20 Cute Mountain Towns Straight Out of a Storybook

Estes Park, Colorado

This idyllic town is nestled in the valley between two incredible mountain ranges, so no matter where you look, you’ll find magical views. Estes Park borders both Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest, giving you access to over 300 trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing and more. Estes Park also has a booming brewery and winery scene, which is great no matter the season.

Missoula, Montana

John Steinbeck once wrote, “I am in love with Montana. For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love.” After taking a look at Missoula, Montana, we can see his point. Whether you’re looking for solitude or a group adventure, you’ll find it here. In addition to the outdoor adventures you’ll find in most mountain towns, Missoula also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene with museums, art galleries, theaters and music.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The historic Victorian homes that line the streets of this adorable mountain town in the heart of the Ozarks make it completely unique. Not only will you find incredible mountains and small-town charm in Eureka Springs, but you’ll also encounter waterways that offer great fishing and water sport opportunities. In love with the views but not a nature person at heart? Don’t worry, this mountain town also has plenty of spas, shops and galleries to suit your interests.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge isn’t just a picturesque mountain town—it’s also a huge tourist attraction. Pigeon Forge is home to the famed Dollywood theme park, which offers rides, a full water park and, of course, a museum dedicated to Dolly Parton. If you’re not a fan of country music, don’t worry; this town has a lot more to offer, with fun for the whole family. Activities include everything from white water rafting to hiking to relaxing at luxurious spas.

Cordova, Alaska

Need another reason to visit Alaska? Meet Cordova. It’s truly breathtaking. With an off-the-beaten-path location, this mountain town barely has 2,000 residents. Not only is Cordova a beautiful place for mountain lovers, but this coastal town is also a hardworking fishing community that is rife with adventures.

Ridgway, Colorado

Ridgway and its twin town, Ouray, have a rustic charm that will make you feel like a part of history. The land may look familiar to visitors who have seen the 1961 classic How the West Was Won or the 1969 version of True Grit—a major chunk of both movies was filmed there. While modern conveniences are available for everyone, it wouldn’t take much imagination to look down the street and picture yourself as part of the Wild West.

Durango, Colorado

You can explore Durango and the surrounding San Juan National Forest by train, horseback, foot, Jeep, bike and even raft. This destination is popular among all sorts of outdoor adventurers and hosts great fishing, trails and guided adventures of all sorts.

Park City, Utah

Just a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City, Park City is a charming mountain town that celebrates its mining history and balances old mining cabins with a gorgeous Victorian-style downtown area. Whether you’re a fan of the arts, sports, outdoor adventures or all three, you’ll find plenty to do—it’s billed as “the perfect mountain town” for a reason.

Aspen, Colorado

This striking winter destination may be known for attracting the rich and the famous, but Aspen is a scenic must-see for everyone. Winter skiing is a given, but you’ll also find breathtaking hiking trails, local legends like the Independence Ghost Town, the Aspen Art Museum and the John Denver Sanctuary, all of which are completely free for visitors.

Ligonier, Pennsylvania

If you haven’t seen the Laurel Highlands, put Ligonier, Pennsylvania, on your bucket list. This isn’t just your classic cute mountain town. It’s also the location of Fort Ligonier, an 18th-century fort. With French, British and Native American roots, as well as a strong bluegrass presence, this town is truly unique.

Cooper Landing, Alaska

Alaska is home to some of the most jaw-droppingly stunning landscapes in the country, making mountain towns like Cooper Landing must-visit destinations. In the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, this small town (it has only a little over 300 permanent residents!) was founded when a 19th-century prospector struck gold. Visitors to this beautiful town find adventure around every corner.

Carrabassett Valley, Maine

Located in the shadow of famed Sugarloaf Mountain, this New England destination takes outdoor mountain sports to the next level. Explore winter mountain terrain like never before with cat skiing (which is both more exciting yet less adorable than that sounds) and SnoGo Skibiking. If ski resorts and outdoor sports aren’t your thing, you’ll still find an incredibly picturesque downtown with lots to do and breathtaking views.

