks keeping them safe. But, with nearly 100 mountains for your viewing pleasure, which ones are worth your time and money?

Find out the 25 most breathtaking peaks and mountain ranges the Land of the Free has to offer below.

25 Beautiful Mountains in the United States

Whether you’re looking for something in the central states, Hawaii, or Alaska, there is a mountaintop with your name written on it.

1. Mount Moran, Wyoming

You can find these spiky peaks at Grand Teton National Park in the northwestern state of Wyoming. The park is an outdoor lover’s dream, with glacial lakes, diverse wildlife, lush green plains, and, of course, the pièce de résistance , the eight-peak Mt Moran.

The mountain is about 13,770 feet high and offers amazing scenes no matter the season. In winter, the peaks are coated in a thick blanket of snow that trickles down to offer great snow sports terrains.

In the warmer months, you’re more likely to see the park come alive when the wildlife and blooms come and say hi.

Photo by Terence Burke on Unsplash

2. Mount Rainier, Washington

Mount Rainier in Washington State is one of the more well-known mountains in the states due to its incredible views, glacial landscapes, and active volcano. 

The mountain is about 14,410 feet high and is the highest volcanic peak in the US. Mount Rainier park has the most extensive alpine and glacial volcanic system outside of Alaska. There are plenty of hiking, biking, and scenic drive routes to give great viewing points of the gigantic peaks while you’re there.

Photo by Joshua Peacock on Unsplash

3. Mt Hood, Oregon

Mount Hood in Oregon is definitely up there as one of the most beautiful mountains in the United States. It stands at 11,249 feet and borders the Hood River and Clackamas counties.

The mountain top is a stratovolcano that you can see from Mt. Hood National Forest. The green forest offers excellent hiking trails, campgrounds, and fishing spots. 

Mount Hood Meadows is a ski resort not too far from the mountain which offers almost year-round skiing and snowshoe terrains.

Photo by NOAA on Unsplash

4. Maroon Bells, Colorado

Colorado is home to one of the most beautiful lakes in the US — the Maroon Lake. Sitting perfectly in the background, you’ll find the peaks of Maroon Bells.

As you can imagine, the jagged peaks got their names from their dark crimson color and bell-shaped forms. The lake and mountains are surrounded by leafy alpine trees and vibrant wildflowers.

It is a great place to digital detox for a few days, as there are plenty of scenic hiking routes, boating activities in the lake, and campgrounds for a night under the stars.

Photo by David Rupert on Unsplash

5. Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Moving away from the central US and more toward the sea, you’ll find the 13,796 feet tall dormant volcano of Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

The sacred history of Mauna Kea runs deep as it is the place of gods, goddesses, and the last resting place of many native Hawaiians. Today, it is used for astronomical observations by scientists from over 11 counties. 

While guests aren’t allowed to use the telescopes, you’ll still get unbelievable panoramic night sky views once up there.

Image by Adrian Malec from Pixabay 

6. Kenai Mountains, Alaska

The Kenai Mountains in Homer, Alaska, is a mountain range in the Kenai Peninsula. It has an elevation of 4,280 feet, and its highest point stands at 6,612 feet.

This area has many glacier-carved lakes and hiking trails that give excellent views of the peaks — especially when they’re topped with snow. However, both the mountains and the fjords bring crowds. You can occasionally see a few whales, dolphins, and sea lions in the waters of the fjords.

Photo by Jerad Hill on Unsplash

7. Uinta Mountains, Utah

This chain of mountains stretches from Utah to Wyoming. They are the highest mountains in Utah, with King’s Peak, the highest peak, reaching 13,528 feet.

The area is popular with backpackers, horse packers, and hikers. Don’t be surprised if you see a few ATV or 4×4 tracks here, either. In winter, the snow-covered 600 million-year-old pre-Cambrian rocks make excellent slopes for skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Photo by Caleb Jack on Unsplash

8. Blue Ridge Mountains

The Blue Ridge Mountains feature in some of the most beautiful towns in America . That’s right — towns plural. This mountain range stretches across Maryland, Tennessee, South Carolina, and more.

These rocks are over a billion years old, making them some of the oldest peaks in the world. You can explore the area’s natural history by walking along the hiking trails and waterfalls. 

Or, if you’re only here for a limited amount of time, the scenic drive is just as good, with a few roadside waterfalls partially in view.

Photo by Wes Hicks on Unsplash

9. Mount Saint Elias, Alaska

Mount St. Elias looms over Alaska and Canada and is the second-highest mountain in both at over 18,008 feet high.

The mountain can definitely be considered a hidden gem, as most people won’t ever see it. You can only reach certain areas by bush plane or boat. I’d leave the summit to the experts as the mountain has the nickname ‘Man Eater’. 

For now, we can appreciate the beauty of the mountain from a distance instead.

10. El Capitán, California

This mountain in Yosemite National Park stands 3,600 feet tall and overlooks the national park proudly.

What sets these mountains apart are their nearly vertical monoliths that are sometimes featured in films. If you’re a rock climber, you’ll enjoy these cliffs instead of the 10 – 15 hour hiking trails.

The mountain is fabled to be the home of a few mountain goats. Look out for a few on your visit.

11. Denali, Alaska

Denali is part of the Alaskan Range of mountains in Denali National Park and Preserve. Not only that, but one of its peaks, Mount McKinley, is the highest mountain in North America.

The region is home to the native Koyukon people , who gave the mountain’s name (the tall one) in their original Koyukon Athabaskan language. 

You can visit the 20,310 feet high peak for epic off-roading, hiking, and river rafting. It is also a popular mountain to prepare for climbing Mount Everest. 

Photo by sterlinglanier Lanier on Unsplash

12. Sierra Nevada Mountains, California & Nevada

Not to be mistaken with the Sierra Nevada Mountain in Spain, the majority of this mountain range is in California. A small section of the Carson Range spur lies in Nevada.

One of the best ways to explore the mountain range is to take a scenic drive on one of the 22 mountain pass roads. You’ll get to see all kinds of amazing natural vistas. 

Note : The mountain pass roads are usually closed during winter or heavy snow months.

Image by Brigitte Werner from Pixabay 

13. Half Dome, California

This granite half-dome, which stands at an elevation of 8,846 feet, is in Yosemite National Park.  It is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, with its highest peak reaching 8,838 feet. It is quite a strenuous hike as it takes about 10 – 12 hours to complete the out-and-back hike. 

It is also a popular rock climbing site. If you plan to explore it this way, you’ll need to get a Wilderness Climbing Permit and carve out one to two days to complete it.

14. Mount Mitchell, North Carolina

Mount Mitchell is the highest Appalachian Mountain peak at 6,684 feet. You can hike this amazing peak at Mount Mitchell State Park nearby Asheville.

It is a wonderful place to go camping, picnicking, or birdwatching for a quick break away. Depending on the season, there is also a restaurant, concession stand, and lounge for guests to recharge. The exhibits explaining more about the park and mountain are open all year round.

Photo by Airam Dato-on on Unsplash

15. Adirondack Mountains, New York

Most people visit the state of New York for the city. But if you need a tranquillity break, the Adirondack Mountains are just what the doctor ordered.

These mountains have beautiful clear lakes perfect for boating, hiking and snowmobile trails, and 14 waterfalls to explore. It’s also close to many towns and villages that offer a lot of indoor activities.

In winter, the area comes alive with an international festival and carnival that features tasty foods and winter games in the nearby towns.

Photo by Gary Yost on Unsplash

16. The Cascade Range, Washington

The Cascade Range is a beautiful group of mountains in California, Oregon, Washington, and Canada. 

The mountain range includes the spear-shaped North Cascades and the volcanic High Cascades that form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. You can hike the mountains from the beautiful North Cascades National Park for a peaceful view of the mountain ranges. 

Don’t forget to bring along your leashed pet for a good ol’ bonding time in nature.

Photo by Gavin on Unsplash

17. Mount Whitney, California

Mount Whitney is about 14,505 feet high and overlooks sunny California . It is the highest part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 

If you decide to hike all the way up, expect the trip to take 7 to 8 hours if you’re a moderate hiker. I wouldn’t recommend this hike to beginners as it does get strenuous. However, if you do complete it, it is one of the most rewarding challenges you can do.

Photo by Nico on Unsplash

18. Mount Shasta, California

Yet another volcano on this list. Mount Shasta is in Siskiyou county and is considered the ‘home of the Creator’ and a sacred site, according to the local Native American tribes.

Thankfully you can still visit it (while being respectful), as there are many lakes, hiking trails, waterfalls, and springs to explore. Visit McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park for a quiet day and explore the hot spring-fed waterfall Theodore Roosevelt called the world’s eighth wonder.

Note : if you plan on climbing the mountain, be very careful as some spots can be tricky, even for expert hikers and especially in bad weather.

Photo by Marco Bicca on Unsplash

19. Pikes Peak, Colorado

This mountain is best explored by car on the Pikes Peak Highway. That way, you get the best views down the winding roads alongside the giant peaks.

The mountain stands in the Pikes Peak National Forest at 14,115 feet high. Because it is so close to Colorado Springs , there are many things to do around the area besides hiking or biking to the mountain’s top.

Enjoy animal spotting, fishing, and a lesson from a ranger about the park and mountain’s history and geological makeup.

Photo by Jeff Brown on Unsplash

20. Wasatch Mountains, Utah

Wasatch mountain is responsible for many Utahns’ outdoor fun. If they’re not mountain biking or hiking, they’re skiing down the side of it.

The Wasatch mountains offer beautiful views no matter where you are in Northern Utah. But for winter fun, go to Park City or Salt Lake City for the best ski resorts and views.

Photo by Brandon Green on Unsplash

21. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee

Do you know why this mountain range is called the Smoky Mountains? It’s because that’s how it looks. These mountains often have a foggy haze thanks to the water and hydrocarbons from the trees, creating breathtaking views when the sun sets or rises.

You can see this haze from the hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s not the only thing to see while you’re here. The park is full of wildflowers, wildlife, and Cades Cove, where drivers can go for some wildlife spotting.

Photo by Chris Ried on Unsplash

22. Olympic Mountains, Washington

The Olympic Mountains of Washington stand at 7,980 feet high, with the Pacific Ocean swaying just below. This mountaintop is covered in valleys with lush trees and in thick snow in other parts.

If you’re looking for a great time alone in nature, this mountain is the place to be. Many visitors choose to stay in the coastal and rainforest area. The national park also offers a bit more to do besides hiking the mountain, like whale watching, stargazing, and camping. 

So, prepare to explore different parts of the park like the Olympic hot springs that look at the mountain from every angle.

Photo by Beau Horyza on Unsplash

23. White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains have one of the most dazzling and clear lakes in the USA — Lake Winnipesaukee. So it is here that you can make your outdoor dreams come to life.

The best time to visit this 6,288-foot high peak is spring or mid-fall. This avoids the sticky heat of the summer but still allows you ample daylight to hike and explore the captivating outdoors.

Spend your time here hiking, fishing, kayaking, or taking amazing shots of the changing leaves in autumn.

Photo by Katie Constantine on Unsplash

24. The Sawtooth Range, Idaho

The Sawtooth Range is part of the Rocky Mountains of Idaho. The name is quite fitting when you look at the row of sharp jagged peaks protruding from the mountaintop.

While it may look dangerous, these peaks offer unique hiking options with varying difficulties that even beginners can try. You’ll see a few babbling creeks, dark blue lakes, and miles of green landscapes and trees along your walk.

There are nearly 400 alpine lakes along this mountain range, each offering a different view and activity. Why not bring your camping gear and make a short trip of it?

