12 Cozy Mountain Getaways in the US for Every Season
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The range of mountain parks and resorts across the US aren’t just for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or some other part of winter. It can be just as comforting to cozy up in a mountain getaway during summer, spring, or fall. Whether you prefer spring wildflowers, hot summer days, or colorful foliage, here are a dozen of the best year-round mountain destinations.
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Whitefish, Montana
Located in northwest Montana, Whitefish lies within the Rocky Mountains and is a gateway to Glacier National Park. The park offers downhill mountain biking trails in summer and skiing in winter. You can also go boating or picnicking at Whitefish Lake. There’s also a good choice of eateries and shops in downtown Whitefish, making this a great all-rounder during any season.
Read also: Stunning US Wilderness Areas
Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee
Nestled within the Great Smokies, Blackberry Mountain in Tennessee can provide the ultimate couples’ or family getaway year-round. Expect jaw-dropping views, culinary delights, spa and wellness centers, and cozy accommodations. There are also plenty of hiking trails to follow, of course.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge lies at the base of the Tenmile Range in Colorado, part of the Rocky Mountains. You can engage in alpine activities here during any month of the year. It also stands out because of its Gold Rush heritage: the Breckenridge National Historic District features colorful, late 19th-century shops, homes, and other notable buildings.
Read also: Historical US Cities
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Though it’s often considered a winter destination, and Forbes has voted it the top ski resort in the states, Jackson Hole is a great place to be at any time of the year. Come here for a flavor of ranch life: many of the area’s ranches have been in the same family for generations. Reveling in the wonders of Mother Nature is top of the list during all seasons, too, whether you’re fat biking and dog sledding in winter or discovering the local arts scene and taking wildlife tours in summer.
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Read also: Top US Family Vacation Destinations
The Catskills, New York State
This subrange of the Appalachian Mountains in New York State was made famous by the Rip Van Winkle stories. The area offers ski resorts and the Catskill Forest Preserve, which appeal greatly to outdoor adventurers. Meanwhile, art fans will happily follow the Hudson River School Art Trail. The area was known to inspire 1800s landscape painters in particular.
Read also: Must-Visit US Cities
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smokies is one place in the US where you can see wildflowers in bloom at any time of year. Hikers can also follow a section of the Appalachian Trail within the park. Stunning views from the park’s peaks provide a habitat for various flora and fauna. Delving into traditional Southern Appalachian culture is also a popular pastime.
Read also: Scenic Drives Across the US
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Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
In summer, people flock to Lake Tahoe for hiking trails and beaches. In winter, the area, which straddles the border between Nevada and California, is known for ski resorts. It’s an all-season destination, not least due to the incredible range of cozy cabins for rent in the area. Expect open-plan spaces with floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, game rooms, hot tubs, outdoor lounge areas, and more.
Read also: Picture-Perfect Spots in the US
Idyllwild, California
Idyllwild in California is the biggest of three mountain resorts in the San Jacinto Mountains. Situated above Palm Springs, the resort bursts into bloom in spring, warms up during summer, offers colorful fall foliage, and becomes snowy in winter. The area is also known for its rock formations, specifically Suicide Rock and Tahquitz Rock.
Read also: Top Spring Getaways in Europe
Putney, Vermont
If you don’t think of New England as a particularly peaky area, remember that Vermont literally translates as green mountain. This area is famous for fall colors, but it also makes a great destination in spring, summer, or winter. Pick Putney for Santa’s Land USA, the Putney Village Historic District, the Green Mountain Orchards, and more.
Read also: Top Secret Romantic Getaways
Adirondack Mountains, New York State
Adirondack Park in New York State is three times the size of Yellowstone National Park. It makes the ideal year-round playground for all fans of outdoor life. As well as over 100 peaks of the Adirondack Mountains massif, there’s a mile of lakes, rivers, and forests to explore when you cozy up for a stay here.
Read also: Must-Visit Iconic Places
Dunton, Colorado
Dunton in Colorado is a memorable place to be. Once a mining hotspot, it’s now a ghost town, nestled within an incredibly scenic Alpine valley among the San Juan Mountains. As the area is also known, Dunton Hot Springs dates from the 19th century and is around a 45-minute drive from Telluride. Come to this resort for lovingly restored rustic cabins, fine dining, challenging trails, and hot springs.
Read also: Charming Small Towns Across the Globe
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite’s mountainous terrain isn’t subject to such low temperatures as other lofty national parks, as this one’s located in sunny California. There’s so much to see and do here, among the area’s giant sequoia trees, fertile valleys, soaring peaks, and granite cliffs. Yosemite Village also offers a museum, an art gallery, a good range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops.
Read more: Top Things To Do in Santa Barbara, California
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