7 Unforgettable Small Towns To Visit In The Appalachians
The Appalachian Trail passes through 14 states, starting in Georgia and ending in Maine. It is the longest hiking-only trail on Earth and spans the wild Appalachian Mountains landscape. Around three million people hike certain parts of the 2,200-mile trail every year. The charming towns along the trail welcome hikers with open arms, their residents proudly showcasing their centuries-old heritage. Each town also provides a picture-perfect backdrop for a mountain getaway, whether just for a couple of hours or a few weeks. The following seven unforgettable Appalachian mountain towns are the cream of the crop and highlight the exceptional natural beauty of this magnificent mountain range.
Hiawassee, Georgia
Just shy of the Georgia-North Carolina border, the small town of Hiawassee offers a world of relaxation and astonishingly gorgeous landscapes. Those who want to steal away from the city for a romantic respite will find rustic cabins to rent around Lake Chatuge. This area offers plenty of stargazing opportunities and delicious wines, an unbeatable combination. The lake itself is perfect for swimming, boating, and jet skiing.
Hiawassee gets its name from the Cherokee word "Ayuhwasi" meaning meadow. Another word variant, 'Hiwassee', links back to the local river and other significant Appalachian locations. Visitors can enter the Appalachian Trail from several access points in the town or go trout fishing in the stunning Hiawassee River. Moreover, there is the High Shoals Falls hiking trail, which snakes through the Chattahoochee National Forest and ends in front of the gushing falls. For those who love music, there is the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, where year-round concerts and other events happen. The fairgrounds area also offers extensive campsites right on the shore of Lake Chatuge.
Erwin, Tennessee
Erwin is a truly unforgettable small town in Unicoi County, Tennessee. Here, families can enjoy white water rafting on the Nolichucky River or a moderate hike to Rock Creek Falls. Those who want to go mountain biking will find great opportunities to do that at the Unaka Bike Park, a mere mile from downtown Erwin. For a peaceful day out in gorgeous surroundings, there is the Chestoa Recreation Area on the banks of the Nolichucky River, which is a great place for a picnic or fishing. The river is also home to the Nolichucky Gorge, where tents and RV camping are allowed.
Erwin provides entertainment in the form of the Gathering Place, which is a park downtown where people love hanging out and listening to live music. Erwin is also the place where visitors will find one of the best food trucks in the Tri-Cities, Noli Truck. The truck stands at Scotts Farm Market and sells everything from tacos to sandwiches.
Damascus, Virginia
The town of Damascus in Virginia is often called Trail Town, USA. Several hiking trails crisscross the town, including the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the Iron Mountain, the Trans-America National Bicycle, and the Daniel Boone Heritage Trails. In fact, those who traverse the center of Damascus can confidently say they hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Boiling Springs sits on the Appalachian Trail and surrounds the Children's Lake. The town was once a site for the Underground Railroad before becoming a tourist destination after the Civil War. It is an essential stop on the Appalachian Trail and offers several restaurants, shops, and recreation areas.
This unforgettable small town is a designated Appalachian Trail Community and is committed to protecting its part of the trail and providing services to hikers. Furthermore, Boiling Springs offers the world-famous Yellow Breeches Creek, where fly-fishers gather from all over the world. Visitors can boat or fish at Children's Lake or enjoy the oldest pool in Cumberland Valley, Boiling Springs Pool. There is also ample opportunity to go on a self-guided walking tour to take in the centuries-old architecture in town.
Kent, Connecticut
Kent in Connecticut is a combination of historic and modern. It has a historic covered bridge called Bulls Bridge and restaurants offering excellent cuisine. Galleries in this charming town offer classic art pieces for connoisseurs and contemporary works for the daring. Within the town limits of Kent, visitors will find access to the Appalachian Trail, Kent Falls, and several biking trails.
Macedonia Brook State Park is a favored location, especially during the fall when the oranges, yellows, and reds light up the camping grounds and picnic spaces. Lake Waramaug State Park is a great setting for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. For those who want to learn more about Connecticut's Eric Sloane, the Eric Sloane Museum showcases this artist and author's studio and a collection of his most famous art.
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
Great Barrington is another Appalachian Trail Community, having been appointed in 2009, and is a gorgeous place to relax for a weekend or stop over during a hike. The town offers the Monument Mountain hike, which is perfect for families. At the peak, panoramic views of the Housatonic River Valley await. Monument Mountain got its name from the Mohican tribe's stone offerings, and it is said that Herman Melville found the inspiration for Moby-Dick here.
The Housatonic River Walk provides an up-close experience with the stunning natural beauty of Great Barrington. And, just southwest of Great Barrington and on the border of the Mount Washington State Forest is Bash Bish Falls with its jaw-dropping plunge pool. Great Barrington is also the location of the annual Berkshire International Film Festival, celebrating cinematic achievements over multiple days.
Millinocket, Maine
Millinocket, Maine's Biggest Small Town, is big on woods, trails, history, and fun. This postcard-perfect town leads to the Golden Road, North Maine Woods, the west side of the Penobscot River, Baxter State Park, and a whole lot more. Visitors love Millinocket's snowmobile trails, groomed, and maintained by volunteers. The Penobscot River is a wonderful place for white-water rafting in summer, and the area is ideal for skiing in winter.
Those who love hiking should not miss the opportunity to hike Mount Katahdin, also known as the World's Best Hike. There are several hiking trails here that cater to seasoned hikers and beginners. Moreover, Millinocket offers adventures of a different kind with moose and photo tours. Guided tours take visitors up close to moose in their natural habitat and afford them the chance to capture unforgettable memories on camera. Back in town, the North Light Gallery showcases a collection of fine artworks and photography centered on the sheer beauty of Millinocket. Moose Prints Gallery and Gifts offers local arts and crafts, including moose-themed items.
The towns on the Appalachian Trail offer a glimpse into Appalachian history, as well as a peaceful nature retreat. Each town links to the next, almost like the next chapter in the story of this gorgeous trail and mountain range. With every visitor that arrives here, a new part of the story is unveiled. These unforgettable towns await the annual influx of visitors eagerly and promise to make their journey one they'll never forget.