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

25. Bighorn Mountain, Wyoming

The state of Wyoming has many fantastic mountains to scour, and Bighorn is one of them. You can get a good look at these cliffs in the Bighorn National Forest in Sheridan, WY.

The park has all kinds of outdoor fun, from horseback riding to fishing and sledding among the different greenery. Here you’ll find meadows, forests, desert lands, and waterfalls all coexisting harmoniously. 

The mountain overlooks it all at 13,167 feet which you can reach either by hiking or by taking the horseback riding trail over a few days.

Photo by Perry Merrity II on Unsplash

Beautiful Mountains in the United States | Final Thoughts

As you can see, the United States has no shortage of natural beauty, from rivers and lakes to captivating mountains. Each mountain top has a unique character with great exploration activities regardless of the season.

Now you wouldn’t want to miss these fantastic places on your next road trip along all of the US states, would you?

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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21 most beautiful mountains in the US

The most beautiful mountains in the US are a contentious subject, for this is a land that brims with beauty. We scoured the states and whittled them down to a list of 21

Legendary climber​​ Reinhold Messner said that there are three rules of mountaineering: “It’s always further than it looks. It’s always taller than it looks. And it’s always harder than it looks.” 

Messner was the first person to climb all 14 eight-thousander mountains and has undoubtedly seen the ugly side of the world’s most beautiful mountains . Thankfully, those of us less alpine-inclined can observe these peaks from afar. Most of us might content ourselves with the most beautiful mountains in the US instead. To help get you started, we’ve whittled our favourites to a list of 20. 

Most beautiful mountains in the US

Our list of the most beautiful mountains in the US is unashamedly subjective. We haven’t used a matrix of metrics, scoring each on height, dominance, elegance or difficulty. Instead, we’ve chosen peaks that are striking in a particular way. It could be the extraordinary symmetry of Mount Shishaldin or the jagged spine of Dragontail Peak.

These mountains are all remarkable in a specific way and, we believe, deserve a place on this list. So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here is our list of the most beautiful mountains in the US.

1. Baring Mountain

Height: 1,868m (6,127ft) Location: Cascade Range, Washington

Baring Mountain is the third steepest peak in Washington, which is more impressive than it sounds given that the state is notorious for difficult climbs.

Baring’s double summit lends it a dramatic aspect and its sheer north face rivals some of the big walls in Yosemite. Efforts to scale the face spanned 10 years until climbers Don Gordon and Ed Cooper completed a successful ascent in July 1961. Today, it goes years without ascents because of poor rock quality and unpredictable weather.

2. Mount Shishaldin

Height: 2,857m (9,373 ft) Location: Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Mount Shishaldin is a moderately active volcano on Unimak Island in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Its contour lines form near-perfect circles above 1,980m (6,500ft), making it one of the most symmetrical mountains on Earth.

Shishaldin has long served as a landmark to mariners, although the area’s unpredictable weather often obscures the cone. The Aleut people named the peak Sisquk, which means ‘mountain which points the way when I am lost’. The name Shishaldin comes from the Russian version of the Aleut name.

3. El Capitan

Height: 3,018m (9,901ft) Location: Sawtooth Range, Idaho

El Capitan in the Sawtooths may not be as famous as its namesake in Yosemite, but it is just as formidable. Located in the Sawtooth Wilderness – a federally protected wilderness area – El Capitan was so named for the impressive dome-like face on its west wall.

The area is known for mountain goats, which can be seen on the higher slopes of the Sawtooths including El Capitan. In his book A Beast the Color of Winter , wildlife biologist Douglas H. Chadwick explains that, in the 1950s, Idaho was one of the first states to recognise that the goat population was dwindling. Hunting limits were put in place and the goat population largely stabilised unlike in other regions. It’s thought that there are around 2,500 mountain goats left in Idaho today.

4. Maroon Bells

Height: 4,317m (14,163ft) and 4,273m (14,019ft) Location: Elk Mountains, Colorado

Comprising Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, the Maroon Bells are said to be the most photographed place in Colorado – quite a feat given that the state has more “fourteeners” than any other (i.e. peaks with at least 14,000ft of topographic elevation and 300ft of topographic prominence).

The Bells are both above 14,000ft but are too close together to be considered distinct fourteeners, so only Maroon Peak has the designation. In total, the US has 96 fourteeners, over half of which are in Colorado.

Height: 6,190m (20,308ft) Location: Alaska Range, Alaska

The highest mountain in North America was long known as Mount McKinley, named so by a gold prospector in 1896 after he heard that William McKinley had been nominated for the US presidency. In 1917, the US government officially recognised Mount McKinley as the name of the mountain – despite McKinley never setting foot in Alaska!

The Koyukon people who inhabit the area have referred to the peak as ‘Denali’ for centuries. After the 1917 renaming, the Koyukon campaigned to reinstate the original native Alaskan name. Finally, in 2015, President Obama restored the name Denali, which translates as High One or Great One.

Located in Denali National Park, the area is also known for its remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is home to 39 species of mammals including wolves, moose, grizzly and black bears, caribou and smaller animals such as foxes, hares, squirrels and beavers.

6. Mount Foraker

Height: 5,304m (17,400ft) Location: Alaska Range, Alaska

Another Alaskan giant, Mount Foraker is located just 23km (14mi) to the southwest of Denali. Known as ‘Denali’s wife’ or ‘Denali’s woman’ by its native names, Foraker is the second-highest peak in the Alaska Range and the third-highest in the US. 

Like Denali, Foraker suffers from notoriously stormy and unpredictable weather, which is hardly surprising considering that the mountain is located at 63° North – just 3° degrees south of the Arctic Circle. Foraker only sees around 10 to 15 climbing attempts every year while Denali sees over 1,000. Foraker’s ‘husband’ is clearly too much of a lure for prospective summiteers.

7. Mount Hunter

Height: 4,442m (14,573ft) Location: Alaska Range, Alaska

If Foraker is Denali’s wife, then Hunter is its child. The third-highest major peak of the Alaska Range, Hunter is called Begguya in the Dena’ina language, which translates as ‘Denali’s child’.

Even though the youngster of the family is 1,748m (5,730ft) lower than Denali and 862m (2,828ft) lower than Foraker, Hunter is considered the hardest to climb of the three mountains due to its steeper, more sustained routes and precipitous corniced ridges. Unsurprisingly, Hunter, like Denali and Foraker, is characterised by extremely cold and unpredictable weather.

8. Mount Sneffels

Height: 4,315m (14,150ft) Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado

One of the most photographed mountains in Colorado, Mount Sneffels is widely considered the most beautiful of the state’s fourteeners (i.e. mountains above 14,000ft).

The handsome peak, which is popular with tourists, hikers and mountaineers alike, is named after the Icelandic volcano Snæfell made famous by Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth . From the western side of the mountain, Sneffels can look like a volcanic crater similar in appearance to Snæfell located some 6,000km (3,728mi) away in the North Atlantic.

9. Mount Shasta

Height: 4,322m (14,179ft) Location: Cascade Range, California

When John Muir, the famed ‘father of the national parks’, first set sight on Mount Shasta, his “blood turned to wine”. Clearly one of the most beautiful mountains in the US, Shasta comprises four overlapping dormant volcanic cones, giving it a layered shape. 

Muir can be forgiven for his hyperbole for Mount Shasta is a hotbed of myth and mystery. Legend has it that somewhere deep in the mountain lies the hidden city of Telos, home to an ancient civilisation of ‘Lemurians’ from the mythical lost continent of Lemuria. Native Americans have their own legends while, in recent times, UFO sightings and other eerie happenings have been reported around the mountain. 

10. Mount Saint Elias

Height: 5,489m, (18,008ft) Location: Saint Elias Mountains, Alaska

Mount Saint Elias straddles the border of Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon. It is America’s second-highest peak after Denali, as well as Canada’s after Logan. 

When European explorers first sighted the mountain during the mid-18th century, they initially failed to give it a name before it was eventually named after Cape Saint Elias in Alaska. The peak was briefly – and rather unimaginatively – designated Boundary Peak 186 by the US Geological Survey.

In recent years, the colossal peak has gained the moniker ‘the Man Eater’ after a number of failed attempts to ski or snowboard from its summit led to tragic results . The feat, believed to be the planet’s longest skiing descent, was eventually achieved in 2007 when an ​​ Austro-American team completed a daunting 3,960m (13,000ft) ski descent from the summit.

11. Mount Susitna

Height: 1,340m (4,396ft) Location: Alaska Range, Alaska

Compared with many of its neighbours, Mount Susitna is puny in size and, as such, has a fitting native name. The peak is known as Dghelishla in the Dena’ina language, translating as Little Mountain. 

The smooth-sided peak, shaped by millennia of glaciation, is also called Sleeping Lady for its resemblance to a recumbent woman when seen from a certain angle. In 2020, the little-known Alaskan peak shot to global fame when a digitally altered image went viral and was mislabeled as drone footage of Mount Susitna. In fact, the image was a work of art titled ‘Winter Sleep’ by French artist Jean-Michel Bihorel who makes three-dimensional digital creations.

12. Mount Shuksan

Height: 2,783m (9,131ft) Location: Cascade Range, Washington

Mount Shuksan, meaning ‘high foot’ or ‘golden eagle’ in Nooksack, is a sprawling massif of pinnacles, ridges and glaciers, essentially amounting to its own Cascadian sub-range. The highest and most striking point on the grand alpine mountain is a three-faced peak known as Summit Pyramid.

One of the most photographed mountains in Washington, Shuksan is perhaps at its most picturesque when its north face is viewed from the appropriately named Artist Point Trail or from across Picture Lake. Shuksan is also notable as one of the few non-volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range and the only one whose summit surpasses the treeline by 914m (3,000ft) or more.

13. Mount Rainier

Height: 4,394m (14,417ft) Location: Cascade Range, Washington State

Mount Rainier is the highest peak in Washington State as well as the Cascade Range. It is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US and spawns five major rivers from its icy slopes. The mountain and the surrounding Mount Rainier National Park are frequently used as training for Denali as the topography shares many of the characteristics and challenges found on the continent’s highest peak.

Even though there hasn’t been a significant eruption for around 200 years, Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano and is considered one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes due to its high probability of an eruption in the near future. In fact, the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior has identified Mount Rainier as one of the ‘Decade Volcanoes’; 16 volcanoes on Earth are recognised as posing a significant risk to nearby populations.

14. Mauna Kea

Height: 4,207m (13,803ft) Location: Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii

While we all know that Mount Everest is Earth’s highest mountain, Mauna Kea takes the crown as the world’s tallest . The majority of the mountain actually lies hidden beneath the ocean surface, so when measured from its underwater base to its peak, Mauna Kea is an astounding 10,203m (33,476ft) in height. 

Mauna Kea is also the planet’s second-highest island peak, only topped by Puncak Jaya in Indonesia, the highest peak in Oceania and a member of the seven summits .

Mauna Kea’s combination of high altitude, dry environment and stable airflow makes it one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observations. As such, there are no fewer than 13 telescopes mounted on its summit plateau, the world’s largest astronomical observatory with telescopes operated by astronomers from 11 countries.

15. Lone Eagle Peak

Height: 3,641m (11,946ft) Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado

In the summer of 1923, years before he became a household name, Charles Lindbergh came to Colorado to claim a $1,000 prize offered to the first pilot who could land a plane on the Saint Vrain Glacier. 

Promoter Fred Fair took one look at Lindbergh’s “suicide crate” of a plane and immediately turned him down. “We were afraid that a fatal crackup would be publicity of the wrong kind,” he told a reporter.

Four years later, Lindbergh, who was known as the “Lone Eagle”, completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in history and became a household name. In his honour, Fair christened an unnamed 3,641m pinnacle near Saint Vrain Glacier as Lindbergh Peak. After the US Board of Geographic Names ruled against naming it after a living person, the mountain officially became Lone Eagle Peak.

