Stunning natural settings, expansive vistas, and fresh alpine air make exploring America’s mountain ranges an exhilarating experience, whether you’re heading to the mist-shrouded Great Smoky Mountains or the sharp, snowy peaks of the Alaska Range. These mountain ranges, both contiguous and uncontiguous, span every corner of the country, providing ample opportunity for everyone to explore. Many of the best mountains to visit in the United States offer fantastic hiking and camping for adventurous travelers, while others are known for their scenic drives, railways, and gondolas, and are widely accessible for fun for the whole family.
Teton Range
Iljarina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure
Picturesque Grand Teton National Park protects the magnificent Teton Range, part of the larger Rocky Mountains, which stretch for 40 miles in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, just below Yellowstone National Park. Grand Teton contains approximately 485 square miles of stunning natural beauty, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, plenty of floating and rafting opportunities, and tranquil natural scenery perfect for outdoor exploration.
Great Smoky Mountains
Getty Images
The Great Smoky Mountains, a branch of the Appalachian Mountains, are known for the mist that hangs over their peaks, giving them their smoky feel. Located primarily in North Carolina and Tennessee, these mountains are protected by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. Millions of visitors flock to the park each year to hike, camp, and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
Alaska Range
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
It may be more remote than others, but the Alaska Range contains some of America’s most incredible mountains and national parks. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve are all part of the Alaska Range. Denali, the highest peak in North America, rises to an elevation of 20,310 feet and is also found within this incredible mountain range.
Sierra Nevada
Vince Fergus/Travel + Leisure
The Sierra Nevada mountain range stretches from California’s Central Valley to Nevada’s Great Basin, with many of the mountains found in the Golden State. The Sierra Nevada is home to three national parks, including Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park, each offering wildlife viewing, hiking and stunning scenery.
Cascade Range
Jeff Goulden/Getty Images
The Cascade Range is located in western North America, spanning parts of Canada, Washington, Oregon, and California. The range is home to beautiful snow-capped mountains and volcanoes, with its highest peak, Mount Rainier, reaching an elevation of 14,411 feet. The Cascade Range is also home to Mount St. Helens, an active volcano that last erupted in 2008.
Uinta Mountains
Getty Images
The Uinta Mountains are found primarily in northeastern Utah and are the highest mountain range in the state. With over 1,000 natural lakes and 400 miles of streams, the ranges are a haven for anglers. Other outdoor activities include rafting, boating, camping, and hiking. The mountains are also home to Dinosaur National Monument, where visitors can see weather-resistant dinosaur fossils and unique petroglyphs.
Olympic Mountains
Getty Images
Located on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic Mountains are primarily found within Olympic National Park. Known for its rugged coastline, lush rainforests, and of course, beautiful mountains, the mountains are a popular destination for avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Olympus is the highest peak in the range, reaching an elevation of 7,980 feet.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Getty Images
The Blue Ridge Mountains span most of the eastern United States, from Pennsylvania to Georgia. That means there are plenty of places to explore this beautiful mountain range. Many destinations are just a short drive from cities on the East Coast, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive through parts of the mountains, and Shenandoah National Park, which offers hiking and other outdoor activities in the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge.
California Coast Ranges
Getty Images
As the name suggests, this mountain range stretches along most of California’s coastline and contains some of the most scenic areas in the state. The Santa Lucia Mountains, which include the stunning Big Sur region, are particularly picturesque. A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is a great way to take in the views, but there are plenty of hiking opportunities as well.
Adirondack Mountains
James Rains/Corbis/Getty Images
Located in northeastern New York State, the Adirondack Mountains are the perfect getaway for New Yorkers looking to escape the city and relax in nature. The region is beautiful all year round: ski at some of the East Coast’s best resorts in the winter, enjoy the vibrant foliage in the fall, and go kayaking and hiking in the spring and summer. The region is also home to some scenic drives and charming small towns.
Sawtooth Range
Universal Image Group/Getty Images
Known for its jagged peaks, Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains are uniquely beautiful. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, with hiking trails, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, mountain biking and more.
Bighorn Mountains
500px Plus/Getty Images
Spanning parts of Wyoming and Montana, the Bighorn Mountains are another great destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Bighorn National Forest offers biking, camping, hiking, fishing, and more. Located within the forest, the Cloud Peak Wilderness is one of the most scenic areas of the mountain range, known for its beautiful alpine scenery.
White Mountains
Getty Images
Located in parts of New Hampshire and Maine, the White Mountains are beautiful destinations with plenty of outdoor activities to suit every interest and ability. You can hike, camp or take in the mountain views from a tram, alpine gondola or vintage railroad.
