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The United States is known for having a wide range of landscapes, from beautiful beaches and busy towns to majestic mountains and quaint hill stations. Many travellers look for well-known places, but hill stations in USA are a hidden gem ready to be found. These upland getaways offer peaceful views, cooler weather and a chance to escape the busyness of everyday life. With this piece, you will learn about 10 of the most beautiful hill stations in USA. You will be charmed by the beauty and peace of these breathtaking places.
15 Hill Stations In USA
Here are 15 of the most beautiful hill stations in the USA, offering a mix of experiences that you should visit.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Photo: Michael Tracey / Wikimedia Commons
Asheville is an excellent place for nature lovers and outdoor fans because it is in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville has a charming downtown area, a lively arts scene, and stunning views. It’s the right mix of city life and natural beauty. Visit the famous Biltmore Estate, walk along the beautiful Appalachian Trail, or enjoy craft beer and food from the area. You can visit Asheville any time of the year because it has beautiful fall scenery, mild summers and a cosy winter feel.
Major Attractions: Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate, Downtown Asheville, Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center, North Carolina Arboretum, The Botanical Gardens at Asheville, Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Craggy Gardens and many more
Best Time To Visit: From April to June and September to early November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 4 days
Nearest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport
Nearest Seaport: NA
Suggested Read: North Carolina Beaches
2. Sedona, Arizona
Photo: Nicholas Hartmann / Wikimedia Commons
Sedona in Arizona is one of the best hill stations in the USA known for its spiritual energy and beautiful red rock formations. You can also try the healing powers of the vortexes. People can hike along the beautiful trails, take a car tour of the rough desert, or relax in a spa while taking in the view of the beautiful scenery. Sedona is a unique place to relax and have fun, with its high-end resorts, art shops, and wellness retreats.
Major Attractions: Grand Canyon South/East Rim, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Verde Canyon Railroad, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Thumb Butte Park, Sedona’s hiking trails, and Sedona’s museums
Best Time To Visit: October and November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days
Nearest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Ernest A. Love Field
Nearest Seaport: Subic Bay
3. Stowe, Vermont
Photo: Des Blenkinsopp / Wikimedia Commons
Stowe’s lovely New England town is in the middle of the Green Mountains and turns into a winter wonderland when it snows. This hill town is home to the famous Stowe Mountain Resort and has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. During the warmer months, you can enjoy the lively hiking trails, a scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch, or a stroll through the charming town with small shops and restaurants serving food straight from the farm.
Major Attractions: Grand Canyon South/East Rim, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Verde Canyon Railroad, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Thumb Butte Park, Sedona’s hiking trails, and Sedona’s museums
Best Time To Visit: September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 3 days
Nearest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Ernest A. Love Field
Nearest Seaport: Stow Port
Suggested Read: Art Galleries In USA
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Photo: Don McCulley / Wikimedia Commons
Gatlinburg is just at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, making it easy to get to nature and outdoor activities. You can hike, fish, look for wildlife and take beautiful drives at this hill station. For unforgettable views, take the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. You can also go to the famous Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or check out the cute downtown area with its one-of-a-kind shops and fun things for the whole family to do.
Major Attractions: Dollywood, Ober Mountain, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, TITANIC Museum Attraction, Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, Smoky Mountain Winery, Mountain Valley Winery, Apple Barn Winery
Best Time To Visit: September and October
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Nearest Seaport: Memphis and Knoxville
5. Lake Placid, New York
Photo: Mwanner / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Placid is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the USA in the Adirondack Mountains known for holding the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is a great place to enjoy winter sports. You can also hike or kayak along the beautiful lakes or take a lovely gondola ride to see the whole area. You can relive the greatness of the past at the Olympic Centre or stroll down Main Street, full of cute shops and cosy cafés.
Major Attractions: John Brown Farm State Historic Site, High Falls Gorge, Mount Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid Olympic Museum, John Brown Farm State Historic Site
Best Time To Visit: May to July
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Adirondack Regional Airport
Nearest Seaport: Port of Albany, the Port of Montreal, and the Port of New York
Suggested Read: Things To Do In New York
6. Estes Park, Colorado
Photo: Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia Commons
Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. It is one of the most lovely hill stations in USA with stunning natural beauty and wildlife. You can take lovely drives, hike or ride a horse through beautiful trails, or try fly fishing in the clear mountain streams. During the autumn rutting season, take the chance to see the beautiful elk groups. The famous Stephen King book “The Shining” was based on the classic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.
Major Attractions: Trail Ridge Road, Lake Estes, Snowy Peaks Winery
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Ideal Trip Duration: 7 days
Nearest Airport: Northern Colorado Regional Airport
Nearest Seaport: NA
7. Helen, Georgia
Photo: Thomsonmg2000 / Wikimedia Commons
Helen is a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that looks like it came from Bavaria. It is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience in the United States. Check out the cute buildings in the alpine style, go tubing along the Chattahoochee River, or see the Anna Ruby Falls. Helen also puts on many events all year, such as Oktoberfest, where you can enjoy traditional German food, beer, and music. It is one of the best hill stations in USA you must visit.
Major Attractions: Smithgall Woods State Park, Cool River Tubing – Chattahoochee Outpost, Yonah Mountain Vineyards, Creekstone Winery, Serenity Cellars
Best Time To Visit: April and May
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Nearest Seaport: The Port of Savanna
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Georgia
8. Julian, California
Photo: Microsomen / Wikimedia Commons
Julian is a famous gold-mining town that has been turned into a hill station. It is a peaceful place to get away in Southern California. Julian is a relaxing vacation spot known for its apple trees, beautiful atmosphere and charming main street. It also surprises with the beauty of its cosy bed and breakfasts, beautiful hiking trails, and tasty homemade apple pies. You can visit the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, go horseriding, or learn about the town’s past at the Julian Pioneer Museum.
