There’s nothing like a trip to the mountains to provide a fresh viewpoint on life. Mountain views, fresh air, winding roads and roadside picnics can be the perfect getaway to refresh your spirit. If you hear the mountains calling, you have a variety of destinations that will satisfy your craving for spaciousness and serenity. From the South to the North and into Canada, you can have your pick of mountain trips. Here are just a few of the choices that will help you feel refreshed and inspired.
1 – Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most impressive mountain views in the country. The range stretches from British Columbia in the north to the Rio Grande River in the south, with some crests as high as 12,000 feet. Some of the highest peaks are in Colorado and in the Canadian section of the Rockies. Rocky Mountain National Park is located 76 miles northwest of Denver, Colorado. The park offers scenic drives, 355 miles of hiking trails, camping, fishing, horseback riding and ranger-led programs to inform you about the many features in the park. Nearby towns of Boulder, Grand, and Estes Park offer a variety of lodging options and other amenities. The opportunities to enjoy the mountain scenery have no end in the Rockies. You can combine your Rocky Mountain range viewing with a trip to the exciting city of Vancouver, Canada. There are many benefits to a journey from Vancouver to the Rockies, and it will mean you get to see even more fantastic scenery. Consider talking to tour companies, like Alexander & Roberts, to help you find the best tour for you.
2 – Blue Ridge Mountains
In the eastern section of the United States, those craving mountain views can enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain panoramas. The range is part of the Appalachian chain that runs from southern Georgia to Pennsylvania. The “blue” is the name derived from the blue-ish haze the area takes on when seen from a distance, as the trees release isoprene into the air. Some of the highest peaks are 5,000 to 6,000 feet tall, and offer some of the most distinctive geologic formations on the East Coast. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer some of the most picturesque scenic drives in the country. The Shenandoah National Park, located in the state of Virginia just west of Washington, D.C., is popular destination for those who want a mountain getaway, with hiking, biking, birdwatching, fishing, camping and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the area. Nearby towns offer a range of lodging options, dining, shopping, wineries and whiskey distilleries.
3 – Great Smoky Mountains
Not as soaring and peaked as the Rocky Mountains, the Great Smokies offer a more rolling, wooded landscape that is part of the Appalachian chain. However, there are no fewer opportunities for adventure and beauty in their panoramas. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park borders between North Carolina and Tennessee, and offers a rich diversity of wildlife, streams, forests, waterfalls, wetlands and broad range of plant life that makes the area one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the country. Visitors can also see a number of historic buildings and burial sites within the park limits. Nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a number of amenities and amusements for the hole family.
The North American continent is blessed with a wealth of mountain destinations that can provide enjoyable activities in both summer and winter. If you crave a getaway to mountain views, you can choose from a variety of options, each with its own unique character and landscapes. These 3 destinations offer many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, photography, rock climbing and simple relaxing in the great outdoors. With a little planning, you can make your mountain getaway a memory that will last for a lifetime.