16. Grand Teton

Height: 4,199m (13,775ft) Location: Teton Range, Wyoming

The Tetons extend 40 miles across northwestern Wyoming and constitute one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America. These mountains have been uplifting for less than 10 million years and are classified as ‘adolescent’ compared with the ‘middle-aged’ Rockies (50-80 million years old) and the ‘elderly’ Appalachians (more than 300 million years old).

Grand Teton is the highest point and rises more than 2,130m (6,988ft) above Jackson Hole, a verdant valley and popular ski resort at its eastern base. Unsurprisingly, Grand Teton National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US, receiving nearly four million visitors a year.

As with many illustrious peaks, Grand Teton comes with its own first ascent controversy. Explorers Nathaniel P. Langford and James Stevenson claimed to have reached the summit in July 1872 but it’s believed that they only reached The Enclosure, a side peak of Grand Teton. The first undisputed summit was in 1898 by surveyor William Owen and three companions.

17. Dragontail Peak

Height: 2,690m (8,840ft) Location: Stuart Range, Washington

Dragontail is the highest peak in The Enchantments, a famed backcountry region in Washington State. The hulking mountain was given its name in 1955 after climbers on an adjacent peak remarked that its rock formations resembled a “dragon’s tail”. 

It should be said that any number of peaks in the region could be named one of the most beautiful mountains in the US, not least Prusik Peak and Little Annapurna nearby.

18. Devils Tower

Height: 1,558m (5,112ft) Location: Bear Lodge Mountains, Wyoming

Soaring in splendid isolation above the prairie surrounding the Black Hills, the Devils Tower National Monument is a remarkable sight. The near-vertical monolith (technically, it’s actually a laccolith ) is known as Bears Lodge by several Native American tribes, including the Arapahoe, Cheyenne and Lakota, who consider it sacred.

The monument looks as if it’s scored with hundreds of parallel cracks but is actually composed of huge hexagonal columns. As such, the peak is considered one of the best crack-climbing locations in North America with enthusiasts flocking here from all over the world.

19. Mount Whitney

Height: 4,421m (14,505ft) Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous USA (i.e. excluding Hawaii and Alaska). While its serrated ridges may look intimidating at first sight, it’s a relatively straightforward ascent and can be achieved by those with limited mountaineering experience. 

The popular Mount Whitney Trail starts at an elevation of 2,550m (8,360ft), meaning that the summit can be reached in just a day. However, most hikers prefer to take at least two days to complete the 35km round trip with an elevation gain of just over 1,900m (6,100ft).

The 640km (400mi) Sierra Nevada mountain range is part of the American Cordillera, an enormous broad mountain belt extending from Mexico to Alaska. the Sierra Nevada lies almost entirely within California although a small spur of peaks stretch into Nevada.

20. Half Dome

Height: 2,694m (8,838ft) Location: Sierra Nevada Mountains, California

There is some debate about whether Half Dome in Yosemite National Park is technically a mountain. Indeed, it looks like a mountain sawn in half – so sheer is its Northwest Face.

The first technical ascent of the face was completed in 1957 via a route known today as the Regular Northwest Face. It took five days and was the first Grade VI climb in the US. Today, the route has been free-soloed in a mere few hours. The fastest ascent was completed in 1hr 22m by Alex Honnold in May 2012, as documented in the heart-stopping film Free Solo .

It’s also possible to hike to the summit of Half Dome. The 22-27km (14-17mi) challenging out-and-back hike can be completed in around 12-16 hours. It begins in Yosemite Valley and passes Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, before reaching the steep cables up Half Dome’s famous granite dome.

21. Mount Mitchell

Height: 2,037m (6,684ft) Location: Blue Ridge Mountains/Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Mount Mitchell is one of the most accessible peaks on this list. While there are no vertical cliffs or pyramidal spires, the summit is known for its unhindered panoramic views of the surrounding forest-clad Appalachians.

Known in Cherokee as Attakulla, remarkably, Mitchell was the highest mountain in the USA until 1845 when Texas joined the Union and Guadalupe Peak became the highest. Several hiking trails lead to what is now merely the highest point east of the Mississippi River.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a stunning mountain range extending 885km (550mi) through seven states – Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia – as well as Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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50 Best Small Mountain Towns in the U.S.

Small towns and wide-open landscapes are great places to be. 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. 

These are 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, but there are also some luxurious properties for a getaway into the hills of the U.S. We list some favorites for you to enjoy, too.

Note: We may earn money from affiliate partners if you buy through links on our site.

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 in Taos

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 it: Online

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 in Ketchum

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!).

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 in Telluride

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.

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 in Ellijay

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.

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 the area's natural hot springs.

Visit Eureka Springs .

Where to Stay in Eureka Springs

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.

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 in Big Bear Lake

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.

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 in Gatlinburg

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 it:  Online

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 in Lake Placid

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.

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 in Leavenworth

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.

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 in Bryson City

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.

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 in Park City

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.

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 in Harpers Ferry

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.

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 in Manchester

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.

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 in Jim Thorpe

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.

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 in Hood River

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 it:  Online  

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 in North Conway

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.

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 in Whitefish

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).

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 in Deadwood

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.

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 in Warm Springs

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.

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 in Cordova

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.

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 in Anaconda

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.

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 in Berkeley Springs

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.

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 in Sonora

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.

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 in Littleton

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.

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 in Travelers Rest

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.

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 in Jacksonville

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 it: Online  

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 in Blowing Rock

You can stay at 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.

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 in Breckenridge

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 .

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 in North Bend

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 the two restaurants on site. Hiking trails can be accessed right from the front door.

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 in Dahlonega

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.

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 in Bethel

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.

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 in Lake George

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, which features an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa.

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 in Girdwood

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.

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 in Midway

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.

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 in Presidio

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.

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 in Great Barrington

You can't miss The Barrington in its namesake town. Besides 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 it:   Online

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 in Stroudsburg

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.

New Glarus, Wisconsin

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 in New Glarus

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.

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 in Wears Valley

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.

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 in Montague Township

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.

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 in Cloudcroft

They say the turn-of-the-century fire that burned the original Lodge Resort has given it "a haunting presence" and that the property is one of the most haunted hotels in the U.S. ! 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. 

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 in Holbrook

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.

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 in Hill City

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.

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 in Chester

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.

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 in Damascus

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.

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 in Walhalla

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.

Crosby, Minnesota

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 in Crosby

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 and ride-out access to the trails and is beloved by riders.

Irvine, Kentucky

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 in Irvine

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.

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 in Burley

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.

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 in Stockbridge

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.

ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE

13 best mountain destinations in the usa for summer.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to hike, bike, and climb your way around town, or a luxury traveler in search of a wine-tasting with a beautiful view, heading to the mountains for your next summer vacation is always a good choice. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy all nature has to offer in these 13 best mountain destinations in the USA for summer !

Best Mountain Destinations for Summer in The US

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1. Vail, CO

While Vail, Colorado may be home to the famous Vail Ski Resort, that doesn’t mean you should only visit this town in the winter. When the temperatures rise and the snow (mostly) melts come summertime, Vail becomes a whole new travel destination. Find yourself amongst beautiful golf courses, miles and miles of hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, and a whole host of cultural events.

If you’re a fan of fishing, don’t miss Gore Creek—it runs straight through the town center and is a popular spot for fly-fishing! Need a place to stay? I highly recommend The Four Seasons Resort in Vail !

You May Also Like: Vail, Colorado in Summer: Best Things to Do, See, and Eat

2. Bend, OR

Nestled along the east side of the Cascade Mountains, Bend is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy incredible weather of sunny skies and 80-degree days while you hike through the hills or fly fish in the rivers of Bend.

In the evening, don’t miss exploring around town for some killer food and drink, in particular the legendary Deschutes Brewery . 

3. Lake Placid, NY

While Lake Placid may specialize in winter sports, it also makes for an incredible summer hiking destination. Climb your way through the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks or get your adrenaline pumping with some water sports on the lake—like stand up paddleboarding or whitewater rafting.

For something a little more laidback, check out the Whiteface Mountain gondola ride or grab a drink at the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery .

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO - Best Mountain Destinations in the USA for Summer

Summer is one of the best times to visit Rocky Mountain National Park . When the temperatures rise and the days get longer, the park begins to teem with wildlife and is filled with opportunities for outdoor adventures. For an easy family activity, drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the entire national park system, for stunning views of the park.

For something more adventurous, grab a backcountry pass to hike, camp, and explore the vast wilderness of the Rockies!

5. Taos, NM

Taos is an incredible mountain destination for summer, but you’ll be best off hitting this town in either early or late summer, as things can get a little too hot for most at the height of the season. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the beauty of Taos—in the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you’ll never run out of things to do in the summer.

Go for a hot-air balloon ride, hit the trails on a mountain bike or by horseback, take a soak in the hot springs, or even go for a llama-led trek !

6. Burlington, VT

Looking for one of the best mountain destinations in the USA for summer in the northeast? Your search is over: it’s time to head to Burlington, Vermont! With sleepy vibes and bucolic scenery, the small town of Burlington is a great spot to explore everything from the beautiful Lake Champlain area to the bustling local farmers market.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can’t miss taking a tour of the one-and-only Ben & Jerry’s factory located just outside Burlington!

7. Asheville, NC - Best Mountain Destinations in the USA for Summer

This chill hippy town in the southeast US is a fabulous spot to kick back and relax in the mountains. Whether you want to go on strenuous hikes or just see the sights from your car, Asheville has got you covered. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a stones’ throw away and filled with incredible hiking and mountain biking trails.

Or, simply head out on the Blue Ridge Parkway and soak in the mountains from the comfort of your car—it’s been voted one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country!

8. Homer, AK

Homer is the answer if you’re in search of mountain towns with incredible wildlife and in particular, fishing opportunities. Known as the Halibut capital of the world, Homer is the ideal spot to get some serious fishing in, but that’s not all. Go eagle-watching during the evenings, or explore the massive Kenai Mountains while you’re there too.

Cap it all off with a drink at the infamous Salty Dawg Saloon , and you’re sure to have a trip you won’t soon forget.

9. Lake Tahoe, CA - Best Mountain Destinations in the USA for Summer

While many visit the Lake Tahoe area in winter for the ski season, it’s also one of the best mountain destinations in the USA for summer. This time of year is perfect for taking a dip in the refreshingly cool waters of Lake Tahoe, which stays nice and chilly even during the hottest days of summer.

Head to South Lake Tahoe if you want to be right in the action, surrounded by kitschy lodges and casinos, or stay in North Lake Tahoe for something a little quieter.

10. Park City, UT

The impressive Wasatch mountain range frames this small ski town in Utah. Summer is a fabulous time to explore Park City, with world-class fly fishing and miles of trails to explore in the Uinta National Forest.

For a little more organized fun, you can’t miss the Utah Olympic Park , where the 2002 winter Olympics were held. There you’ll find ziplines, summer bobsledding, ropes courses, and more!

11. Jackson, WY - Best Mountain Destinations in the USA for Summer

The best way to hit two national parks in one trip? Head to Jackson, Wyoming! This quaint mountain town lies within driving distance of both Grand Tetons National Park and Yellowstone National Park . After a full day of hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the gorgeous natural landscapes of northwest Wyoming, be sure to check out Jackson’s charming town square.

My favorite summer tradition in Jackson? The nightly Town Square Shootout performed by the Jackson Hole Playhouse.

