America’s mountain ranges are among the most breathtaking places on Earth. From the gentle, fog-wrapped hills of the Southeast to the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the West, there is something out there for every kind of traveler, whether you want to lace up your hiking boots or simply roll down the window and drink in the view.
Here are 15 of the best mountain ranges in the U.S. to put on your list.
Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachians, straddling North Carolina and Tennessee. They get their name from the soft fog that drifts around their peaks. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the entire country, drawing millions of visitors every year for hiking, camping, and stunning scenery.
Alaska Range
If you are up for something truly remote, the Alaska Range delivers. It is home to Wrangell-Saints. Elias, Denali, and Lake Clark national parks. The crown jewel is Mount McKinley, which rises to 20,310 feet, the highest mountain in North America.
White Mountains
Spread across New Hampshire and part of Maine, the White Mountains have something for everyone. Hikers and campers love it here. But you do not have to hike a single step to enjoy these peaks. Tramways, alpine gondolas, and vintage railroads all offer gorgeous views. The Mount Washington Cog Railway, which carries you to the tallest peak in the Northeast, makes for a wonderful outing.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains stretch from Pennsylvania to Georgia, which means they are within easy reach of millions of East Coast residents. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the country’s great scenic drives. Shenandoah National Park, in Virginia’s portion of the range, is a favorite for hiking and outdoor activities.
Teton Range
Grand Teton National Park protects one of the most photographed mountain landscapes in America. The Tetons cover 40 miles in the northwest corner of Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone. The park encompasses about 484 square miles and offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing (bears, bald eagles, and more), and floating and rafting on its rivers.
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada runs from California’s Central Valley to Nevada’s Great Basin. Three national parks call this range home: Yosemite and the conjoined Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Lake Tahoe, perched more than 6,000 feet above sea level on the California-Nevada border, draws visitors for summer swimming and winter skiing.
Cascade Range
The Cascades run along the West Coast through parts of Canada, Washington, Oregon, and California. Mount Rainier is the range’s highest point at 14,410 feet, surrounded by its own national park. The Cascades are also home to the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Saint Helens, an active stratovolcano best known for its massive 1980 eruption. It last erupted in 2008.
Uinta Mountains
Tucked into northeastern Utah, the Uintas are the highest range in the state. More than 1,000 natural lakes and 400 miles of streams make this a paradise for fishing. The range is also home to Dinosaur National Monument, where you can see actual dinosaur fossils and rare petroglyphs.
Olympic Mountains
On Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic Mountains sit mostly within Olympic National Park. The park is known for its rocky coastline, lush rainforest, and striking peaks. Mount Olympus, the range’s highest point, reaches nearly 8,000 feet.
California Coast Ranges
This collection of ranges runs along most of the California coastline. The Santa Lucia Range, which includes the famous Big Sur region, is among the most scenic stretches. Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway is a wonderful way to take it all in, though hiking trails are plentiful as well.
Adirondack Mountains
Located in northeastern New York, the Adirondacks are beautiful in every season. Ski Whiteface Mountain in winter, watch the leaves turn brilliant colors in fall, and kayak or hike come spring and summer. Charming small towns and lovely scenic drives round out the experience.
Sawtooth Range
Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains are known for their dramatic, jagged peaks. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers hiking, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, and mountain biking, a full menu of outdoor options in one stunning setting.
Bighorn Mountains
Straddling Wyoming and Montana, the Bighorn Mountains offer biking, camping, hiking, and fishing at Bighorn National Forest. Cloud Peak Wilderness, located within the forest, is one of the most scenic alpine areas in the range.
Southern Rocky Mountains
The Southern Rockies are part of the 3,000-mile Rocky Mountain chain, and Colorado holds some of the most impressive stretches. Rocky Mountain National Park has more than 300 miles of trails winding through aspen groves. You can reach the summit of Pikes Peak by car or cog railway. In winter, resorts like Aspen Snowmass and Telluride Ski Resort draw visitors from all over. The Million Dollar Highway offers one of the country’s great scenic drives.
Pocono Mountains
Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains may not have the dramatic summits of the Rockies, but they make up for it with beautiful forests, rolling hills, and scenic waterways. A popular weekend escape from New York City and Philadelphia, the Poconos offer ski resorts, lakeside retreats, and stunning fall foliage.
Whether you are planning a grand cross-country trip or a relaxed weekend drive, America’s mountain ranges are waiting. Pick one that calls to you, and go.