Burnsville, North Carolina

Burnsville, North Carolina, is known for its thriving art scene and high-caliber artists. This town offers incredible vistas and tons of natural inspiration. The charismatic town square and adjoining park offer classic local cuisine, an antiquer’s sanctuary in Menagerie Mercantile and a plethora of art galleries. Go ahead and wind down at the end of the day with an adult beverage. Yancey County, where Burnsville is located, was one of the last dry counties in North Carolina, but residents voted to allow alcohol in 2010.

Stowe, Vermont

The 200-year-old village is set against the state’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Stowe’s brick-and-clapboard homes are big on charm, but they look even prettier when peeking out from layers of glittering snowflakes. Restaurants and specialty shops line the downtown and will reel you in with a sense of Americana worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting. Stowe is a quintessential skier’s paradise, but locals also love the snowshoe tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides and trails along the Westbranch River.

Vail, Colorado

You’ve probably already heard of the largest ski mountain in Colorado, but Vail is also one of those cute mountain towns that will take your breath away no matter the season. And we mean that literally. The base elevation is 8,022 feet! The town’s two main villages, Vail Village and Lionshead, are for pedestrians only, so it really feels like you’re taking a step back in time. The food scene in Vail is also to die for, ranging from classic Colorado cuisine to French- and Italian-inspired bistros.

Idyllwild, California

Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild has the quintessential small-town atmosphere. With locally owned shops and restaurants tucked beneath tall pines and legendary rocks, it’s charming, to say the least. Woodsy cabins, winter skiing and a dog-friendly downtown all give Idyllwild the distinct feel of stepping right into a Hallmark movie.

Sandpoint, Idaho

Situated on Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint offers world-class recreational opportunities in a breathtakingly beautiful environment. From the historic downtown to the Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, there is plenty to see and do. Winter means ice fishing for trout and rainbow fish on Lake Pend Oreille or skiing and snowboarding on resort slopes. But the warmer weather brings excellent hiking and horseback riding, as well as unique small-town festivals.

Jackson, Wyoming

Residing in the Jackson Hole Valley of Teton County, Jackson is one of America’s most authentic Western destinations, featuring adorable mom-and-pop shops and motels, locals wearing cowboy boots as they strut down the streets and an incredibly picturesque view of the Grand Tetons. Expert skiers have flocked here for decades—its hardcore terrain has earned it a reputation as a “skier’s mountain.” This tiny town is located right in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, which wolves, coyotes, elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and moose all call home.

North Conway, New Hampshire

You may not associate New England with stunning mountain ranges, but this tiny town is thrilled to prove you wrong. Situated in the heart of Mt. Washington Valley near White Mountains National Forest, this cute mountain town is packed with old-world charm. Case in point: The must-see Conway Scenic Railroad will take you back to the heyday of rail travel and give you stunning views of the Mount Washington Valley to boot. Cranmore Mountain Resort is located in the heart of the village and offers 60 trails. For more of a challenge, head to Attitash Mountain Resort, which offers 76 trails and eight lifts across two big, connected mountains (Attitash and Bear peaks).

Red River, New Mexico

Situated northeast of Taos in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this is the mountain town Texans flock to for a ski resort with a laid-back vibe. Though it’s small in stature, it’s big on charm. The town features just one funky road, where alpine-style restaurants and bohemian shops mix with a whole lot of twang. From skiing to bar hopping to a guided snowmobile tour with Bobcat Pass Wilderness Adventures in the Kit Carlson National Forest, there’s something for everyone to love about this beautiful mountain escape.

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Sources:

• Visit Estes Park: “Estes Park Hiking”
• Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck
• City of Cordova: “About Cordova”
• Ridgway, Colorado: “Movies in Ridgway”
• U.S. Census Bureau: “Cooper Landing, Alaska”
• Cooper Landing: “About Cooper Landing”
• Charlotte Magazine: “Travel: A Mountain Escape in Burnsville”
• Town of Vail: “Vail Information:
• Cranmore Mountain Resort: “Resort Maps”
• Attitash Mountain Resort: “Mountain Information”