Home to 73,301 named mountains, the US has an abundance of charming mountain towns, each of which makes the most of its incredible landscape. From luxury winter resorts in Colorado to laid-back retreats in Tennessee, we've ranked what are – in our opinion – the 35 most stunning examples.

Click through the gallery to discover the most beautiful mountain towns across America...

A popular destination for skiers, the resort town of McCall sits on the southern shore of Payette Lake, nestled within Payette National Forest. The town is surrounded by several notable mountain ranges, including Cuddy, Salmon River and Seven Devils.

As well as outdoor activities, the charming town offers plenty of restaurants, hotels and shopping. Visitors can also enjoy a dip in one of McCall’s hot springs, which are especially welcome during the long winter months when temperatures can dip below freezing.

The oldest town of the Black Hills, Custer is close to some of South Dakota’s biggest attractions. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer Park and the Wind Cave National Park are all nearby, making it the perfect base for an outdoor adventure.

Custer’s historic downtown is home to an array of unique shops, galleries and restaurants serving up hearty local cuisine.

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Perched within the highest peaks of the Great Northern Catskills, the Town of Hunter contains two pretty villages. As well as Hunter itself, there’s Tannersville, which is known as the ‘painted village in the sky’, due to the colourful historic buildings which line its Main Street.

Attractions here include Catskill Park and Hunter Mountain Resort, which is a great skiing destination. Also offering the chance to enjoy the spring in the Catskill Mountains, cool summers and stunning autumnal colours, Hunter is popular with visitors year-round.

Often overlooked in favour of southern California’s beaches, Big Bear Lake is beautiful in its own right. On the doorstep of the San Bernardino National Forest and near its namesake lake, it has easy access to water, forests and mountains, making it a nature-lover’s dream.

A hub for outdoor activities, skiing, kayaking and fishing, Big Bear Lake Village is another draw. The charming district is home to adorable gift shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants, as well as hosting holiday events.

This charming mountain town is known for its shopping, beautiful scenery and family-friendly attractions. Lying in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is filled with fun activities, from Dollywood theme park to live music and dancing at the Country Tonite Theatre.

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 30-minute drive away, packed with scenic routes, peaceful hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.

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Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs has been a popular resort town and vacation spot since the 1880s. Its winding mountainside streets are lined with Victorian buildings hugging cliffsides, with an array of independent shops, boutiques, art galleries, museums and restaurants, giving it a unique yet charming feel.

With its forests, mountains, lakes and rivers, the characterful town is also surrounded by some of the region’s best scenery.

Not to be confused with the town in New York which hosted the iconic 1969 music festival, picture-perfect Woodstock in Vermont has its own unique draw. Nestled in the Green Mountains, the town is home to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and covered bridges which span the Ottauquechee River.

With its historic buildings, quaint stores and characterful inns, Woodstock is a wonderful example of New England charm, with the added attraction of offering a gateway to the mountains.

The Deschutes River runs through the heart of Bend, which lies on the eastern edge of the Cascade Mountain range near three volcanic peaks. The self-proclaimed 'Outdoor Playground of the West' boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a delight in any season, with world-class recreation such as climbing, caving and mountain biking.

Floating, tubing or kayaking on the Deschutes River is one of the best ways to take in the scenery, offering a peaceful journey through the town.

Steeped in ‘gold rush’ history, the town of Deadwood in the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota combines entertainment with natural beauty. Visitors are transported back to the days when Deadwood was a boomtown, as people flocked there to mine for gold.

Today, Deadwood offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking to snowmobiling, while nearby attractions include Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It’s also where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane were laid to rest.

Set against the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos' ancient orange-hued buildings symbolise the town’s Native American past. Continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, Taos Pueblo is the only Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.

Taos' beauty has inspired artists and photographers including the likes of Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Beyond the architecture, Taos is dominated by Wheeler Peak, which rises 13,161 feet (4,011m) over the town.

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is a jewel on the banks of the Tennessee River. The city brims with stunning scenery, historic sites and natural beauty.

One of the best-known attractions is Lookout Mountain, home to Ruby Falls, the deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the US. Incline Railway is another highlight. One of the steepest passenger railways in the world, the historic train climbs for one mile (1.6km) up Lookout Mountain.

Occupying a scenic spot along the banks of the Yellowstone River, Livingston has drawn cowboys, artists and the rich and famous for more than 100 years. Known as the original gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the quaint town is home to an eclectic mix of shops, museums, theatres, golf courses and galleries, with some of its buildings dating back to the 19th century.

Dominated by four mountain ranges, Livingston is certainly not short on natural wonders and picturesque sights laced with trails.