You May Also Like: 12 Most Beautiful National Parks in the USA

12. Leavenworth, WA

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Germany for the rustic mountain vibes and Bavarian architecture… you may not have to go as far as you think. Through its classically German food and beer halls and the craggy mountaintops surrounding the town, Leavenworth will transport you to the old days of living in Bavaria, without having to leave the US!

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s great rock-climbing and bouldering opportunities around Leavenworth. Or, enter vacation mode with a wine, cider, or beer tasting.

13. Bozeman, MT

Dubbed the “most livable place” in the US, Bozeman could also be your ideal location for a mountain getaway. Located in the Rocky Mountains of southern Montana, Bozeman is home to hiking trails with dramatic viewpoints, rock climbing destinations, and bountiful hunting.

While you’re in Bozeman, make sure to check out Montana Grizzly Encounter , a sanctuary where you can get an up close encounter with grizzlies and learn more about this awe-inspiring species. 

What’s your favorite Best Mountain Destinations in the USA for Summer?  Let me know in the comments or send me a DM on Instagram ! 

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• 10 Summer Travel Destinations in the US for 2021
• 12 Most Beautiful National Parks in the USA
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This guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!

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21 Great Mountain Hikes in the U.S.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There are certain mountain hikes that stay with you forever. There's just something about mountain hiking, with the rush of adrenaline required to climb up—and, sometimes, serious altitude thrown into the mix. But whether you choose to explore the underappreciated peaks of the East Coast , the very top of Texas, or a hidden paradise in Hawaii , the best mountains hikes will reward your efforts with memorable views. 

Below, we share the best mountain hiking trails in the U.S. Some of these hikes are kid-friendly, while others will send you home with noodles for legs; most are day hikes, while a few offer the chance for an overnighter. But if nature is Earth’s love language, seldom will you feel more alive, or more connected to the planet, than when you’re walking atop these mountains. 

Before you head out, there are a few things to keep in mind. Whenever hiking mountains, you’ll want to plan accordingly, which means  packing the essentials , checking the weather forecast, and chatting with local park rangers for any trail changes and wildlife activity. As always, keep  Leave No Trace principles in mind, stick to the trail, and be respectful of other hikers.

Here are the 21 best mountain hiking trails to consider for your next adventure.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado

West Maroon Pass from Crested Butte to Aspen , Colorado

Featuring the most photographed peaks in the state, the Maroon Bells , this 11-mile hike is simply spectacular. If you plan it right to experience the best wildflower season in mid-June to late July, you’ll trek past towering stalks of green gentian amidst blue Columbine, magenta elephantella, and yellow sunflowers that burst into bloom along the switchbacking trails and across the hillsides for miles. As you gain 3,000 feet of elevation, topping out at 12,500 feet, there will be marmots, alpine lakes, waterfalls, snowfields, river crossings, and plenty of mountain panoramas. Once you get to Aspen , shuttle back to your starting point or spend the night and hike the magic all over again the next day.

The view of Ann Lake from Maple Pass Loop in Washington

Heather - Maple Pass Loop , Washington

Often overshadowed by Mt. Rainier’s Fremont Lookout, this 7.2-mile moderately difficult roundtrip hike is no consolation prize. In the North Cascades , in late September or early October, you’ll be treated to the season of golden larches, where brilliant yellow groves make it feel as though the trees are giving you a standing ovation for your progress. After hiking through old growth forests, around slim paths with rocky slopes, and on top of a ridge, you'll reach an elevation of 6,650 feet, where the views of Ann Lake and the surrounding Swiss Alps-y setting will send heart-is-full shock waves through your body.

Mount Marcy via Van Hoevenberg Trail , New York

The tallest mountain in the Adirondacks and the highest point in the Empire State, Mount Marcy is a character-building, bucket list-worthy hike, and a go-to adventure for those living in the ‘Dacks.’ Even if you wisely pick a shoulder season, this is a popular eight hour climb, so you’ll want to rise before dawn in nearby Lake Placid to get a head start. Throughout the 16.2-mile roundtrip hike with 3,166 feet of elevation gain, you’ll find narrow boardwalks, rocky passes, and gushing Indian Falls. When you reach the 5,344 foot summit, where Teddy Roosevelt stood in 1901, you'll look out over the High Peaks with a surefooted sense of accomplishment likely shared by the historical figure, who descended the mountain and went to Buffalo to be sworn in as the 26th president. If it’s a hot day, take a revivifying dip in Phelps Brook on the way down.

The Chimney Pond Trail in Baxter State Park, Maine

Chimney Pond Trail , Maine

Baxter State Park has more than 200 miles of hiking trails, like this 6.3-mile roundtrip hike favored by locals. Come summer, expect a colorful wilderness and amusing attractions, from boulder stairs and wooden planks to waterfalls and wading moose. Although this hike with roughly 1,500 feet of elevation gain doesn’t summit Mt. Katahdin, Maine's highest peak, some would argue that reaching Chimney Pond, ringed with mountains, is just as rewarding. 

Hikers on Waihee Ridge Trail in Hawaii

Waihee Ridge Trail , Hawaii 

To experience these four miles in the West Maui Forest Reserve is to know the sheer unalloyed pleasure of true paradise. With 1,591 feet of elevation gain, this is no walk in the park, and rain can mean muddy, slippery trail conditions. But Maui’s grandeur is on full display at every turn, keeping you mesmerized despite tired legs. Taking in the expansive views of the island and surrounding Pacific Ocean, you might catch yourself whispering Mahalo nui, struck by an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the vast unspoiled wilderness.

Grandfather Mountain’s Profile Trail , North Carolina 

This eight-mile roundtrip trail is a waking dream of a hike. Traipsing along a cliff, which pioneers saw as the face of an old man, the Profile Trail steadily climbs 1,775 feet through startling terrain: one mile it’s a rolling pink pathway of rhododendron, the next turn there are coves and woods dense with ferns and firs, then a canopy of red spruce and mountain maples and a field of creatively arranged boulders. It’s a nonstop visual spectacle—there are also waterfalls and a mile-high swinging bridge —a welcome distraction during the strenuous steep ascents and dare-devilish ladder climbs. Atop 5,964-foot Calloway Peak, one of the tallest in the Blue Ridge Mountains , catch your breath in front of majestic long-range views of North Carolina High Country. 

The Mount Greylock Range in Massachusetts

Mount Greylock via Bellows Loop Trail , Massachusetts

The highest point in the state at 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock looms above the Berkshires , casting a spell over all who visit the region—including Herman Melville. While working from his study in Pittsfield in 1850-51, the author looked out at the snow-covered mountain and saw the shape of a white whale that would inspire “Moby Dick.” The 6.5-mile out-and-back hike up this National Natural Landmark (also on the National Registry of Historic Places), has an unrelenting incline up 2,260 feet towards the summit, where you’ll find views as far as 90 miles away, a delicious meal at seasonally operating Bascom Lodge, and the occasional black bear. After the hike, enjoy a well-deserved rest in the  Greylock Room at the Guest House at Field Farm, a 1948 Bauhaus-inspired home on 316 acres of conserved land featuring sculptures, four miles of trails, and front row views of Mount Greylock.

The drive down from Mount Washington in New Hampshire

Mount Washington via Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail , New Hampshire

The best kind of hikes leave you with a childlike sense of awe and wonder, and this 8.2-mile out-and-back hike does just that. Best done between May and October, the ‘Ammo Trail’ will push your limits even if you are a seasoned hiker. With over 3,812 feet of elevation gain, the path is a real calf burner. Beyond the sheer rock faces, there are several waterfalls and deep mysterious woods out of a fairy tale. People often break up the climb by camping at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s  Lake of the Clouds hut , which alone is worth the trip.

Lye Brook Falls Trail , Vermont

Located in the the Lye Brook Wilderness in Green Mountain National Forest , this 4.7 mile out-and-back hike near Manchester harbors one of the tallest waterfalls in Vermont . Following century-old logging roads, now resplendent with groves of birch, beech, and maple, and then a potentially muddy uphill slog, you’ll hear Lye Brook Falls. Come spring, the snow melt brings a phenomenal cascade that drops 125 feet over a twisting staircase of rocky tiers that you can see up close.

Mineral Ridge Trail in Idaho

Mineral Ridge Trail , Idaho 

For a minimal effort with big rewards, look to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, just outside the artsy celeb-studded town of Coeur d’Alene. Hikers will delight in this 3.3-mile family-friendly loop that has less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain and beautiful mountain hiking trails all the way up. After winding through a pine forest, you’ll be met with views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Coeur d’Alene mountains, northern Idaho’s answer to the fjords of Norway . This hike can be enjoyed year round (in heavy snow, bring snowshoes and poles).

Camelback Mountain in Arizona

Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail , Arizona

Named for its resemblance to a kneeling camel, Camelback Mountain has become a cultural touchstone for local Phoenicians, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. The 2.5 mile out-and-back Echo Canyon Trail in Phoenix Mountains Preserve has 1,420 ft of elevation gain, boulder scrambles, steep ascents, and handrails, and can take up to three hours to complete. Catch the sunrise over the Valley of the Sun, when the sky turns on the mountain’s shade of red sandstone. Avoid the sweltering heat by hiking during October through April, and keep your eyes peeled for diverse wildlife, including javelina, fox, bobcat, rabbit, American kestrels, and Gila woodpeckers clinging to Cholla cactus.

The Timpooneke trail in Utah

Mount Timpanogos via Timpooneke Trail , Utah

As you work your way up to the summit of Mount ‘Timp’ Timpanogos, the second-highest mountain in Utah's Wasatch Range, you’ll encounter a gradual incline that leads to steep and narrow rocky sections with loose scree. This 14.3-mile out-and-back trail in Northern Utah’s Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest reaches an altitude of 11,752 feet and is best experienced during peak wildflower season in late July to early August, when the path meanders through meadows covered in bluebells, yellow arnicas, violet larkspurs, and orange-red Indian Paintbrush. Expect to see deer, grouse, and mountain goats, and hear the howls of coyotes echoing off the exposed limestone and dolomite massif that dates back 300 million years. If you go early on a weekday morning, you'll have the summit and Utah Valley views to yourself.

Oberg Mountain Loop via Superior Trail , Minnesota

To experience autumn on the North Shore is to understand Minnesota’s nickname, l'étoile du nord or “the star of the north.” This 2.3-mile kid-friendly loop offers multiple overlooks with you-gotta-be-kidding-me views of Superior National Forest , Lake Superior , and Oberg Lake. The most challenging thing about the hike will be leaving the maple trees at their peak; the vibrant scenery here is like a record you want to play on repeat, flipping from blazing orange side A to dazzling yellow side B and back. 

Cascade Canyon Trail in Wyoming

Cascade Canyon Trail , Wyoming

This 9.1-mile hike in Grand Teton National Park packs a wallop with its dramatic mountain arena, ethereal forests, 200-foot waterfall, and frenzy of wildflowers like flamingo-hued penstemon, purplish monkshood, and the rare calypso orchid. Between June and October, you’ll spot plenty of wildlife, from picas and marmots to fox, black bears, and a casual moose basking in the sun. While this four hour climb with more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain is worth its challenges—there are large boulder fields, steep ascents, and eye-widening drop-offs—if you opt for the 12-minute electric shuttle ride across  Jenny Lake to the trailhead, you can reduce the hike by four miles. 

John Muir Trail in California

Half Dome via the John Muir Trail , California

It’s no wonder that John Muir was in Yosemite when he wrote, “The mountains are calling and I must go.” The crown jewel of Yosemite National Park, Half Dome bewitches hikers with its sheer granite face looming 5,193 feet over the valley. Also known as “Tis-sa-ack” in Ahwahnechee, this legendary landmark has an elevation of 8,844 feet, so be prepared for a full day of climbing— with a required permit . If you start this roughly 15-mile route before sun up, you’ll find few hikers and a sky full of stars , not to mention a spellbinding sunrise as you follow cliffside switchbacks and stony staircases next to tall waterfalls. After flatter woodsy stretches and rock scrambles, you’ll reach the final 400-foot section, where you’ll want grippy gloves as you move up the cables to the breathtaking summit. 

Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon

Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek Trail , Oregon

In the Columbia River Gorge within Mount Hood National Forest , this 12.5 mile out-and-back hike with 2,000 feet of gentle elevation gain is a waterfall lover’s dream. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Range in the northernmost part of Oregon , this verdant hike is filled with photo opps between the numerous waterfalls, bridges, towering basalt walls, and swimming holes . After navigating some steep narrow ledges with cable handrails, you’ll reach Tunnel Falls, where a path completed in 1920 allows hikers to pass behind the 165-foot waterfall. Hike another 0.5 miles to see the striking 148-foot Twister falls. 

The view from Wheeler Peak in New Mexico

Wheeler Peak via Williams Lake Trail , New Mexico 

New Mexico has the wildest mix of terrain in the country, from its moonlike dunes of White Sands National Park to the Alien Throne hoodoos in the Valley of Dreams, to the fiery sandstone cliffs of Red Rocks Canyon. If you need any further proof, just go stand on top of 13,167-foot Wheeler Peak, the tallest point in New Mexico—although it feels more like Colorado . After ascending a wooded trail and skirting Williams Lake, you’ll enter single track in the open tundra, amid chirping pika and lounging bighorn sheep. As you near the summit, carefully treading loose scree and tiptoeing along the ridge, you’ll be enveloped by views of Taos Ski Valley , the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and Wheeler Peak Wilderness. Best relished between June and October, you’ll want to start this 8.5-mile out-and-back trail with roughly 3,000 feet of climbing early to avoid being caught on the ridge during one of the frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

The Highline Trail in Montana

Highline Trail , Montana

The most profound hiking experience to be had in Glacier, this 14.9 mile out-and-back trail hugs the cliffs for much of the way up 2,578 feet, topping out at 7,280 feet. Heart-clutching views of lush valleys and colossal snow-capped mountains invoke Patagonia , only with the added bonus of grizzlies, big horn sheep, and bucks. Get an early start in the summer and consider tacking on the glorious 1.5-mile side trip to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook to hover over the disappearing glaciers for one of the all-around best hikes in Glacier National Park . 

Angel Rocks Trail to Chena Hot Springs , Alaska

When you’re in Alaska , every hike is bound to be gorgeous. But this multifaceted 8.7-mile point-to-point trek blows even the Mendenhall Glacier out of the water. An hour northeast of Fairbanks , you’ll find switchbacks winding up 1,204 feet to a thrilling valley overlook. Keep an eye out for moose as you continue on through forested hillsides, above the timberline, then down through another peaceful forest to  Chena Hot Springs Resort , where you’ll soak in the healing mineral waters, visit the ice museum, and watch the dancing green bands of the Northern Lights —best viewed in August to October. 

The trail up Guadalupe Peak in Texas

Guadalupe Peak Trail , Texas

From the highest point in Texas , at a surreal 8,751 feet, you’ll look out over nothing but rocky mesas and desert plains. Located on Mescalero Apache ancestral land in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail has an elevation gain of 2,952 feet and may take around six hours to complete. There are steep rocky switchbacks, five-foot-wide paths with jarring drop-offs, and a jaunt through a forest of pinyon pine, Douglas fir, and southwestern white pine. But before you even take a step, know that you’ll be hiking in the world’s most extensive ancient fossil reef; Guadalupe Mountains originated as a marine reef in the Permian Period about 280 to 250 million years ago. Although the temperatures are milder in the spring and fall, you’ll still want to get up early to make the most of the ascent and peak.

Bear Mountain Trail , Connecticut

While the tallest peak in the state offers ravishing views of the Berkshires in Massachusetts to the north and New York’s Catskills to the west, getting there is equally exhilarating. The 6.1 mile loop in Mount Riga State Park takes hikers up 1,683 feet, through narrow jungly paths filled with pink and white trillium flowers, wood anemone and violets, over steep and rocky sections, and onto two miles of the Appalachian Trail before reaching Bear Mountain’s 2,316 foot summit. Have a picnic while savoring the sights of verdant mountains, lakes, and a heavenly atrium.

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12 best mountain towns in the U.S. to see fall foliage

With cool temps and colorful leaves, these scenic mountain towns feel especially welcoming in the fall..

Fall hits different in the mountains. Cool temperatures and colorful leaves are a springboard for hiking, kayaking, and biking, while the fresh air builds an appetite for autumn treats from plump donuts to fresh-pressed cider. With apple picking, corn mazes, and Halloween vibes and spooky stories tossed in for good measure, the best mountain towns in the U.S. feel especially welcoming in the fall months.

If you’re in the mood for fall vacation ideas where the vibrant palette of crimson, gold, and pumpkin-colored leaves takes center stage, then pack your sweater and get ready for some high-altitude leaf-peeping. The hotels are cozy and the trees are ablaze with foliage at America’s most scenic mountain towns in the fall.

SCENIC TRAILS: 10 best fall foliage train rides in the U.S.  

1. Bethel, New York

The catskills.

Situated just two hours from New York City and boasting a wide variety of deciduous trees packing a big autumn color punch, The Catskills have long been a popular New York vacation destination for outdoorsy urbanites. And the town of Bethel, one of the area’s historic hamlets, is a cozy-cute starting point for clean lakes, mountain trails, and leaf peeping galore.

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Visit on Sundays in the fall for the annual Harvest Festival featuring a farmers’ market, live music, circus performers, and even a tortoise sanctuary. Stay at Kenoza Hall , a lakeside property a few miles from Bethel where you can rent a chic bungalow and enjoy the heated saltwater pool (open until mid-October), family yoga, and complimentary canoes.

2. Park City, Utah

Wasatch mountains.

Leaf peeping season in the Wasatch Mountains presents a golden wonderland of aspens with a smattering of reddish scrub oak and red-orange maples. At the center of it all is Park City, a year-round destination that’s a paradise for cyclists in the fall. Mountain bikers can pedal 40 miles of trails at Round Valley Trail System, including paths shaded by a canopy of tall pines.

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For more leisurely fall foliage sightseeing, lace up your hiking boots and walk the 1.6-mile McPolin Farm Nature Trail, an interpretive loop designed to introduce visitors to native plants and wildlife. Stay at the posh  St. Regis Deer Valley  for an array of activities ranging from guided hikes to cookie decorating to splashing in the year-round pool.

3. Skytop, Pennsylvania 

The poconos.

Ringed by Alpine scenery that’s especially brilliant in the fall, Skytop is a bucolic spot to enjoy autumn colors in the Pocono Mountains. Just a few miles north is Promised Land State Park and its hiking trails, two lakes, and wildlife observation station for spotting eagles. An abundance of rich green pines offset the fiery red and orange hues.

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Stay at the spectacular Skytop Lodge nestled among 5,500 acres of woods with waterfalls and wildlife. Nonstop activities and stellar service make this kid-friendly resort one of the most popular in the entire country, while the option to include a meal plan makes it easy to budget your stay similar to other all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.

4. Schroon Lake, New York

The adirondacks.

In the late 19th century, wealthy industrialists built extravagant lakeside retreats in the Adirondack Mountains. Today, you can immerse in beauty that borders on poetic just as those tycoons once did at Schroon Lake, a tiny hamlet at the northern tip of its namesake lake.

REGIONAL REWARDS: 10 best family resorts in the northeast  

With a plentitude of rambling paths adorned with a crunchy carpet of fallen leaves, expect solitude on the hiking trails. After dusk, the dark sky provides ideal conditions for celestial observations. And the lake itself begs to be explored by boat. Autumn crowds are thin and often the silence is broken only by the call of the loon. Base yourself at The Lodge at Schroon Lake  for a lakefront setting that’s truly gorgeous when autumn leaves are reflected in the clear water. 

5. West Dover, Vermont

Green mountains.

With a windfall of colorful foliage, fall is breathtaking across Vermont. But in the village of West Dover, the locals are especially committed to maintaining the region’s rural roots, and the result is a pastoral landscape punctuated by covered bridges and brilliant bursts of color. To experience the foliage from on high, ride the Bluebird Express to the summit of ski resort Mount Snow for a panoramic   look at Mount Monadnock and the Somerset Reservoir. 

FALL FUN: 10 best New England towns for fall family getaways  

Or, take to the Valley Trail on foot or bike—a section of the pedestrian and cyclist pathway is paved in West Dover, making it easy enough even for little cyclists who still use training wheels. Top it off with a romp in Dover Town Park’s playground. Stay at the elegant and inviting Hermitage Inn , where kayaking, archery, and fly-fishing will keep kids busy, while the pocket-sized spa provides parental pampering.

6. Aspen, Colorado

Rocky mountains.

It may be best known as an upscale winter ski destination, but fall foliage season is a beautiful and less expensive time to visit Aspen. The town’s ubiquitous aspen trees present a sweep of yellow leaves against a bluebird sky. Hiking the peaks of Maroon Bells is a local favorite. 

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And if you’re looking for weatherproof fun, the Aspen Art Museum has family programming and free admission. At the end of the day, soak in a cerebral vibe at  Aspen Meadows Resort , a hotel that’s also home to the Aspen Institute, a prestigious think-tank. 

7. Williamstown, Massachusetts

The berkshires.

Sprinkled throughout with a patchwork of quaint New England villages, the Berkshire Mountains present painterly scenes with a cornucopia of oak and maple trees tinged scarlet and marmalade. Collegiate Williamstown is home to the Clark Art Institute, where a world-class collection of Impressionist art is surrounded by walking trails and a herd of pastured cows.

FROST IS IN THE AIR: 10 New England winter getaways for families who don’t like to ski  

For easy fall hikes with a big visual payoff, Mountain Meadow Preserve is laced with four miles of forest, field, and wetland trails. Top off your visit at The Williams Inn , built with accents of native Berkshire stone and timber and located right in town.  

8. Yosemite National Park, California

Sierra nevada.

In the heart of the Sierra Nevada range, Yosemite National Park protects a vast wilderness. Many of the trees are evergreen, but there are enough deciduous varieties (including maples, black oaks, and dogwoods) to thread vibrant notes of red and bronze through a sea of forest green.

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The park is much quieter after Labor Day, making a hike to Carlon Falls and other scenic areas within the park a peaceful proposition. With an outdoor swimming pool and fun family game room, Rush Creek Lodge is located just outside of the park and makes a great base for exploring the national park in fall ( read our full review here ).

9. Spearfish, South Dakota

Black hills.

In autumn, a hodgepodge of yellow birch and aspen leaves are sprinkled with crimson vines against a landscape of limestone cliffs and foamy waterfalls along the 19-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway in the Black Hills. Mountain goats and deer roam freely here, and it’s just a 75-minute drive to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where you’ll be wowed by the stone faces of Presidents Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. Commune with nature and fall colors at Spearfish Canyon Lodge .

10. Gorham, New Hampshire 

White mountains.

Perched in the shadow of New Hampshire’s towering Presidential Range, Gorham boasts a wide mix of tree species that give great color as the leaves change in the fall. The carriage roads of Gorham’s Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center are bordered with fluffy ferns and crunchy leaves in a rainbow of autumnal hues, a paradise for bikers and hikers.

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Adjacent to the outdoor center, The Glen House  offers sweeping alpine vistas from its modern guest rooms. Frosty weather tends to arrive early in this mountain town, though, so pack a warm jacket alongside your hiking boots. 