Major Attractions: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Lake Cuyamaca, Volcan Mountain County Preserve, Menghini Winery, Vineyard Grant James, Ramona Ranch Winery
Best Time To Visit: Late June to mid-September
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 day
Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport
Nearest Seaport: NA
9. Highlands, North Carolina
Photo: Harrison Keely / Wikimedia Commons
Highlands is a beautiful USA hill station in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains known for its waterfalls, lush woods, and mild weather. You can walk behind the falling water at Dry Falls to enjoy its beauty, or you can hike to the top of Whiteside Mountain for a view of the whole area. Check out the cute downtown area, which has art galleries, shops, and restaurants that have won awards. Highlands has all the hallmarks of a mountain town: a laid-back lifestyle, easy access to scenic areas and recreational opportunities, and a picturesque Main Street adorned with roadside stores and eateries.
Major Attractions: Eilean Donan Castle, Urquhart Castle, Ben Nevis, Dunrobin Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness, Fort George, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport
Nearest Seaport: Port of Wilmington
Suggested Read: Art Museums In North Carolina
10. Mount Desert Island, Maine
Photo: P. Hughes / Wikimedia Commons
Mount Desert Island is a wildlife lover’s dream because it is home to Acadia National Park. You can walk along the rough coastline, hike along the granite hills, or ride a bike along the beautiful carriage roads. You can the famous Bass Harbour Head Lighthouse, drive along Park Loop Road for a beautiful view, or eat fresh lobster at a restaurant on the water. Because of its natural beauty and wide range of wildlife, Mount Desert Island is a great place to relax and have fun outdoors.
Major Attractions: Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Park Loop Road, Sand Beach, Ocean Trail, Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Somesville Museum and Gardens, Jordan Pond House
Best Time To Visit: July and August
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 days
Nearest Airport: Bangor International Airport
Nearest Seaport: NA
11. Brevard
Photo: Clark Wilson / Unsplash
Brevard, one of the most picturesque USA hill stations , is a blend of natural charm, adventure and cool temperature. Often referred to as the “Land of Waterfalls,” this hill station offers mesmerising views of the lush surroundings and cascading waterfalls. It provides a refreshing getaway to travellers seeking a mix of experiences, especially during the warmer months. It is famous for its pristine waterfalls including Looking Glass Falls and DuPont State Forest’s Triple Falls. This hill station also offers a wide range of activities for adventure seekers such as hiking and mountain biking.
Major Attractions: Pisgah National Forest, Transylvania County, The Cradle of Forestry, Dupont State Forest
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport
Suggested Read: Theme Parks In USA
12. Blowing Rock
One of the best hill stations in USA, Blowing Rock is an ideal blend of untouched beauty and a serene atmosphere. The cool climate, unmatched charm and adventure opportunities draws visitors from all across the globe. It is a unique rock formation that blows objects upwards giving the hill station its name. It provides stunning views of the mountains, valleys and forests, making it an ideal escape for travellers. This hill station is also home to some of the most amazing cultural attractions, making it perfect for evey visitor.
Major Attractions: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, Glen Burney
Best Time To Visit: September to November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Tri-Cities Airport
13. Maggie Valley
A marvellous mountain town nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley is a blend of natural charm, adventure and history. It is a popular destination offering a mix of experiences to every type of traveller from nature lovers to outdoor enthusiasts. The place is surrounded by lush forests, pristine rivers and mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The cool climate of this place provides a refreshing getaway away from the city heat. One of the major attractions of this hill town is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing and much more.
Major Attractions: Cataloochee Valley, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport
Suggested Read: Explore Top Beaches In USA
14. Jackson Hole
Photo: Aleesha Wood / Unsplash
One of the most breathtaking and best hill stations in USA, Jackson Hole is any traveller’s dream come true. With captivating views, adventure options and old western charm, this place offers an array of experiences to every visitor. From skiing and hiking to wildlife viewing, Jackson Hole attracts tourists from all around the world. Grand Teton National Park is home to abundant wildlife such as elk, bison, bears, making it an ideal spot for wildlife viewing. Whether seeking adventure or a peaceful getaway, Jackson Hole is an amazing destination for travellers.
Major Attractions: The Aerial Tram, Grand Teton Skywalk, Grand Teton National Park
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport
15. Flagstaff
Flagstaff, a charming mountain town, is nestled in the San Francisco Peaks offering a mix of experiences to its travellers. With its cool, four-season climate, Flagstaff offers a refreshing contrast to the desert heat found elsewhere in Arizona. Flagstaff’s location in the heart of the Coconino National Forest offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and stargazing. The Grand Canyon National Park is just a short drive away, making Flagstaff a popular base for visitors heading to the canyon.
Major Attractions: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Grand Canyon, Wupatki National Monument
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to October
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport
Suggested Read: Top Music Events In USA
These top 15 hill stations in USA should be on your trip list for 2024, whether you want to experience nature, learn about other cultures, or just relax in a quiet place. The United States is lucky to have many beautiful hill towns that offer memorable experiences. Start your trip with TripXL to these beautiful hill towns and make memories that will last a lifetime amid nature’s beauty.
Cover Photo: Nyttend / Wikimedia Commons
