The best mountain towns bring something magical to the table. Aside from the head-turning scenery of nature’s colors blending together like real-life painting, a mountain town also has its own unique charm that people from other places fall in love with.
Whether you’re a landscape photographer looking for the next project to complete, or just an ordinary traveler who loves the postcard-perfect mountain towns in America, I’ve compiled 10 that you should definitely visit at least once in your life…
10 Breathtakingly Beautiful Best Mountain Towns in America
Add these charming mountain cities on your bucketlist, or pass by them while you’re embarking on a tour.
1. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a city in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas.
Most of the hotels and B&Bs here are attractions themselves, especially if the one you picked is housed in one of the 100+ Victorian buildings currently in existence at Eureka Springs. In fact, the entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Don’t Miss: Ozark Natural Science Center, the picturesque glass chapel in the woods (Thorncrown Chapel), and the 7-story Christ of the Ozarks memorial statue.
- What Makes it Special? The historic Victorian architecture against the postcard-perfect backdrop is just something to behold, especially in the fall. (If you’re hunting places in the country with the best fall colors worthy of paintings, check my list here.)
2. Asheville, North Carolina
This bohemian town has one of the richest “personality” a town can have, from its Street art scene and street busker entertainment, to the abundance of microbreweries (like Asheville Brewing Company or Wicked Weed), local museums and coffeehouses, you won’t run out of chill things to do at Asheville.
You can partake on the local “bellyaking” at the French Broad River, or just be in awe of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge mountains that seemingly outlines the town.
- Don’t Miss: The 100-year-old historic Biltmore Estate (America’s largest home), live music at the Mothlight, The River Arts District (showcasing over 200 local artists), and the Japanese-style Shoji Spa.
- What Makes it Special? It’s one of the coolest mountain towns on the East Coast and ranked #1 US travel destination by Lonely Planet, so why not?
3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
This town is situated on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means it can be quite busy during peak seasons. There are tons of scenic views, mountains and forests…and activities from fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, tubing, and riding the ziplines that would make your visit worth the wait.
For spectacular views of downtown Gatlinburg, ride the 120-passenger Aerial Tramway, taking you to the top of the mountain. Check out Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park & Ski Area, if you’re interested in reaching “new heights.”
- Don’t Miss: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Floyd Garrett’s Muscle Car Museum, and the charming little village shops by one of the 4,000 residents living here.
- What Makes it Special? Visit during off-peak winter seasons, so you can explore the Smokies without rushing.
4. Telluride, Colorado
Personally, Telluride is hands-down one of the most picturesque mountain towns in the US for me. One look and you’d literally fall in love with this small town, which is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains.
It’s so fantastic that the entire downtown is protected by the National Historic Landmark District.
Telluride is also a famous ski town, so if you’re not into the sport and just want to chill, schedule your trip around ski season.
If you’re a golf lover, you’ll love hitting the golf ball at more than 9,000 feet altitude at the esteemed Telluride Golf Club.
- Don’t Miss: Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Historical Museum, ski at the Mountain Village, or visit the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado (Bridal Veil Falls).
- What Makes it Special? It’s an old charming mining town with saloon-like buildings and shops.
5. Whitefish, Montana
If you’re planning a trip to the Glacier National Park, drive about 30 miles more to reach Whitefish.
Whitefish, Montana is an authentic mountain town located in the northern Rockies, Whitefish is where you’ll find some of the world’s most unspoiled nature and majestic mountains.
If you’re visiting around February, don’t miss the Winter Carnival (it’s been around for over 50 years).
I wrote an extensive guide about all the fun things you can do in Montana, if you’ve decided to check out Whitefish.
Meet locals, and check out the art hanging in the Going-to-the-Sun Gallery in downtown Whitefish.
- Don’t Miss: Whitefish Mountain Resort if you like to ski, or the Whitefish City Beach if you’re looking for an interesting backdrop (a body of water with forest in greens and yellow),
- What Makes it Special? This town has been ranked #1 of the best mountain towns for its perfect weather all yearround.
