From snowy peaks and lush greenery to rocky ridges and spectacular panoramas, America is home to some of the world’s most stunning mountain ranges. To inspire your next adventure, we’ve ranked what are – in our opinion – the 30 most scenic mountains across the country.

Click through the gallery to discover America’s most beautiful mountains…

Alabama's highest point, 2,405-foot (733m) Cheaha Mountain offers unparalleled views over surrounding the Talladega National Forest.

Many visitors favour sunset or sunrise hikes on the trails that wind through the park, which are punctured by waterfalls and scenic lookout points. There's also a handful of campgrounds and cabins for longer stays.

At 6,288 feet (1,917m), Mount Washington is New Hampshire's highest peak, dominating a verdant valley that bursts with colour in every season. It's also home to the world’s first mountain-climbing cog railway, in operation since 1869.

Brightly coloured trains chug along the 3.5-mile (5.6km) track, at a 37% gradient at certain points. At the summit, views on a clear day include five states, Canada and the Atlantic.

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Standing at 5,729 feet (1,746m), Mount Rogers is the highest natural point in Virginia. It’s close to Grayson Highlands State Park, often compared to the Swiss Alps, with its mountain-fringed meadows, woodland and wild ponies.

There are 13 different hiking trails, as well as opportunities for biking and canoeing for those who prefer to take in the majestic mountain views from ground level.

Standing 4,393 feet (1,339m), Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, boasts incredible vistas of the enchanting landscape and the town of Stowe.

If you don’t fancy the hike, take the Gondola SkyRide to the top of the mountain. Visitors can also drive the historic Auto Toll Road, originally completed so horse-drawn carriages could reach the hotel at the top.

Located near the Massachusetts state border, Mount Monadnock is among the most-hiked mountains in North America. Rising 3,165 feet (965m), the view from the top looks out over the 1,017 acres of protected highlands of Monadnock State Park.

There are three steep and rocky trailheads leading to the summit, with the most direct route covering three miles (4.8km).

Northern California’s Mount Shasta rises 14,179 feet (4,322m), making it the second highest peak in the Shasta Cascade. It’s also officially an active volcano – though the last proven eruption was in AD 1250.

For those who aren’t experienced enough to tackle the challenging climb, a 14-mile (22.5km) scenic drive from Mount Shasta City offers wonderful views of the mountain and the surrounding area.

Take a look at the most beautiful road trip in every state

While the region’s harsh weather may not provide ideal hiking conditions, there are other ways to take in the raw beauty of the Kenai Mountains. A section of Alaska Route 1, also known as the Seward Highway, runs through scenic spots like Kenai Peninsula, Kenai Mountains and Chugah National Forest on its route between Anchorage and Seward.

The drive takes just four hours to complete, but you could turn it into a two-day itinerary to properly appreciate the jagged peaks and alpine meadows.

Located within Table Rock State Park, Pinnacle Mountain is the tallest peak entirely within the borders of South Carolina. Rising 3,426 feet (1,044m), it offers over 15 miles (24km) of trails, including seven miles (11km) of mountain bike trails.

Those looking for a challenge should attempt the Pinnacle Mountain Trail. It extends over three miles (4.8km), with plenty of steep uphill stretches along the way.

A section of the Cascade Range which spans western North America, the North Cascades are within the national park of the same name. The beauty here is undeniable – from the mountain peaks and forested trails to tumbling waterfalls and turquoise lakes.

There are also opportunities to spot bears, grey wolves and more than 200 species of birds.

A mountain range within the Rocky Mountains, the Tetons are an icon of the Cowboy State. Stretching along the Idaho state line from north to south, the range is mostly within Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, named for the highest mountain in the range, which stands at 13,775 feet (4,199m).

There are almost endless possibilities for trekking and hiking here. Trails range from easy walks that take a couple of hours to strenuous full-day climbs.

The highest point in the Natural State, Mount Magazine sits at 2,753 feet (839m), offering panoramic views across its namesake state park. One of the best ways to enjoy the forested landscape is by hiking Signal Hill Trail.

The trail takes hikers to the top of one of the two summits atop Mount Magazine. It's an enjoyable 1.5-mile (2.4km) loop around the north and east parts of Signal Hill.

A few hours north of New York City, skyscrapers make way for mountain peaks, whose snowy winter caps melt into rivers and lakes come spring. Sidewalks are replaced with tree-lined paths and trails, suited for all abilities, which wind through meadows and past waterfalls.

If you'd rather turn it into a road trip, there are more than 15 scenic drives in the Adirondacks.

Discover secrets of the world's most beautiful mountains

The highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard, Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park rises 1,530 feet (466m) above sea level. Within easy reach of the charming coastal resort of Bar Harbor, the summit is the first place in the US that sees the sunrise from 7 October to 6 March each year.

The pink granite mountain slopes are clad with pine and spruce forests, with the scenic Summit Road winding its way along the northern and eastern side of the mountain until it reaches the top.

A destination which attracts plenty of leaf-peepers in autumn, the White Mountains and the dense White Mountain National Forest that covers the slopes are magnificent year-round.

One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is driving the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. The byway follows the path of the Swift River, with hiking trails peeling off the road, offering a chance to combine a road trip with forest walks.

The Rockies might be Colorado's most famous range, but the San Juan Mountains have one of the best scenic drives in the world. The San Juan Skyway winds for 233 miles (375km) through the mountains, revealing a landscape of lakes and dramatic canyons.