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Famous for the Sundance Film Festival, historic Park City lies within a rugged mountain range in northern Utah. Formerly a 19th-century mining town, its Main Street is lined with buildings built during the silver mining boom while more than 1,200 miles (1,931km) of mining tunnels wind through the landscape, a reminder of its prosperous past.

Since then, Park City and the surrounding mountains have been transformed into the largest ski resort in the US, with 7,300 acres of skiable terrain.

Located in the middle of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth looks like the perfect setting for a Bavarian Christmas film. The picturesque alpine village features adorable speciality shops, restaurants, spas and quaint accommodation.

Surrounded by clear blue lakes, gushing rivers and rugged mountains, Leavenworth also provides an idyllic retreat for discovering the beauty of central Washington.

Perched between mountains overlooking the picturesque Dillion Reservoir, Frisco offers a laid-back vibe just 90 minutes from Denver. Known as the ‘Main Street of the Rockies’, the quaint town is a wonderful mix of natural beauty and country charm.

Located within 30 minutes of six world-class ski resorts including Copper Mountain, the town is a perfect base for tackling the slopes during winter. In the warmer months, the Frisco Bay Marina is the ideal tranquil lakeside retreat, with pontoon boats, paddleboards, fishing and sailing.

Roughly 15 miles (24km) from Asheville, Black Mountain gets its name from the magnificent mountain range that towers over it. During the mid-20th century, the town thrived as a haven for pioneers in art, music, poetry and architecture.

Black Mountain’s artistic tradition has since lived on, with several galleries dotted across town, showcasing some of the region's best southern Appalachian arts and crafts, alongside restaurants, independent shops, music halls and breweries.

Another charming Bavarian-style town, Helen sits within the Southern Appalachian Mountains in northeast Georgia. Over 200 specialist and import shops are dotted along the cobblestone streets, offering everything from candles and quilts to pottery and peanuts.

Thanks to its mild climate, Helen is great to explore year-round. Highlights include its Oktoberfest celebrations and the Yonah Mountain Vineyards, a 200-acre family-run winery that hosts tours and tastings.

Nicknamed the ‘Switzerland of America', Ouray soars nearly 8,000 feet (2,438m) high among the snowy San Juan Mountains. Established in the 1870s during the gold and silver strikes, the town survived the boom and bust due to its popularity as a place to relax and unwind.

Ouray Hot Springs Pool is fed by natural springs, drawing locals and visitors to enjoy its therapeutic waters. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, the town is a scenic spot for admiring the autumnal leaves, while the nearby peaks and network of old mining routes make it popular for off-road driving.

Nicknamed the 'Apple Capital of Georgia', Ellijay can be found at the southern end of the Appalachian Trail. Quintessentially charming, the city draws visitors with its hiking trails, lakes, and the tranquil Cartecay River which winds through it from the Chattahoochee National Forest.

The heritage apple orchards are the main attraction, with October’s Georgia Apple Festival hosting hundreds of vendors selling food and crafts. The festival also features plenty of entertainment, including an antique car show, a parade and a road race.

Lying north of Lake Tahoe in California, Truckee may be small but certainly packs a punch with its natural wonders, outdoor activities and vibrant community. Once a thriving logging town, its Old West-style downtown serves as a striking symbol of times gone by, with museums, art galleries and independent shops.

A popular vacation spot during winter, Truckee is wonderful year-round, with sights like Donner Lake, a bold blue freshwater lake fringed by pine forest and West End Beach, a pretty park along the lake with a sandy beach and boat rentals.

Lying within southwest Colorado’s Four Corners region, Durango is the quintessential old Western town. Traces of its cowboy past can be seen on Main Avenue, a designated Historic District, which is lined with relics and fixtures from the early 19th century.

One of the best attractions is the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Once used to transport ore from Silverton, it is now used to take visitors through the soaring San Juan Mountains, along the Animas River, and past waterfalls as it trails through the mountain landscape.

Gatlinburg attracts millions of visitors each year due to its proximity to Smoky Mountains National Park and its small-town charm. The area is regarded as a gateway to the park and features incredible views of the mountain scenery.

Highlights of the town include the 407-foot (124m) Space Needle and Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies, home to thousands of sea creatures, including sea turtles and sharks in 10 themed viewing galleries.

Surrounded by rivers, lofty peaks and lush greenery, this wild and remote mountain town serves as a gateway to Grand Teton National Park. The unspoilt landscape is home to an abundance of wildlife including bison, moose and grizzly bears.

Sitting in the Jackson Hole Valley, the town is home to three ski areas including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, which is often ranked as one of the country’s best skiing and snowboarding destinations.

