By Penelope Lane
The Best Mountain Vacations
Escaping to the mountains for a vacation can be refreshing for the soul. Observing beautiful, dramatic vistas, breathing in crisp mountain air and smelling fragrant, blooming wildflowers can rejuvenate any visitor. The best mountain
vacations offer unsurpassed access to a variety of outdoor experiences and quick commutes to active, quaint villages. While the
United States offers plentiful mountain vacation options, consider upstate
New York, central Colorado and eastern Tennessee for your next adventure.
The Smoky Mountains in Tennessee
It's no surprise that the most visited national park in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains, is one of the best mountain vacations. Entering the park through eastern Tennessee cities--such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg--provides wide-ranging opportunities for outdoor adventures. Consider staying at a mountain cabin or chalet for a week, and enjoy a rustic experience with high-class amenities (such as a hot tub on the back deck). The Smokies offer spectacular mountain views and over 800 miles of trails that meander through dense, lush forests and mountain peaks and valleys. Popular attractions in the Great Smoky Mountain region include river tubing, whitewater rafting, river fishing and mountain biking. Charming Tennessee towns offer year-round country festivals, antique markets and bed-and-breakfast spots. Enjoy a moderate climate no matter the season of travel at this spectacular mountain vacation destination.
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado
Magnificent landscapes, fresh mountain air, mild temperatures and abundant sunshine are big draws to the Rocky Mountains. With over 60 mountains that are over 12,000 feet high, the views are sure to be an almost spiritual experience. Small, gateway towns--such as Aspen, Boulder and Estes Park--offer quaint village-style experiences in addition to exciting outdoor adventures. Travel during any season and enjoy a diverse experience in Colorado, including snow skiing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing and mountain biking. Consider staying at a cabin along a mountain's edge to enjoy a beautiful view and easy entry to the Rockies. Anticipate an encounter with wildlife, with possibilities including eagles, deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep and black bears. Looking for an up-close mountain experience? Plentiful camping opportunities exist in Colorado, including car, back-country and campground-styles.
The Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York
New Englanders hoping for a quick escape from city living should look no further than the Adirondack Mountains in northern New York. Located just a quick drive from major metropolitan areas, the Adirondack Mountains are one of the best mountain vacations in the country. Mountain and meadow adventures await in over six-million acres of national park, including tobogganing, ice climbing, snow skiing, hiking and horseback riding. Visitors enjoy water activities on the 3,000 Adirondack lakes, such as fishing, canoeing, water skiing and ice skating. Afternoons filled with kayaking and antique-shopping can wind into leisurely evenings lakeside and stargazing in a traditional Adirondack chair.
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