There are so many great options in the United States to choose for your next adventure. So let’s narrow it down a bit and look to the mountains. Mountain towns are fun: enthusiastic outdoor scene, hidden gems, local breweries, and culture. Each town has a unique personality and once you figure out which one matches your vibe, everytime you visit, you feel like you are coming home.
We’ve traveled the country and rounded up a list of some of our fave mountain towns. Here’s what makes each special and why we like them so much.
1. North Conway, New Hampshire
Winter, spring, summer or fall, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, are full of adventure from climbing and hiking to skiing and snowboarding. Drew Saurus
Hands down some of the best hiking, climbing, and backpacking in the Northeast. Tucked into the foothills of New Hampshire’s iconic White Mountains, North Conway is a perfect year-round hub for pretty much any adventurer looking to get out for a challenge in the Whites.
If you time your visit during fall, you’ll find yourself smack dab in the middle of the famous New England foliage, and summer is prime time for tackling the infamously steep trails of Mount Washington and amazing climbing routes on Cathedral and White Horse. Winter is its own beast with ice climbing throughout Franconia Notch and a variety of skiing options not far from downtown.
Can’t-Be-Missed Adventure
If you are a hiker, Franconia Ridge is one of the most popular day hikes in the country. Yes, this means it can be crowded, but if you hit the 8.5-mile Mount Lafayette/Franconia Ridge Trail Loop on a weekday and get an early start, you can beat some of the crowds.
If you ice climb, Arethusa Falls is amazing. It’s a quick 1.5-mile hike to the wide, 140-foot frozen falls, where you will find a ton of lines of varying difficulty. The trailhead for Arethusa is also shared with Frankenstein Cliff so experienced climbers can hop over and try their hand at the iconic route, Dracula.
Don’t Miss In Town
Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railway, especially incredible during the peak of foliage season. These restored locomotives are prime for a family trip and get you up close and personal to some of the best views across the region.
Be sure to hit the Moat Brewery for dinner at least one night. The beers are great and the vibe is relaxed. There’s a nice mix of locals and tourists, and chatting people up at the bar is commonplace.
2. Jackson, Wyoming
Just outside of Jackson, WY, the ruggedness of the landscape can be seen in this view of Moulton Barn and the Tetons. Pedro Lastra
Jackson is legendary for its skiing. So if you are looking for a winter getaway, it should be top of the list. While it’s the premiere gateway community to Grand Teton National Park Jackson is as much known for its art and culture scene as it is for the iconic western landscape in which it sits. So if you want something different to do in lieu of hitting the trails, there’s plenty of that to go around too. Don’t let the affluent vibes throw you off—there’s a deep-seated ruggedness infusing Jackson’s epic backcountry adventures.
Can’t-Be-Missed Adventure
If you have the skills and fitness, an ascent of the Grand Teton is something every avid backcountry enthusiast should check off their list. If you are unsure of your technical skills, there are plenty of guides and outfitters in and around Jackson who can help get you to the summit. If there is snow, just ski—it will be epic.
Don’t Miss In Town
The National Museum of Wildlife Art houses one of the premier collections of wildlife-oriented fine art in the entire world. Built right into the landscape across from the National Elk Refuge, the building and artwork will take your breath away.
And, if you just want to hang out after a long day of adventuring, try Snake River Brewery for summer apres, and there are a variety of winter apres options in Teton Village: Mangy Moose (touristy), Alpenhof, or The Handle Bar at the Four Seasons.
3. Bozeman, Montana
Hyalite Reservoir in Bozeman gives visitors a prime spot for kayaking, walking, or biking. Colter Olmstead
No matter which direction you head out of town, you’re going to wind up in some truly incredible places. The Bridger Range sits to the north, Big Sky is a mere 45 minutes south, Paradise Valley (and Yellowstone National Park) lie to the southeast, and there’s the seemingly endless National Forest to the west. Bike or run the in-town trail system, ski at Bridger Bowl or Big Sky, and explore Hyalite Reservoir in a kayak, on foot, or by bike. The downtown is quaint and historic and has a variety of food and beverage options for all preferences.
Can’t-Be-Missed Adventure
Hiking the Gallatin Crest Trail for an overnight backpacking trip in the summer will be an above-treeline experience you’ll never forget.
Don’t Miss In Town
Head to Montana Ale Works for a bison burger, and check out Museum of the Rockies on your day off from exercising.
4. Brevard, North Carolina
Brevard is surrounded by Dupont State Forest (shown above), Pisgah National Forest, and Gorges State Park. Mark Peterson
Only an hour from Asheville, Brevard has become increasingly popular. With a population of less than 10,000, this small town is filled with culture, community, and outdoor access. It’s situated right in between DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest, and Gorges State Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway winds around the county and provides ample access to hundreds of miles of trails.
Can’t-Be-Missed Adventure
The Art Loeb Trail begins just a few minutes outside Brevard. This trail is 30 miles of rugged hiking along the peaks and open ridgelines of the area. It’s a perfect route for a long weekend away.
Don’t Miss In Town
Not quite in town, but if you visit in the summer, take a dip at Sliding Rock, a swimming hole with an all-natural water slide.
5. Flagstaff, Arizona
You can access Humphreys Peak just outside of Flagstaff, AZ, one of America’s five best mountain towns. Todd Diemer
In Flagstaff, you can find just about any ecosystem you are interested in exploring from mountains and deserts to pine forests. The climbing, peak-bagging, and skiing are all top-notch, and the community is head over heels for backcountry recreation of all types. This is a four-season paradise and is less than an hour-and-a-half away from the Grand Canyon.
Can’t-Be-Missed Adventure
At over 12,600 feet, Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona. The trailhead is just over 10 miles outside of Flagstaff and is the start of a rugged trail rewarded with epic views.
Don’t Miss In Town
Check the community schedule for events and entertainment in Wheeler Park, a community hub right in downtown Flagstaff. There is also a wide array of breweries to choose from in town, so enjoy your evening bar hopping and trying out all the local beer Flagstaff has to offer.
These towns are only a small sampling of the awesome outdoor adventure and community the mountains have to offer. If you want to learn about a ton of other adventures you can take, check out the Gregory blog and watch your bucket list grow.
Written by Maggie Slepian for Matcha in partnership with Gregory Mountain Products.