6. Charlottesville, Virginia
Thomas Jefferson’s hometown is a heaven for wine lovers – this mountain town is home to over 30 wineries that you can visit as the Monticello Wine Trail.
Located at the foothills of Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville has plenty of natural interesting sites, from the nearby Shenandoah National Park (with its 190 birds) and about 105 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and the highest vertical-drop waterfall in the eastern US (that’s the Crabtree Falls).
- Don’t Miss: The University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home of Monticello (it’s the only home in America to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site).
- What Makes it Special? It’s a small town through and through (the Downtown Mall consists of 150 locally-owned shops where everybody knows everybody). It’s also a go-to destination for birders, wine fans, history buffs, and nature lovers.
7. Deadwood, South Dakota
The Wild West town of Deadwood was born upon the discovery of gold, so this mountain town isn’t just picturesque, it’s also deep in history that date backs to 1800.
During summer, the Historic Main Street becomes the stage for re-enactments of three popular shootouts and the Trial of Jack McCall, who murdered Wild Bill. It’s an exciting live show with professional actors gun slinging down the street.
- Don’t Miss: Hike the George S. Mickelson Trail, visit the Broken Boot Gold Mine, and the Days of 76 Museum where all things 1876 Gold Rush are kept in record detail.
- What Makes it Special? The rich mining history has been kept alive in this South Dakota town.
8. Leavenworth, Washington
Located about 2 hours east of Seattle, in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth was modeled after a Bavarian village to attract more visitors.
Leavenworth’s Front Street Park is where you’ll find a picturesque river with an old school gazebo, dense forest as backdrop. If you’re up for an adventure, hike the Icicle Gorge Trail to witness the beauty of the Icicle Creek Valley.
If you’re visiting in October, join the Leavenworth Oktoberfest for some fun drinking.
- Don’t Miss: Dine at the unforgettable Organic Garden at Sleeping Lady, and visit the fascinating Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum.
- What Makes it Special? One of the best mountain towns in the state, Leavenworth is an ideal destination no matter what season.
9. Lewisburg, West Virginia
Lewisburg is one of West Virginia’s most walkable cities. Stroll downtown and experience the local culture as you shop through dozens of boutique shops, antique stores and art galleries lining its picturesque main street.
Love to eat? Schedule your visit around Lewisburg’s food festivals: the Chocolate Festival in April or Taste of Our Towns (TOOT) in October.
If you’re lucky, you can join locals as they enjoy good food and live music at First Fridays After Five in downtown Lewisburg.
Check out other things to do in West Virginia, if you plan to go on a side trip here.
- Don’t Miss: Tour the Lost World Caverns, visit Carnegie Hall or the part-museum, part-hotel General Lewis Inn.
- What Makes it Special? The cool mountain town of Lewisburg offers outdoor activities, amazing dining options, memorable festivals and unique arts scene.
10. Sugar Hill, New Hampshire
Sugar Hill is a town in Grafton County, which overlooks the White Mountain National Forest and views of the Presidential, Franconia, Kinsman and Dalton ranges.
Visit Sugar Hill in the winter, and you’ll have a ton of activities to do from sleigh riding, extreme skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and so on.
In the summer, you can go canoeing, cycling, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, hiking Mount Washington or Mount Lafayette, swimming at the Echo Lake, and joining the Lupine Flower Festival.
- Don’t Miss: Dine at the James Beard Award-winning Polly’s Pancake Parlour, shop at artisan markets, and take home some white cheddar goodness from Harman’s Cheese & Country Store.
- What Makes it Special? Sugar Hill may be one of the smallest mountain towns on this list, but it has tons of natural attractions, good food and spectacular views to offer.
Which Towns do You Consider the Best Mountain Towns?
Technically, all the towns I listed on my post about the best skiing town in America can be included in this list as well. They’re all located in charming towns with perfect snowy mountains serving as backdrop.
Have you visited any of the mountain ranges in the US?
Do you agree with my list?
Or do you have a recommended town to add to this bucket list? I’d love to hear your picks…
