2023’S MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS
Nearly every area of the country has a mountain range, which makes them the ideal location for your upcoming mountain getaway or, better yet, your second home.
1. GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS (TENNESSEE)
Second home buyers looking for a charming mountain town that has it all cannot afford to skip over Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Enjoy strolling Gatlinburg’s Parkway, riding the trolley or checking out the quaint shops and bustling nightlife amidst the Smokies.
Where: This getaway is located in the mountainous regions of North Carolina and Tennessee. Gatlinburg is a tiny town with big views of the Smoky Mountains and has plenty of attractions to offer individuals, couples and families.
When: If you’re hoping to spend the majority of your mountain getaway in the great outdoors, take a trip to the Smokies in autumn. Nature’s fall color palette will not disappoint, and the mild climate is irresistible
Why: Did you know that the Smoky Mountains are the namesake of America’s most visited national park? Camping, hiking and firefly light shows are some of the many family-friendly attractions that keep this park firmly seated in the top spot.
2. SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS (NEW MEXICO)
Considering a second home in the mountains? Taos, New Mexico, offers optimal views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and everything that an art lover could desire: sculpting workshops, galleries and indigenous culture museums.
Where: This subrange of the Rocky Mountains is located in Colorado and New Mexico, representing the southernmost tip of the Rockies.
When: Summer is arguably the best season to enjoy Colorado mountain getaways, especially if you’re planning to hike or camp on the Colorado side of this range.
Why: If the red hue these mountains give off in the morning sun isn’t enough to entice you, how do giant sand dunes and unbridled views of the Rio Grande sound? No wonder the Sangre de Cristo Mountains were declared a National Heritage Area (NHA) in 2009.
3. LA SAL MOUNTAINS (COLORADO)
Grand Junction, Colorado, offers stunning views of this slice of the Rocky Mountains. Like Telluride and Aspen, this Colorado town is close to everything mountaineers love and offers proximity to an airport and national parks across the state border.
Where: Head to Colorado or Utah to visit the Manti-La Sal National Forest where this range is located. Like most mountains that spill over the Colorado border, the La Sal Mountains are also a subsection of the Rockies.
When: Spring and summer are great seasons to enjoy mountain getaways at high elevations. Aim for when the weather is just warm enough to venture out on a hike, yet cold enough to snuggle by the fire when the day’s adventures are over.
Why: It’s not every day you have the opportunity to enjoy a natural wonder that is around 25 million years old. This is a must-see mountain getaway for geology fans and history buffs alike.
4. BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS (GEORGIA)
Blue Ridge, Georgia, is perfect for second home seekers who want to stay close to the sunshine and warm winters of the South. If relaxation is a top priority for your next mountain getaway, this mountain town has some of the best wineries and breweries in the state.
Where: The Blue Ridge Mountains can be accessed from Georgia, the Carolinas and even as far north as Pennsylvania and Maryland. As a physiographic region of the ever-popular Appalachian Mountains, every section of this range boasts views that never disappoint.
When: Searching for the best mountain getaways in the winter? Look no further than Georgia’s slice of the Blue Ridge. Winter in Georgia is full of sunshine and gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Why: This Southern delight was named one of the top mountain destinations of 2022. Hop on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to marvel at the pristine views of the mountains and surrounding forests.
5. SIERRA NEVADA (CALIFORNIA)
Lake Tahoe is many second home seekers’ dream getaway — and for good reason. This adventurous destination is close to big cities yet tucked away in a serene mountain setting. Head to California to experience the magic for yourself.
Where: The Sierra Nevada lines the eastern border of the state of California with a tail that spills into Nevada. It is home to the world-famous Lake Tahoe.
When: Springtime in California can keep you away from summer tourists. Take advantage of the West’s mild climate by enjoying one of the most exclusive California mountain getaways in the months of April and May.
Why: Hiking in one of the many stunning forests within the Sierra Nevada will be an adventure full of waterfalls, wildflowers and plenty of untouched nature.
6. ALASKA RANGE (ALASKA)
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, with plenty of attractions for second home buyers who want to invest in a snowy retreat for the whole family to enjoy.
Where: The Alaska Range lines the southeastern edge of Alaska, and the summits provide peak views of the Gulf of Alaska.
When: Summer is when tourists arrive in Alaska. After a long, dark winter, conditions are not considered favorable for mountain getaways until the peak season — primarily June through August.
Why: The end of peak season awards patient mountain-goers the chance of a lifetime: a glimpse at the northern lights. Also known as aurora borealis, this natural phenomenon is said to be one of the most enchanting experiences on Earth.
7. MOUNT RAINIER (WASHINGTON)
When the mountain is “out,” it’s cause for celebration all around the Seattle-Tacoma area. Mount Rainier is an active volcano, but the last major eruption was in 1894. The mountain boasts wildflower meadows and ancient forests.
Where: Mount Rainier (also called Tahoma) is the highest peak in Washington State and the Cascade Range, coming at 14,410 feet above sea level.
When: Given its snow-capped peaks, summer is the best time to visit the Pacific Northwest if hiking and mountain trekking are high on your list.
Why: If scaling an active volcano is not really your thing, there’s still plenty to do at the foot of the mountain. Mount Rainier has inspired a wave of breweries and restaurants to create gourmet treats for all to enjoy on their mountain getaways.
8. MOUNT HOOD (OREGON)
Hood River and Sandy, Oregon, are considered the gateway to Mount Hood. Although Portland makes venturing to the mountains an easy day trip, the smaller mountain towns near Mount Hood have a magical vibe that’s perfect for a mountain vacation home.
Where: Located in the state of Oregon, Mount Hood is another beloved icon of the Pacific Northwest. Only 90 minutes away from Portland, a visit to Mount Hood is considered one of the city’s best day trips.
When: Late spring is a wonderful time to take in the sights and sounds of Oregon’s natural parks. It’s still cold enough to enjoy winter sports like skiing, but warm enough to try your hand at hiking and fishing.
Why: Mount Hood is the perfect complement to the eclectic city life of Portland and surrounding towns. The mountain, =accessible via public transportation, is the perfect place for romantic mountain getaways.
9. ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS (NEW YORK)
Visitors and second home buyers with kids will fall in love with the weeklong winter festivals in the Adirondacks. The area’s best known city, Lake Placid, hosted two Winter Olympic Games and is a hub for winter sports of all sorts.
Where: The Adirondack (ADK) Mountains are the jewel of Upstate New York. Leaving from New York City? Expect to drive roughly five to six hours before reaching the serenity of the ADKs.
When: This mountain range has been the site of winter carnivals for over a century, making a trip to the Adirondack Mountains one of the best weekend mountain getaways for New Yorkers to enjoy in the wintertime.
Why: The ADKs offer the ultimate mountain getaways for couples and families from New York and New Jersey who are in need of a refresh away from city life.
10. CATSKILL MOUNTAINS (NEW YORK)
Those hailing from the New York and New Jersey area can breathe easy in the fresh air of the Catskill Mountains. Owning a second home here means having the ultimate outdoor playground at your front door.
Where: In contrast to the jagged peaks of the ADK, Catskill summits are less steep, making this range ideal for beginner climbers and families.
When: Fall is when you’ll be able to enjoy the full spectrum of autumn colors and cool climate of the Catskill Mountains.
Why: Fishing enthusiasts will be overjoyed to learn that the Catskill Mountains are known as the birthplace of fly fishing in America. Plus, the dome-shaped peaks of the Catskills make for a great training ground for taller summits around the country.