With its galleries, world-class restaurants, bars and music venues, Asheville brims with excitement and activity. At its heart is its colourful downtown which has a relaxed bohemian vibe, with more breweries per capita than anywhere else in the US (except Portland, Maine), earning Asheville the nickname 'Beer City USA'.

Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains and with more than 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Asheville is the ultimate playground for outdoor adventures, including hiking, climbing, mountain biking and rafting.

Just 70 miles (113km) from Denver, Estes Park – known as Colorado’s Original Playground – is the perfect base for exploring nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors also flock to Lake Estes, a reservoir created by Olympus Dam.

The wildlife-spotting opportunities include elk and deer, while the reservoir is perfect for boating, fishing and kayaking, and its four miles (6.4km) of sandy shores provide a tranquil spot for picnics.

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Originally founded as Mauch Chunk, this small town was renamed Jim Thorpe in 1954 in honour of Olympic medal winner, James Francis Thorpe. Often named one of the most beautiful small towns in America, its elegant Victorian mansions were once the home of late 19th-century industrialist millionaires and have since been transformed into shops, restaurants, museums and B&Bs.

Beyond Jim Thorpe's historic streets, the Pocono Mountains are on its doorstep, home to trails, rivers and scenic viewing spots.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, Stowe is best known for being a popular skiing resort, but there’s more to this town than snow. The historic alpine village is a four-season destination, offering activities and events year-round.

Most years, the Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival is held, offering incredible rides over the mountains, while in summer, visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy outdoor concerts at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge.

Cordova is a thriving fishing community on the east coast of Prince William. Sandwiched between Hawkins Island and Lake Eyak, the small coastal town lies in the shadow of Mount Eccles.

Home to nearly 3,000 residents, Cordova's small community is rewarded with a beautiful unspoiled setting featuring glaciers, lofty peaks, forests and meadows. Cordova is a prime spot for kayaking, swimming and fishing for halibut and silver salmon.

Founded as a Spanish colony in 1610, Santa Fe is located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The city is famed for its distinctive Pueblo-style architecture and vibrant arts community.

Attractions include the traditional Plaza, historic landmarks and cultural highlights, such as the New Mexico History Museum. There are also over 600 miles (966km) of hiking trails to explore and outdoor activities like mountain biking and skiing to enjoy.

With its jagged peaks, towering pine trees, ski slopes and charming lodges, it’s easy to see why Crested Butte is often referred to as the ‘last great Colorado ski town'. The colourful, well-preserved mining-era homes, saloons and shops have been transformed into locally owned boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafés.

From cross-country skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and horseback riding, the town has activities for every season. No visit here in spring or summer is complete without seeing the beautiful wildflowers.

A small town with a big city feel, Lake Placid lies on the shores of Mirror Lake within New York’s Adirondack Mountains. Famous for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, a museum in town showcases the events and explores the town's winter sports history.

The shimmering lake is a year-round attraction, while the nearby snow-covered peaks provide the perfect slopes for skiing and mountain biking.

Tucked away in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains among forest-clad peaks, Telluride is home to some of Colorado’s most spectacular scenery. Founded as a mining town in the late 1800s, Telluride features a mix of historic architecture, hotels, boutiques and restaurants – making it a real gem in the Rockies.

With more than 2,000 acres of beautiful terrain, skiing here is world-class, while the gourmet dishes from the mountain restaurants offer skiers a top-notch culinary experience after enjoying the slopes.

Surrounded by Arizona’s iconic red-rock buttes, canyons and natural arches, visitors flock to Sedona to experience the town’s alleged healing properties through physic readings, meditation, spas and yoga.

Alongside its place as a wellness retreat, Sedona’s striking desert scenery makes it an incredible hiking spot, while the small town is home to over 80 galleries showcasing everything from fine art paintings to contemporary jewellery.

Sitting at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Harpers Ferry was the site of an infamous raid in 1859, in which abolitionist John Brown and his followers barricaded themselves in a fort to help initiate a slave revolt in the Southern states. The group was captured, with Brown and several of his men hanged for treason.

Now part of Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, the fort has become a popular tourist attraction, alongside the John Brown Museum which explores the life of the abolitionist through films, interactive exhibits and displays.

At the heart of White River National Forest and bordered by the Elk Mountains, Aspen is one of the best-known ski destinations in the US – and the world. Four mountains make up the legendary Aspen Snowmass, renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, plus its restaurants and bars serve up some of the country’s best après ski. 

The town itself features shops, restaurants, luxury hotels and museums, all against a beautiful mountain backdrop – offering a picture-perfect retreat all year long. For these reasons, Aspen is easily our top pick of the most beautiful mountain towns in the country.

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