Gatlinburg
#1 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
For a mountain getaway the whole family will enjoy, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is an ideal destination. A massive aquarium, a mountain coaster and plenty of fun restaurants make this town a kid-friendly oasis. Not to mention, Gatlinburg sits beside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so outdoor activities abound. Visitors recommend hiking trails like Grotto Falls and Laurel Falls to reach cascading waterfalls. If you’re not a hiker, there are other ways to soak in the views. The Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, which stretches for 2 miles, is an exciting way to get a panoramic look at the surrounding mountains.
Bar Harbor
#2 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
This quaint town on Maine’s coast is the gateway to Acadia National Park. The park’s unique mountain attractions – such as an overlook at Cadillac Mountain, where you can be one of the first to see the sun rise in the U.S. – beckon to hikers. However, Bar Harbor should be more than just a stop on the way to the park. The town offers bed-and-breakfast accommodations, shops and a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants that overlook the ocean. Many visitors enjoy strolling along Frenchman Bay, admiring classic lighthouses and embarking on boat tours around Mount Desert Island.