11. Hocking Hills, Ohio

Appalachian mountains.

For kaleidoscopic   color on a Midwest fall getaway , head to Hocking Hills. Dotted with waterfalls, hemlock-shaded gorges, and natural rock bridges, Hocking Hills State Park is a prime leaf peeping location and a fine spot for getting out in nature on foot or kayak. The skies are largely undisturbed by light pollution and autumn’s early nightfall makes for fine stargazing at a bedtime-friendly hour, too. Elevate your experience and sleep in a treehouse at  Among the Trees for an extra close look at the fall colors.

12. Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Blue ridge mountains.

For small-town charm and scenic fall drives off the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina’s Beech Mountain hits all the right notes as the highest town in the eastern U.S. Take the chair lift up Beech Mountain and glimpse fall color in five states on a clear day. Hike the Emerald Outback and enjoy a myriad of scenic overlooks.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: How to spend a fall weekend in Asheville, NC (with or without kids)  

Oz lovers will want to follow the yellow brick road and join fans of The Wizard of Oz for the annual Autumn at Oz festival; held over three weekends in September, it’s a magical immersion in all things Oz-related. Stay in spacious apartment-style accommodations at  4 Seasons at Beech , conveniently located near hiking trails, cycling routes, and two lakes.

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20 Best Mountain Resorts Around the U.S.

These mountain resorts have something for every type of traveler.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Donna Heiderstadt is a New York City-based freelance travel writer and editor with first-hand knowledge of nearly 100 countries. A former travel editor at Modern Bride , she specializes in romantic and cruise travel, with bylines in Robb Report , Islands , Afar , and more.

Christian Horan

Fresh air, a dusting of snow, and a blanket of evergreen trees all draw travelers to the picturesque mountain ranges across the United States. And whether you're looking for an exciting ski vacation , a luxury getaway in the woods, or a quiet place to cozy up by the fire, there's a perfect mountain lodge, hotel, or resort that awaits.

Here are 20 of America's best mountain resorts.

Related : More trip ideas

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Teton Village, Wyoming

This ski-in, ski-out lodge at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers adventures all year, from rafting to stargazing. During the winter, guests can hit the slopes before relaxing in the spa, and in the summer, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and more await. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole's close proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone makes it an ideal choice for travelers hoping to explore some of the country's most beautiful national parks during their mountain getaway.

Sonnenalp Hotel, Vail, Colorado

Courtesy of Sonnenalp Vail

Most of the rooms and suites at this Bavarian-style resort lodge have fireplaces, custom-made furniture, and heated floors in the bathrooms, and all feature views of Vail Village or Gore Creek. After a day of skiing or hiking, fuel up with traditional European dishes like schnitzel or fondue at the Swiss Chalet restaurant or enjoy an après-ski drink by the fire at the King's Club.

The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

Courtesy of The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Stay on the pristine, 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate amid the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina when you book a stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate . You can tour the Biltmore House, a historic home built in the late 1800s for George Washington Vanderbilt II, walk or bike the grounds, and visit the Biltmore Winery without ever leaving the property, but you'll want to check out nearby downtown Asheville to browse galleries and try tasty craft beer.

The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

The Little Nell is Aspen's only five-star, five-diamond, ski-in, ski-out hotel, so it's perfect for travelers looking for a luxurious stay in this popular ski town. This Relais & Chateaux property has 92 guest rooms — each with its own fireplace and heated marble floors — as well as several on-site restaurants and bars.

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Whiteface lodge, lake placid, new york.

Whiteface Lodge is a cozy, all-suite mountain resort outfitted with rustic wood beams and cast-iron fireplaces, abutting the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Rooms have full kitchens and private balconies; some overlook Whiteface Mountain itself, while others face McKenzie Mountain and the year-round outdoor pool. In the winter, you can take advantage of complimentary ice-skate rentals and hit the rink.

Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, Utah

Courtesy of Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley

This European lodge , named for Norwegian Olympic gold medal skier Stein Eriksen, is perched mid-mountain at Deer Valley Resort. It's the ideal location for avid winter sports fans who never want to leave the slopes. The resort offers a range of luxe amenities, including an upscale spa, a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and an on-site ski valet team.

Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont

As the first full resort to open in Stowe, Topnotch was able to claim a prime location at the bottom of Vermont's tallest peak, surrounded by maples and pines. Relax in the expansive spa after a day on the slopes or enjoy an après-ski meal at The Roost. In the summer or fall, you can hike the hillside trails and shop for local goods in the quaint town.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, Beaver Creek, Colorado

Courtesy of Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort And Spa

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa offers 190 luxurious guest rooms in the heart of Beaver Creek Village, home to one of the nation's best ski resorts for families . The ski-in, ski-out resort offers easy access to the slopes and nearby ski school, and during the summer, visitors can bask in the fresh mountain air while hiking, rafting, or riding the chairlift to enjoy scenic views.

Blackberry Mountain, Walland, Tennessee

Enjoy a private slice of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee. There's truly something for everyone at this year-round Relais & Chateaux resort, from rock climbing and mountain biking to whiskey tastings. A fall trip affords beautiful foliage views, but it's worth a visit during any season.

Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge, Wyoming

Courtesy of Jenny Lake Lodge

Both operated by the Grand Teton Lodge Company , Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge offer cozy accommodations in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. The latter has 385 guest rooms, some with incredible views of the Tetons, and the smaller and more luxurious Jenny Lake Lodge features private, rustic cabins and a range of complimentary activities.

The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley, California

This 1927 historic landmark in Yosemite Valley is surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and towering cliffs, plus it's located near the trailheads to El Capitan and Half Dome. The Ahwahnee is a classic national park lodge, and it's the perfect home base for adventures in Yosemite.

Montage Big Sky, Big Sky, Montana

With 100 guest rooms and suites and 39 residences, Montage Big Sky offers a luxe stay in the heart of Montana's Spanish Peaks. During the winter, guests can take advantage of ski-in, ski-out access to Big Sky Resort with the help of the hotel's ski concierge, and come summer, they can bask in the area's natural beauty with outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, golf, and fly fishing.

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Courtesy of The Broadmoor

Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor is the world's longest consecutively rated AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star resort. The Broadmoor offers standard hotel rooms, suites, and cottages, along with all-inclusive wilderness experiences in secluded lodges. Activities include hiking, zip lining, biking, and taking a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, Wanship, Utah

Courtesy of The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection

Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City, the beautiful Lodge at Blue Sky offers a mix of peaceful houses and cozy suites. The 3,500-acre property in the Wasatch Range has skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and fat-tire biking in the winter, and sporting clays, hiking, and horseback riding during the summer. Dining options include a scenic mountaintop yurt perfect for a romantic private dinner.

Edgewood Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada

Courtesy of Edgewood Tahoe

Edgewood Tahoe combines the best of a lake vacation and mountain getaway, thanks to its picturesque location on Lake Tahoe. The Lodge at Edgewood Tahoe provides upscale rooms and suites, as well as unique amenities like the après sleep cart and evening s'mores — perfect additions to a day on the slopes or lake.

C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado

Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch

Experience the ultimate family vacation at C Lazy U Ranch, an all-inclusive dude ranch nestled in northern Colorado. With luxurious yet rustic cabins, the relaxing Lazy You Spa, programming for kids and teens, and year-round outdoor adventures, C Lazy U Ranch provides the perfect mountain escape.

Viceroy Snowmass, Snowmass Village, Colorado

Courtesy of Viceroy Snowmass

Located in charming Snowmass Village (part of the expansive Aspen Snowmass ski area), this ski-in/ski-out resort is the perfect place to book for a winter mountain getaway. When you're not hitting the slopes, you can soak in the all-season pool, get a treatment in the 7,000-square-foot spa, or grab a drink at the slopeside bar.

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

Courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up

Sprawled across 37,000 private acres, this Montana ranch resort combines wide-open wilderness with upscale amenities. Accommodations range from spacious homes to safari-style glamping tents, and dining options include sophisticated and locally sourced Montana cuisine, delightful cocktails, and even s'mores created with the help of "certified s’moreologists."

Under Canvas Moab, Moab, Utah

Courtesy of Under Canvas Moab

Trade snowy mountain peaks for stunning red rock formations when you stay at Under Canvas Moab, a glamping resort near Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The spacious tents are decked out with West Elm furnishings, and on-site programming includes activities like yoga, guided hikes, and campfire s'mores. In 2023, the seasonal resort will be open Mar. 2 to Oct. 23.

Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection, Meadows of Dan, Virginia 

Courtesy of Primland Resort, Auberge Resorts Collection

Tucked away in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland Resort 's accommodations include roomy cottages, lodge rooms and suites, and three private tree houses overlooking the valley. The resort has many on-site activities you'd expect from a mountain resort, including golfing, biking, and horseback riding, but it also features its own observatory so you can stargaze in comfort.

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11 top places to visit in the north carolina mountains.

Elevate your next getaway with a visit to these destinations in the Tar Heel State.

Top Places in the North Carolina Mountains

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With stunning views and plenty to do, Blue Ridge Parkway should be at the top of your North Carolina mountains itinerary.

If you're looking for a getaway at a higher elevation and want an escape from the big city, look no further than one of these serene destinations in the North Carolina mountains. With plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities, majestic scenery and wide-open spaces, these towns, parks and attractions are the perfect locales to visit for solo trips, romantic getaways and family vacations.

If you prefer a more laid-back vacation, there are also historical and cultural attractions, luxury accommodations and excellent dining options. And if you're a craft beer enthusiast, you'll be happy to know North Carolina is home to more than 370 breweries and brewpubs – the largest number in the American South.

So, if you're ready for an adventure-filled getaway, need a relaxing vacation or prefer a little of both, check out the best places to visit in the North Carolina mountains.

Asheville is one of the state's most popular vacation destinations with its funky Bohemian vibe and prime location in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Historic Biltmore Estate is one of the main attractions, but visitors will also find a vibrant cultural, craft beer and culinary scene to explore.

Downtown is easily walkable, and you can even go on a self-guided "scavenger hunt" along the Urban Trail to learn about Asheville's intriguing past. With the help of an interactive app that you can download onto your smartphone, you'll discover 30 commemorative stops along the 1.7-mile trail. While the route can take as little as an hour, you'll want to have a break between visits to check out the eclectic boutiques, galleries and restaurants serving internationally inspired cuisine. You might even want to hit up a few breweries and sample a cold brew or two.

Speaking of beer, Asheville has the bragging rights to more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. The town was named the first Beer City in the U.S. in 2009, and it has been widely known as one of the top beer cities in the country ever since. People come to Asheville for "beercations" devoted to all things craft beer. There is also a long list of annual beer festivals hosted in Asheville throughout the year, including Asheville Oktoberfest, the Burning Can Fest in August and to ring in the new year, the New Year's Eve Keg Drop at Biltmore Park.

Visitors to Asheville also have access to many outdoor adventure activities like hiking, biking, mountain climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fly-fishing and whitewater rafting. And when it comes to dining , this mountain town has one of the most creative and inspiring culinary communities. You'll find everything from cuisine focused on using locally sourced and foraged foods and artisan ingredients to top-notch Italian, Spanish, Indian and Mexican cuisine and more. And don't forget the Southern-inspired spots serving up great barbecue, house-made charcuterie, fried chicken, pimento cheese and biscuits with red-eye gravy.

For accommodations, plan to reserve a room at Kimpton Hotel Arras. This upscale property sits in the middle of downtown in Pack Square, where you can walk to many restaurants, cafes, breweries, galleries and shops. The property is also pet-friendly.