Places to stop along the way include the historic railroad town of Durango and the ski resort of Telluride. All in all, the skyway promises visitors a journey to remember.

Often overlooked in favour of Utah’s other natural attractions, the Wasatch Mountains and the state park of the same name are well worth a visit.

Scenic trails wind through a protected area of forested peaks and rolling hills, covering 23,000 acres. There are also six canyons, mountain ski towns and backcountry hideaways to explore.

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The highest point is Blanca Peak at 14,345 feet (4,372m), while the range is one of the world’s longest, at 250 miles (402km).

One of the best ways to explore is by taking on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway – a picturesque driving route that starts in Taos and extends through the mountainous peaks.

One of the 'grande dames' of Yosemite National Park (along with Half Dome to the east), El Capitan rises proudly 7,573 feet (2,308m) from the western side of the Yosemite Valley; its grey granite mountains contrasting with the surrounding foliage.

The imposing granite face appears near vertical – a result of glacial action that shaped many of the mountains within the national park. There are several trails in the region from which you can marvel at the picture-perfect mountain scenery.

With the Upper Delaware River winding its way through the Poconos, this is a serene landscape to explore. There are several trails bisecting the mountains, with the eastern edge's Delaware Water Gap offering some of the best views.

Both PA 611 and I-80 will take you past the jaw-dropping scenery of the Gap, while Rim Road, looping round the mountaintop, offers outstanding bird's-eye views.

Part of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, the North Georgia Mountains offer access to spectacular Tallulah Gorge, which is two miles long and nearly one thousand feet (305m) deep. The area’s Springer Mountain also marks the start of the epic 2,200-mile (3,540km) Appalachian Trail.

Hiking trails offer spectacular views across vibrant orange and red foliage in autumn and lush green in summer. Highlights include Hurricane Falls, accessible via a two-mile (3.2km) scenic trail.

The Chisos mountain range forms the heart of Big Bend National Park. Rivers have carved vast caverns out of limestone and the mountains are surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert – offering a dramatic, almost otherworldly landscape.

A seven-mile (11.2km) paved road climbs into the mountain basin, where visitors can explore an extensive network of trails, ranging from gentle 0.5-mile (0.8km) ambles to challenging 14 mile (22.5km) hikes.

The Elk Mountains in Colorado are full of inspiring viewpoints and winding trails which snake through the enchanting landscapes. The most well-known peaks in the region are the Maroon Bells, located a few miles from the popular resort of Aspen.

Each rising around 14,000 feet (4,267m), the two mountains are especially magnificent on sunny days, when the peaks are reflected in the still water of Crater Lake.

Simply known as the Ozarks, these mountains offer pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls and 75 miles (121km) of horse riding, hiking and biking trails. The mountains are surrounded by the lush Ozark–St Francis National Forest.

The isolated Buffalo River Trail is one of the best to take in the wonderful views – if you're lucky you might even see otters, bobcats and bald eagles.

Remote Denali National Park and Mount McKinley (Denali) are surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, offering unbeatable hiking for experienced adventurers. The mountain is North America's highest, at 20,310 feet (6,190m).

Be mindful that it's a true wilderness, so preparation is essential. If you want to see the mountain itself, Reflection Pond is one of the best viewpoints, as the mountain is mirrored perfectly in the still water.

The highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains, Mount Mitchell rises 6,684 feet (2,037m) above sea level, overlooking its namesake state park and Pisgah National Forest.

Experienced hikers can tackle the challenging 2.2-mile (3.5km) climb to the top to be rewarded with spectacular views. A visit to the peak can be combined with a drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Located in the southeastern corner of the state, the Catskills have long been a popular destination for New Yorkers seeking nature. Covering 700,000 acres of Catskill Park, visitors are rewarded with waterfalls, stunning autumnal foliage and epic views of the 98 peaks.

Highlights include the Catskills Scenic Trail, which runs along the former Ulster and Delaware Railroad, and the Catskill Mountain Railroad.

A small and isolated mountain range, the Black Hills rise from the Great Plains of North America. With 5.4 million acres of pine forests, mountains, canyons, lakes and open grasslands, there's plenty of peace and quiet here, not to mention awesome scenery.

There are several ways to explore these enchanting mountains, including hiking and biking trails, as well as scenic byways. The Black Hills region is also home to Mount Rushmore.

See how we've ranked America's best views

Rising 14,410 feet (4392m), Mount Rainier is located in a national park of the same name. It’s also classed as an active volcano – the last eruption was in the 19th century.

It features 130 trails, with Paradise one of the most picturesque areas. It’s reachable via an easy 1.7-mile (2.7km) hike along the Alta Vista Trail. Climbing Mount Rainier typically takes two days, with a stop at Camp Muir.

Another option for those not keen on hiking, the breathtaking Skyline Drive is a dream road trip, which is perfect for taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The serpentine route starts 75 miles (121km) west of Washington DC and follows the crest of the mountains.

The narrow 1930s road winds through forests, meadows and steep slopes – you might even spot white-tailed deer, bobcats or black bears.

We reach the end of our adventure at the awesome Great Smoky Mountains. A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the Smokies stretch for 54 miles (87km) along the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Rising 6,643 feet (2,025m), the highest peak is Kuwahi (or Clingmans Dome). It offers an observation tower, perfect for taking in the majestic scenery of Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the country’s most visited national park.

Now check out our ranking of the world's most beautiful natural wonders