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The Most Incredible Mountain Towns For Summer

The Most Incredible Mountain Towns For Summer
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The Active Times

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Instead of looking for creative ways to beat the summer heat, head out to a cool mountain town where you won't have to hide from the sun to enjoy water sports and wilderness adventures.

Click Here to see Incredible Mountain Towns for Summer

Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is known for being one of the best ski resorts in the world. Snuggled between the Rockies, this charming small mountain town is a favorite summer destinations as well. Try skeet shooting or go on a thrilling river tour. With summits higher than 14,000 feet, there is always something to see and explore. Festivals showing off art, wine and music are scheduled year-round, many in the summer. Visit Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed peaks in the country, take your family summer camping in the wilderness, or go ballooning and paragliding.Photo Credit: PixabayClick Here to See Incredible Mountain Towns for Summer
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid, which is set in the Adirondacks, has a rich winter sports history but it also offers many summer activities. The Olympic Center is open, offering bobsled and luge rides with a professional. Hiking is the most popular activity when it gets warm, with trails for every skill level. Many nearby waterways are perfect for paddling—whether that be by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Paddle around Mirror Lake, enjoy a concert at Mid’s Parks and relax in one of the city’s many spas and wellness centers.Photo Credit: Shuterstock
Stowe, Vermont
If you are looking for a low key getaway with some outdoor access, the charming mountain town of Stowe, situated in a valley between peaks of the Green Mountains, is your destination. Hike to a beautiful waterfall with swimming holes or wade in local rivers and fly fish. If you’re new to the sport, there are clinics and outfitters available. Drive the back roads to Mount Mansfield for some gorgeous views and go on a canoe trip to Boyden Valley Winery. Long hiking and biking trails will also keep you active.Photo Credit: ThinkstockClick Here to See Incredible Mountain Towns for Summer
Whitefish, Montana
The mild weather during the summer months in Whitefish makes this small town, nearby the Glacier National Park, a perfect destination to escape the heat. Explore the Aerial Adventure Park and see if you can handle its five courses of varying difficulties. You will be crossing suspended bridges and cable walk ways, climbing on nets and ladders, swinging on trapezes and tube traverses and zip lining. Take a walk through the canopy of an old-growth Montana forest or an art class in town.Photo Credit: Thinkstock
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. With its proximity to National parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone, access to the National Elk Refuge and it’s placement among practically endless public lands, there’s no shortage of trails, waters and wildlife to discover. Paddle the Snake River, which has sections calm enough for kids and others exciting enough for adrenaline junkies, or head out on a wildlife safari. Horseback riding, whitewater rafting and blue-ribbon fly-fishing are other favorite activities. When you’re ready for a break, check out some of the art galleries in town, watch a live outdoor concert in Teton Village or experience the Wild West nightlife at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Click Here to See Incredible Mountain Towns for SummerPhoto Credit: Thinkstock

Reach for the hills and immerse yourself in off the beaten path's serenity, as opposed to the sand-and-surf setting where you'll be bumping into people all the time.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in your cabin, go on a refreshing hike through the woods, eat fresh seafood for lunch, take an art class or go paragliding in the afternoon, and enjoy a free concert in the evening.

Mountain towns have several advantages - the air is fresher, there is always a breeze, massive crowds are rare, easygoing festivals are common, and the outdoor activities are thrilling.

Do something unconventional this summer and discover a new side of a place you probably can't imagine without snow. You'll find hot springs, theme parks, hot air balloon opportunities, rock climbing spots, and many more exciting attractions.

Click Here to see the Original Story on The Active Times

- Hristina Byrnes The Active Times

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Sedona, Arizona(01 of07)
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Sedona is most famous for its stunning red rocks, which are particularly beautiful in the glow of sunrise and sunset, and have formed the backdrop for many a western film. The temperatures here are cooler than other Arizona destinations, thanks to the higher elevation, and Ponderosa Pines surround the city. It's a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with excellent biking, horseback riding, and a particular focus on hiking. Some of the most popular hiking spots include Cathedral Rock, Bear Mountain, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Rock.Where to Stay:L'Auberge de Sedona, with 87 luxurious and woodsy cottages spread across 11 acres
Yosemite National Park, California(02 of07)
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Known for its stunning sites, breathtaking beauty, and protected nature, Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best hiking and camping destinations in the country. Travelers from all over the world visit Yosemite to get a glimpse of the granite cliffs, clean steams, giant sequoia forests, and waterfalls.Where to Stay:The Ahwahnee, built in 1927 and offering views of the Half Dome and El Captain summits
San Juan Islands, Washington(03 of07)
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The San Juan Islands are a popular summer getaway for Washingtonians, and have a relaxed, back-to-nature vibe; expect farmlands, evergreen forests, nature trails, whale-watching, and mom-and-pop shops. Popular activities include hiking, wildlife spotting (whale-watching in particular is common, and the Shark Reef trail on Lopez Island leads to a harbor seal hangout), sailing, and kayaking. For those days when it does rain, the islands have several wineries, farms, and museums worth a visit.Where to Stay:Lakedale Resort at the Three Lakes, an 82-acre lakefront property with picnic spots and accommodations ranging from canvas cabins to lodge rooms
Jackson Hole, Wyoming(04 of07)
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Jackson serves as a year-round gateway for tourists visiting Jackson Hole Ski Resort, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park, the combination of which makes the area the ultimate outdoorsman's paradise. Hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, the list goes on -- so those looking for outdoor adventuring will have their choice of activities.Where to Stay:Spring Creek Ranch, set in a wildlife refuge above Jackson Valley with stunning views
Lake Tahoe, California(05 of07)
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Lake Tahoe may be best known for its skiing, but in the summer an equally outdoorsy crowd comes for the hiking, fishing (there are lots of salmon and trout), and kayaking, all centered around the pristine Lake Tahoe. There are also a few dispersed museums and historic mansions, and hot-air ballooning and gondola rides are popular ways of taking in the views.Where to Stay:Cedar Glen Lodge, with friendly owners, lake access, a heated outdoor pool with whirlpool and sauna, charming lodge-style rooms, and free continental breakfast
Telluride, Colorado(06 of07)
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The Telluride area has some great mountain biking, hiking, river sports, and festivals, and offers more of a typical Wild West mountain village vibe than the ritzier towns of Aspen or Vail. In fact, Southwest Colorado, as a whole, is much more laid-back than its glitzy counterparts. Telluride is also a good base for day trips to Mesa Verde and Durango, and the Million Dollar Highway from Ouray to Silverton is extremely scenic (though the drive is challenging).Where to Stay:Mountain Lodge at Telluride, offering log-cabin-style condo and cabin rentals, most with kitchens, gas fireplaces, and balconies
Finger Lakes, New York(07 of07)
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The Fingerlakes Region in Central New York is increasingly known for its many wineries, but it's also a popular summer destination for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The five lakes offer summer recreation in the form of sailing, swimming, waterskiing, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. In and around Seneca and Cayuga, in particular, are a number of scenic waterfalls and gorges for hiking.Where to Stay:Hope Lake Lodge, a massive complex with a water park and zip-lining

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