[See more of Asheville: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Biltmore Estate: Asheville

If you're traveling to Asheville and want to visit Biltmore Estate while in town, you should add a few extra days to your vacation to explore the 8,000-acre property and grounds. Historic Biltmore House is known as "America's Largest Home," and it's the former residence of George and Edith Vanderbilt. If you want to stay close to all the activities, there are several options for accommodations on the property, including the casual Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate or the luxurious Inn on Biltmore Estate . For more privacy, you can book one of the four newly updated, historic Cottages on Biltmore Estate. You can even customize your stay in the cottages with a concierge and a private chef.

There are always seasonal events, special art collections and rotating exhibits at Biltmore. Christmas is especially festive with the house decked out in all its holiday splendor. There are also special Candlelit Christmas Evenings reminiscent of the Vanderbilt family's first Christmas at Biltmore in 1895. Many tour options are available to see the house and grounds and engage in activities around the estate.

For a different look at what life was like at Biltmore with the Vanderbilts, book the intimate (maximum 12 guests) Biltmore House Backstairs Tour. This excursion visits rarely seen parts of the house and gives insight into the lives of the people that worked at the estate. Reviews from travelers that visit Biltmore say the architecture, grounds and a glimpse into the opulence of the gilded age at Biltmore make the attraction a must-see when visiting Asheville.

Other special on-site activities include horseback or horse and carriage rides around the grounds. You can also explore the estate with an off-road Land Rover Experience, go fly-fishing with an Orvis-endorsed guide or take a river float trip on the French Broad River . And if that's not enough outdoor action, try your hand at archery or sporting clays or even the ancient art of falconry with these incredible birds of prey. If you've come to Biltmore for a getaway to relax for a few days, you can book a spa treatment or participate in wellness activities, such as morning yoga or a mindfulness walk.

What's more, the on-site winery offers complimentary tastings where you can sample Biltmore wines. Meanwhile, the wide selection of restaurants at the Biltmore's restaurants offer everything from casual and pub fare to a more formal experience – in true Vanderbilt style – at The Dining Room at the Inn.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Known as "America's Favorite Scenic Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding 469-mile road that connects the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are four main entrances to the parkway in the Asheville area and 252 picturesque miles to explore in Western North Carolina. You can choose to drive the route by car or go hiking on some of the best trails in the U.S. You can also head out for an adventurous bike ride or even take a bike tour with a local outfitter.

If you decide to go hiking, there are plenty of options with easy, short trails or more demanding treks. And no matter which trail best suits your hiking skills, you may be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the mountains and even dramatic waterfalls along the way.

After exploring the area by car, on foot or by bike, don't miss two of the top spots to visit on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Craggy Gardens at milepost 364.4 sits at 5,640 feet elevation. This stop features the National Park Service visitor center and other facilities, such as a gift shop and restrooms. And Mount Mitchell , at the 355.4 milepost, is the tallest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River, with its summit at 6,684 feet. Travelers to the parkway say it's one of the most beautiful drives in the country with incredible sunsets, stunning overlook views and numerous waterfalls.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the U.S. Located in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, the park encompasses 520,000 acres (or 800 square miles) of natural beauty, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The park is also known for the striking blue mist over its peaks and valleys, which inspires the Great Smoky Mountains name. If you're staying in Asheville, the main western entrance to the park at Oconaluftee Visitor Center is approximately 55 miles from town. The visitor center is where you'll find a collection of historic log buildings. It's also one of the best places to view the park's elk herd. While there, visit nearby Mingus Mill – a grist mill dating back to 1886.

Cataloochee Valley is another great spot for elk viewing. You'll also find an old church, farmhouse and one-room schoolhouse built by the homesteaders that first settled the area. For hikers, there are three popular hiking trails: Midnight Hole, Mouse Creeks Falls and the more challenging Mount Cammerer at Big Creek. And if you're up for even more adventure, head over to the overlook at Newfound Gap for picturesque views or visit the observation tower on Clingmans Dome , the highest summit in the Smokies at 6,643 feet elevation. Visitors to the park say that it's beautiful to see in every season, especially in the fall. They also mention that there are trails for all levels of hikers.

[See more of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Things to Do | When to Visit | Photos ]

Situated along a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains and along the Eastern Continental Divide, Highlands sits at 4,118 feet elevation in the Nantahala National Forest. The charming mountain town in North Carolina offers plenty of outdoor adventure options, with many hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls and fly-fishing in 107 miles of rivers and streams brimming with rainbow, brown and wild brook trout. You'll also find scenic UTV tours and aerial thrills like zip lining and ropes courses at Highlands Aerial Park, just a short drive from town.

In Highlands, visitors will also find a vibrant cultural arts scene, with exhibits, art classes and events hosted at The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. Music and theater are also a large part of the community with the annual Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, operatic Bel Canto Recitals, summer outdoor concerts and live theater performances.

For luxury accommodations, Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a Relais & Châteaux property located in the heart of town. The hotel puts guests within walking distance of the upscale shops, galleries, restaurants and Satulah Mountain Brewing Co., the first post-prohibition legal brewery in Macon County, North Carolina. After a day exploring the outdoors or browsing the boutiques, book a rejuvenating or relaxing spa treatment at the hotel's on-site European-inspired spa.

Grandfather Mountain: Linville

Grandfather Mountain sits at 5,946 feet elevation in the northwest part of the state and is part of the United Nations' Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve. The North Carolina mountain is estimated to be approximately 300 million years old, with some rock formations dating back as far as 1.2 billion years. One-third of the park is operated as a tourist attraction under the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc., with proceeds going toward preserving the mountain. The remaining land is undeveloped and owned by the state as Grandfather Mountain State Park.

One highlight of a visit to the mountain is the panoramic view from the 228-foot-long Mile High Swinging Bridge, one of the highest suspension footbridges in the U.S. at an elevation of 5,305 feet. Adventure-seekers can also take the short hike along the Bridge Trail that goes beneath the bridge, or there are other routes to explore at the mountain. During your visit, you can also tour the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, which houses interactive exhibits and educational activities.

Tickets are required for entry to Grandfather Mountain and its attractions, and previous visitors highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. The park also assigns time slots for entry. Once you're in the park, you can drive to most of the daily programs and activities, the Wilson Center, the Nature Museum and visit the wildlife habitats. Parking is available close to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. If you're planning a full day at the park, bring a picnic lunch, or you can grab casual bites at Mildred's Grill.

Visitors to Grandfather Mountain say it's beautiful, but it can be windy, especially for a walk on the suspension bridge. For nearby accommodations, check out The Lodge at River Run in Banner Elk.

The Blowing Rock: Blowing Rock

Known as North Carolina's oldest travel attraction and one of the top destinations in the North Carolina mountains, The Blowing Rock has been welcoming travelers since 1933. The ancient rock, created during the formation of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is actually a jagged cliff at 4,000 feet above sea level overlooking Johns River Gorge at 3,000 feet below. And from the precipitous ledge, you can also see Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock in the southwest and Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell to the west.

In the winter months, The Blowing Rock experiences a peculiar occurrence – snow falls upside down. This phenomenon, which is how the rock got its name, is caused by a flume formed by the rocky walls of the gorge. The strong northwest winds produced in the flume are powerful enough to return light objects dropped into the void.

A half-mile self-guided path around The Blowing Rock includes a nature trail and a picnic area. The attraction is also pet-friendly for leashed animals and about 70% accessible for visitors with mobility concerns. Travelers comment that the views from above are worth the visit and they also appreciate the friendly staff. After your visit, head over to Blowing Rock Brewery and Ale House Restaurant for a craft beer paired with a local Carolina bison burger. If you're planning to stay and explore more of the area, make reservations at Westglow Resort & Spa, an intimate Relais & Châteaux property in Blowing Rock.

Nantahala Outdoor Center: Bryson City

The Nantahala Outdoor Center hosts more than 1 million guests annually for various land- and river-based activities and excursions. Founded in 1972 as a small motel and gas station situated along the Nantahala River, NOC is now one of the largest outdoor recreation facilities in the U.S. It's also a place where Olympic athletes come to train and practice. There are almost too many adrenaline-pumping activities to choose from at NOC, with many activities offered in other towns in North Carolina and other states like Tennessee and Georgia.

In Bryson City, top thrills include guided Nantahala River rafting, mountaintop zip line tours, a zip line adventure park and more. You can also purchase an adventure pass that gives you access to multiple excursions throughout the day. If you're a serious outdoor adventurer, you might also be interested in the facility's courses, which cover everything from paddling instruction classes to wilderness survival. Reviewers of the facility say that it's an incredible experience and comment that "you only live once" so you should take the chance to enjoy these adventurous activities.

Bryson City

If you're visiting the Nantahala Outdoor Center for its adventure activities, plan to add a day or two to explore Bryson City. Situated along the Tuckasegee River, this laid-back community has quite a bit to offer for its small size with craft galleries, bookstores, fly-fishing shops, a history museum, an aquarium, many restaurants and more.

While in town, you might even want to book a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. One excursion, departing from Bryson City, makes a four-hour, 32-mile round-trip journey filled with beautiful scenery to the village of Dillsboro, where you can stop to check out another local North Carolina brewery. Along the way, you'll also see the train wreck from the set from "The Fugitive," the 1993 action movie starring Harrison Ford.

For accommodations, The Everett Hotel is an excellent choice. This historic landmark was originally built in 1905 as the Bryson City Bank. At the end of the day, when it's time to relax, the property features a rooftop terrace with a fireplace that offers sweeping city and mountain views. And for dinner, try the cozy bistro downstairs that serves locally sourced beef and fresh Carolina Mountain trout.

Pisgah National Forest: Asheville

Pisgah National Forest boasts more than 500,000 acres of old-growth forests, with nearly 100,000 acres that once belonged to George W. Vanderbilt. When Vanderbilt's wife, Edith, sold the lands to the U.S. government in 1914 after her husband's death, this created the first national forest east of the Mississippi River. Pisgah is also home to the first school of forestry in the U.S. Travelers can visit the Cradle of Forestry in America historic site in the park, which features historic buildings, guided walks, living history interpreters, an old logging train and the Forest Discovery Center.

A popular drive for visitors to Pisgah National Forest is the 15-mile Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 276). Along this route, you'll find the Cradle of Forestry Historic site, Sliding Rock natural waterslide and Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls. If you're an experienced hiker, you'll want to plan a visit to the forest, as the highest peaks in the eastern part of the U.S. are located in Pisgah.

Another top attraction is the North Carolina Arboretum , which boasts acres of trails and cultivated gardens with beautiful plants and flowers. Hikers and mountain bikers will want to check out the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area (in the center of Bent Creek Experimental Forest), Black Balsam Knob and Graveyard Fields. And if you're staying in Asheville, you can catch close-up views of Mount Pisgah, just 10 miles south of town on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Travelers say the area is beautiful with lots of trails, waterfalls and places to camp. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch for your visit so you can take a break from driving or hiking and relax and enjoy the views.

Sugar Mountain Resort: Sugar Mountain

If you're an alpine sports enthusiast, North Carolina's mountains have options for outdoor winter adventures, too. Located approximately 110 miles northwest of Charlotte International Airport and close to the mountain communities of Boone and Blowing Rock, Sugar Mountain Resort is a top-rated ski area in the state. It is North Carolina's largest ski resort and features the highest vertical drop within the state. It's also known for having a good variety of terrain and more advanced runs than the state's other ski areas. Since snow is not as reliable in North Carolina as it is in other parts of the U.S., it's best to check the snow conditions before you go. Reviews from travelers are mixed with some visitors having a great experience, while others say the lines are long, it can be crowded and the facilities need updating.

