The best small mountain towns to visit in the US

Beaches and big cities get most of the travel love, but small mountain towns are the hidden gems on America's travel landscape.

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From the quaint villages of the Northeast to the ski towns of the Rockies to the surprising high-altitude destinations along the West Coast, there are mountain getaways all over the nation, offering natural hot springs, quirky museums, delicious eats, and all the small town vibes you could want. Here are the best small mountain towns to visit any time of year.

Ouray, Colorado

Ouray, Coloradoablokhin / Getty Images

According to Uncover Colorado, Ouray is known as the "Switzerland of America." Among the state's many beloved mountain towns, this gem in the San Juan Mountains attracts visitors with its hot springs, stunning natural beauty, and cute museums.
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Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, TennesseeJonathan Ross / Getty Images

While Gatlinburg buzzes with tourists during the high season, it still retains a lot of its mountain charm while offering guests plenty to do. From its famed mountain coaster to quirky museums, the town itself has lots of family-friendly activities, plus easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Helen, Georgia

Helen, GeorgiaSeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

Often listed among the most charming spots in the States, Helen recreates a traditional Bavarian town in the northeast corner of Georgia. Stop by for the epic Oktoberfest or come during the off season when you can enjoy the cheeky architecture and Bavarian foods without the crowds.
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Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermontmarchello74 / Getty Images

It's not hard to find a country retreat in beautiful Vermont, but Stowe surpasses its neighbors with its fantastic skiing in the winter and waterfall hikes in the summer, high-quality restaurants turning out compelling fare, and hot air balloon rides.
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Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid, New YorkAlbertPego / Getty Images

There's a reason the Olympics chose Lake Placid among New York's bounty of winter getaways. While the town's fame might have faded a bit since the 1980s, it remains an excellent destination with buzzing wineries, gourmet restaurants, and of course the stunning eponymous lake.
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Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley, Idahochristiannafzger / Getty Images

A ski destination since the local resort revolutionized the industry with the nation's first chair lift in the 1930s, Sun Valley keeps folks coming back with excellent eats and lively culture. Celebrities from Ernest Hemingway to Oprah to Arnold Schwarzenegger have been spotted on the slopes and in the town's ritzy chalets.
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Taos, New Mexico

Taos, New MexicoEunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images

Taos is no secret to holidayers in the Southwest, but the New Mexico town has managed to remain honest and lovable through decades of tourist visits. The architecture, the food, the culture, and the unique shopping are all great reasons to stop by. Check out the seasonal Christmas celebrations for a December like no other.
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Julian, California

Lake Cuyamaca near Julian, CaliforniaDenise Vasquez / Getty Images

Country Living calls out this California town not far from San Diego for its apple pie shops, antique stores, and horse-drawn carriages. What more could you need from a Gold Rush-era mountain town?
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