In recent years, more and more people have been finding themselves at home living in small towns. After a large migration to cities, small towns are making a come back. Many small towns offer a lot for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are 10 of the best small towns in America for people who love the great outdoors.
Big Sur, California
Population: 839
Big Sur is a picture perfect seaside community located in the St. Lucia moutnain range. There are seemingly endless beaches and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Big Sur is the place for you if you love Redwood trees, mountains, seaside views, and a relaxed, nature-soaked environment.
Taos, New Mexico
Population: 5,668
Taos is a prime small town for people who love the outdoors in the American Southwest. It’s a great place for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and fly fishing. There are numerous mountains nearby to climb. And if you’re a photographer, the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is going to be your home away from home.
Park City, Utah
Population: 8,378
Park City is a skier and snowboarder heaven. Park City Mountain Resort near the town has more than 100 ski runs. There are also mountain biking and hiking trails all around the town. The town is also an artistic hub, with plenty of cool galleries to check out.
Berea, Kentucky
Population, 15,597
Berea is well known for its historic buildings, art festivals, and Berea College, a private liberal arts college. The town sits at the foot of the Appalachian mountains and has plenty of hiking trails to choose from. Berea is also great for camping, rock climbing, spelunking, and canoeing.
Telluride, Colorado
Population: 2,426
Telluride is a former mining town turned skiers Mecca. There are more than 2,000 acres of ski slopes in Telluride and plenty of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails. Telluride is also well known for its annual bluegrass festival. So if you love the outdoors and bluegrass, Telluride is the town for you.
Hood River, Oregon
Population: 7,686
Hood River is a Pacific Northwest wonderland. It’s located in the Columbia River Gorge and has a nearly endless supply of ourdoor activities, like hiking, camping, fishing, biking, kayaking, and even surfing. The Hood River Valley Harvest Fest in October is a popular local event you won’t want to miss!
Dorset, Vermont
1,946
Vermont, known as the Green Mountain State, seems like one big outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Pretty much any small town should feature outdoorsy fun times. But Dorset does stand out from the rest. It’s an amazing place for fishing, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Plus the autumn colors are unmatched!
Bozeman, Montana
Population: 46,596
Bozeman is a bit more populous than most of the towns that wind up on this list, but it is worth including. Nestled between the Bridger Mountains and the Tobacco Root Mountains, Bozeman is a great town to live in if mountains are your jam. It’s also relatively close to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most epic parks in the United States. Bozeman is the perfect town for winter expeditions and summer camping.
Jackson, Wyoming
Population: 10,532
Wyoming is sometimes called a “fly over state,” but the town of Jackson might make you want to stop and stay a while. Jackson is truly a skiers paradise. There are more than 4,000 acres of ski slopes that winter sports enthusiasts can take advantage of. Jackson is located close to Grand Teton National Park, which features more than 200 hiking trails.
Paia, Hawaii
Population: 2,668
Paia is a gem on the north coast of Maui. If surfing is your sport, there may be no better small town than Paia. Along with surfing, Paia is great for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding as well. The nature surrounding Paia is pristine and beautiful and the town itself is bustling with fish markets, restaurants, and art galleries.