On days when you aren't skiing, try an exhilarating 700-foot-long tubing ride down the mountain, take a few spins around the ice skating rink or go on a guided snowshoe tour through the resort's winter wonderland. The resort also hosts special events throughout the year, including New Year's Eve festivities with an alpine torch parade and fireworks to ring in the new year at midnight. And for more mountain fun, check out the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster. The first of its kind in the North Carolina mountains, the coaster – a combination toboggan and roller coaster – reaches speeds of up to 27 mph on 360-degree loops.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in North Carolina
• The Best Beaches in North Carolina
• The Top Hikes in Asheville
• The Best Restaurants in Raleigh
• The Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas
• The Best Weekend Getaways in the South
• The Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
• The Top Lakes in Virginia
• The Top Lakes in Tennessee

Tags: Travel , North Carolina Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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See when and where to catch the best of Vermont's fall foliage in 2024 with weekly maps

Fall is gearing up for full swing in Vermont, and it's  going to be a pretty one . With rustling auburn trees and falling yellow leaves, the signature colors of the region make New England fall unbeatable.

Leaves typically start to change color in September and continue to evolve through November. However, the exact timing of fall colors depends on the year and location.

To help give travelers the best chance of seeing peak fall foliage across the country, the  Smoky Mountains website , a tourism website for the Smoky Mountains region, releases an annual foliage forecast map covering the whole country.

Below is a look at Smoky Mountains' fall foliage forecast for Vermont, broken down by week:

Vermont fall colors: Week of Sept. 9

Vermont leaves will start to see minimal color during the week of Sept. 9, with a small portion of the northern part of the state getting patchy foliage.

More: 'Primed for a show': Why 2024 is shaping up to be a great fall foliage year in Vermont

Vermont fall colors: Week of Sept. 16

The next week will bring patchy foliage to the entire state and partial foliage in the North, Smoky Mountains says.

Vermont fall colors: Week of Sept. 23

By the week of Sept. 23, Vermont's foliage will be partial as areas in the state's northern part start to near their peak.

Vermont fall colors: Week of Sept. 30

As October approaches, Vermont will be covered in vibrant color as the entire state starts to peak.

Fall fun: The largest maze in New England is in Vermont. What you need to know to visit

Vermont fall colors: Week of Oct. 7

The Smoky Mountains website predicts that Vermont's peak foliage colors will be reached during the week of Oct. 7, covering the state in beautiful autumn hues.

Vermont fall colors: Week of Oct. 14

By the week of Oct. 14, foliage in Vermont and most of New England will have passed its peak, the website predicts. At this point, leaves will start to grow duller and darker, with many falling off their branches.

Why do leaves change color in the fall?

As plants receive less and less sunlight in the shortened days of fall, the production of chlorophyll, a substance which makes the leaves appear green by saturating them through turning sunlight into glucose, slows down. Without chlorophyll, the "true" color of leaves comes through, according to the Smoky Mountains website.

Changed leaves then begin to fall off their trees as the trees close off their veins in preparation for protection in winter, meaning the leaves no longer receive nutrients and therefore weaken at the stem.

More: When does fall start? Halloween? Major dates to know for the 2024 season

Elissa Robinson of the Detroit Free Press contributed to this report.

Airport Fire in California blamed on crews doing fire-prevention work: See wildfire map

The Airport Fire  in Trabuco Canyon of Orange County, California has set over 5,000 acres ablaze and is 0% contained. The fire is believed to have been started by a crew working on fire prevention measures.

The fire was reported on Monday at 1:27 p.m., according to InciWeb.

The dry, hot weather allowed the fire to grow quickly. It has set 5,432 acres ablaze in Orange County. Orange County Fire Authority and the Cleveland National Forest responded to the fire.

Video shows the wildfire burning near and illuminating the towers on the mountain, around a 71-mile drive southeast of Long Beach.

Line Fire: California's Line Fire grows to 26,000 acres, more evacuations underway: See wildfire map

How did the fire start?

An Orange County Public Work s team putting together a project meant to help prevent fires is believed to have started the fire, reported  Deseret Sun , a part of the USA TODAY Network.

The team was moving boulders in place to prevent motorcyclists and offroad vehicles from going into the dry brush on the canyon near the Cleveland National Forest.

A supervisor and crew member attempted to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher when they noticed smoke near one of the boulders.

Airport Fire map

Line and davis fires grow.

The Airport Fire comes as firefighters in California and Nevada attempt to put out other wildfires , like the Line and Davis fires, and thousands are forced to evacuate their homes.

The Line Fire in Southern California set over 25,813 acres ablaze and is 5% contained. The wildfire was discovered Thursday, according to InciWeb 's data. It's located in San Bernardino County, around 121 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

High temperatures have increased the fire's activity Sunday night.

The Davis Fire , south of Reno, Nevada, was started on Saturday and has since set 5,000 acres on fire, shutting down schools and forcing families to leave their homes, according to the Reno Gazette Journal, a part of the USA TODAY Network.

Around fourteen structures have been affected by the fire, according to Inciweb.

The fire is yet to be contained.

Contributing: Janet Wilson , Palm Springs Desert Sun; Siobhan McAndrew , Brett McGinness , Jason Hidalgo , Jaedyn Young , Reno Gazette Journal

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can connect with her on  LinkedIn , follow her on  X, formerly Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok : @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].

California wildfires: Bridge Fire explodes in size; man arrested in connection with Line Fire

The Bridge Fire in California grew 10 times in size over 24 hours to become the state’s largest wildfire, destroying at least 33 homes by Wednesday night, as firefighters grappled with three major blazes.

One of the fires, the Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest, has resulted in the arrest of a man accused of "intentionally igniting" it, the sheriff’s office said.

The Bridge Fire, which sparked Sunday in Angeles National Forest, exhibited “extreme fire behavior,” jumping from 4,000 acres early Tuesday to 46,000 acres by evening, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The blaze expanded from Los Angeles County into San Bernardino County.

It was the largest active wildfire in the state Wednesday, spanning nearly 50,300 acres, and it was 0% contained.

‘It’s just so hard’: Bridge Fire destroys homes

Chuck Lyons was at his restaurant when the Bridge Fire prompted warnings to leave. His wife went home for 10 minutes to collect a few belongings and then left.

“I had a neighbor who lives across the street call me and said: ‘Your home is fully engulfed. It’s burning,’” Lyons said Wednesday near the wreckage of his house. “And I said, ‘No.’”

Only a chimney stood amid the ruin of the Wrightwood home where he and his wife have lived for around 15 years.

Lyons said he first saw the home being built while he was working in construction in high school. He particularly liked the architecture and joked that maybe someday he would buy it. Years later, he and his wife did just that.

“You know, it’s just so hard to wrap your head around something like this. I really haven’t accepted it yet,” he said, adding: “It’s just total devastation. Our home is gone.”

Lyons' home is one of around 33 officials believe the Bridge Fire has destroyed.

About 20 homes have been destroyed in the Mount Baldy area, along with 13 homes in the Wrightwood area and six cabins in the wilderness, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Wednesday.

There have been no reports of deaths or significant injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Video by the San Bernardino County Fire Department showed firefighters and deputies performing rescue evacuations in Wrightwood on Tuesday evening as flames consumed brush and trees. 

The Bridge Fire is one of three major fires in Southern California — along with the Line Fire and the Airport Fire — which sparked amid an intense heat wave that brought triple-digit temperatures and dry conditions to the region.

The weather has been trending cooler, but it still posed an increased risk for fires. A "red flag" warning was in effect for areas around the Bridge Fire through 10 a.m. Thursday, and gusty winds could drive the fire farther east, the National Weather Service said.

Man arrested in Line Fire

Officials said Tuesday that a man was arrested and accused of sparking the Line Fire, which is burning in the foothills of San Bernardino National Forest, east of Los Angeles. The blaze spans more than 36,400 acres and is 18% contained.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, from Norco, started the fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland on Thursday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office alleged.

He was booked Tuesday at the Central Detention Center on a charge of arson and held on $80,000 bail.

Officials said at a news conference Wednesday that an automatic license plate reader flagged his vehicle near the area where the fire started and led investigators to look into him.

Officials said Halstenberg works for FedEx as a third contract delivery driver, but FedEx said that he is no longer working on behalf of the company and that he was not providing services on its behalf at the time of the fire.

A search warrant executed Tuesday led to the discovery of evidence “that supported his arrest,” said Jacob Hernandez, a detective with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

“It’s my belief that as time goes on and we allow [investigators] to do the critical work that they’re doing that we will actually find out this suspect may have been responsible for other fires,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said. 

He said investigators believe Halstenberg set the Line Fire intentionally but did not disclose how he is believed to have done so, saying, “That will be one of those pieces of evidence that does allow us to connect it to multiple fires.”

The blaze has continued to grow in steep terrain described as difficult to access, and it has affected "key radio towers on Keller Peak," hampering major communication channels used to respond to the incident, said Cal Fire's unit that covers San Bernardino County .

Fire officials say public safety power shutoffs are anticipated for parts of Big Bear and Bear Valleys.

About 65,600 structures are threatened. Evacuation orders are in effect for the communities of Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, Forrest Falls, Mountain Home Village and parts of Big Bear, along with more evacuation warnings . 

Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency because of the Line Fire on Saturday and said the state National Guard will support the fire response. 

Airport Fire: Thousands told to leave

Meanwhile, in Orange County south of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire had burned about 23,140 acres by Wednesday night, the Orange County Fire Authority said.

It was accidentally sparked Monday afternoon by heavy equipment being operated near an airfield that hobbyists use for remote-controlled planes, officials said.

The fire was 5% contained. Fire Authority Division Chief Kevin Fetterman said Wednesday that a change in weather overnight has helped and "we held the fire to minimal perimeter growth."

Structures have been damaged or destroyed in the El Cariso, Long Canyon and CCC camp area, the county fire department said, but the exact number was not clear from officials.

Tens of thousands of people have been told either to leave or to be ready to leave.

More than 5,500 homes were under evacuation warnings, affecting over 19,200 people, and more than 9,500 other homes were under evacuation warnings, affecting around 33,500 people, Cal Fire Division Chief Todd Hopkins said.

On Tuesday, Newsom’s office said it had mobilized nearly 6,000 boots on the ground and hundreds of engines, 51 helicopters and 141 water tankers as the state fights 16 active wildfires. 

Davis Fire burns in Nevada

In neighboring Nevada, the Davis Fire has also wreaked havoc, including near Big Bear, already lashed by the Line Fire. It spanned over 5,800 acres Wednesday night and was 37% contained.

Hard work by firefighters “has really kept the fire in check" and in the perimeter, fire behavior analyst Stewart Turner said at a briefing Wednesday afternoon, but he said the fire may still make a run.

“We do see those winds out there, though,” he said. “The winds are gusting up to 40, 60, or 70 miles an hour, depending on the elevation.”

The blaze had started Saturday around  Davis Creek Regional Park , just south of Reno, and it was burning heavy timber and brush.On Wednesday, Clark County, Nevada, officials issued an air quality alert because of wildfire smoke from the multiple Southern California wildfires. 

Winds have prevented aircraft from flying, but fire crews have water on the perimeter and have been mopping up hot spots, Jason Clawson, an operations section chief, said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

“At this time, we’re feeling very good,” he said.

Tuesday was the last day of high temperatures near the fires in Nevada and Southern California, and Wednesday will bring a cooling flow from the Pacific Ocean.

CORRECTION (Sept. 11, 2024, at 9:40 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misidentified the sheriff’s department Detective Jacob Hernandez works for. He is a detective with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, not the San Marin County Sheriff’s Department.

CORRECTION (Sept. 12, 2024, 2 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated which fire Justin Wayne Halstenberg is accused of starting. It is the Line Fire, not the Bridge Fire.

Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Dana Griffin is an NBC News correspondent.