Whoever said small towns are boring must have missed out on visiting these 10 spots voted as the best by readers. From hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and rock climbing, each one is big on adventure.
Photo courtesy of Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
No. 10: Bar Harbor, Maine
Picturesque Bar Harbor has everything an adventurer needs for a memorable visit at any time of year. With Acadia National Park as its backyard, there’s always an outdoor option. The scenic park offers hiking and biking in the warm months and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during the cold ones. There’s also plenty to do on the water, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing.
Photo courtesy of iStock / StevenGaertner
No. 9: Northfield, Minnesota
Northfield keeps things moving in the summer with skydiving, canoeing, hiking and biking, and offers plenty of outdoor excitement in the winter with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling and ice hockey. Take a break in town by enjoying one of their music venues or art galleries.
Photo courtesy of Sam Dean for Explore Boone
No. 8: Boone, North Carolina
Nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina at 3,333 feet, this college town is at the highest elevation of any city with a population over 10,000 east of the Mississippi River. As a result, Boone is at the heart of outdoor adventure activities. There are plenty of hiking and rock-climbing sites in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearby Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi, and Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock are popular day trips. The rivers are also ideal for fishing, or you can take a whitewater rafting trip down the French Broad River.
Photo courtesy of Visit Jackson Hole
No. 7: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a popular base for exploring the scenic wonders of Yellowstone National Park, both individually and with guided tours. Nearby Teton Village offers first-class skiing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in the summer. Whitewater rafting down the Snake River, horseback riding and wildlife safaris are available for day trips or multi-day excursions.
No. 6: Stowe, Vermont
Nestled beside Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, the mountain resort town of Stowe offers breathtaking scenic vistas, numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation and small-town charm in one complete package. The Green Mountains offer ice climbing, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter, plus rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing and canoeing in the summer. For the most adventurous visitors, take a hot air balloon ride for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Photo courtesy of HoliMont
No. 5: Ellicottville, New York
Ellicottville calls itself “New York’s playground for outdoor fun and adventure,” and we agree. There’s something to do no matter the season, from skiing and snowboarding on Allegany Mountain in the winter to mountain biking, hiking, fishing and kayaking throughout scenic Cattaraugus County. Back in town, adventurers have their choice of several restaurants to fuel their adventures.
Photo courtesy of amygdala_imagery / Getty Images
No. 4: Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup is a hotbed of desert adventure, set in the New Mexico red rock landscape that offers up climbing, hiking and mountain biking. Motocross lovers flock to this little town to test their mettle, and balloonists love to soar into the clear skies in hot air balloons to feel the warm wind in their hair. Take in a rodeo, ride your own horse into the wilderness that surrounds the town or perhaps try your skills at skeet shooting. No matter what warm weather outdoor activity strikes your fancy, it can be found in and around Gallup.
Photo courtesy of MWV Chamber/Corey David Photography
No. 3: North Conway, New Hampshire
Set amid the sprawling White Mountain National Forest, North Conway offers visitors access to Mount Washington (the tallest peak in the northeast) and the accompanying four seasons of recreation. During the snowy months, the area boasts some of the region’s best skiing and snowmobiling, while summer is excellent for hiking, golfing, fishing and camping. Fall leaf peeping is some of the best in the country.
Photo courtesy of Matthew Campbell // Getty Images
No. 2: Bentonville, Arkansas
Known as “the mountain biking capital of the world,” Bentonville is a northwest Arkansas town tucked into the Ozark Mountains. With famed biking trails like the Slaughter Pen, Little Sugar Trail and Blowing Springs, there are challenges for riders of every level. Add in bucolic lakes for swimming, boating and camping, along with numerous hiking trails both in the city and nearby state parks, and this small town is filled with adrenaline-inducing adventures.
Photo courtesy of Explore Savanna
No. 1: Savanna, Illinois
“Savanna, hugging the mighty Mississippi and along the bluffs of the Driftless area in Northwest Illinois, is the starting point for 60 miles of bike trails – the Great River Trail – but it is also a favorite stop for motorcyclists,” says 10Best expert Jacky Runice. This small town is known for its outdoor activities, attracting visitors interested in biking, boating and fishing.
