9 Best Small Towns To Visit In The Appalachians

From Alabama, US, to Newfoundland, Canada, the Appalachians are a sprawling wonder featuring many hidden gems. As its Northern fingers graze St. Pierre and Miquelon, a part of France's territory, one could say the range touches three countries and the interests of two continents. Enormous crowds flock to ski resort areas, and mountain party towns continue to pulse year-round in the best towns to visit in the Appalachians.

Abingdon, Virginia

It is worth planning a trip to Abingdon for the farmer's market alone. The market's website provides impressive detail on the vendors that hail within and on the outskirts of the population-8,300 town. Book tickets to a show at the Barter Theater, the oldest running professional (Equity level) theater in the United States, and enjoy this tryst with history. Visit the Abingdon Olive Oil Company grounds for a unique and picturesque experience. The Abingdon location features mind-opening tasting tours. The Abingdon Muster Grounds offer a glimpse into the life of a fighter of American independence.

6 Most Underrated Towns In The AppalachiansVeer off the beaten path to uncover six of the most enchanting yet underrated towns in the Appalachians, each home to fewer than 50,000 residents.

Damascus, Virginia

If you are planning to hike the big trail (AT), be sure to include a stop in Damascus. The town calls itself the Friendliest Town on the Trail. It has earned a steady pile of awards with magazines and trail websites, all of which agree with the claim. Unravel your weary muscles in the town pool. If you are looking for a trail less intimidating than the big one, Damascus' Virginia Creeper trail is a cornucopia of Fall colors. The town offers shuttles to and from trailheads and their downtown area. Pack as much deliciousness as you can hold from your visit to the Damascus Farmer's Market.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

The quaint town of Blue Ridge in Georgia.

Escape to the artistic paradise of Blue Ridge. The town, with a population of around 1,200, features a host of craft breweries, wineries, and mountain getaways. Catch a flick at the Swan Drive-In Theater. For a more intimate experience, enjoy a live story at the Blue Ridge Community Theater. Hop on an antique train and head to an adjacent town on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. The Fall Branch Waterfalls are a delight to every sense all year. Blue Ridge is only 8 miles from the vast and beautiful campsites of the Morganton Point Recreation Area.

Franklin, North Carolina

Take a walk along the Little Tennessee Greenway in Franklin, North Carolina. The Nantahala National Forest surrounds the town of around 4,200. At over 500,000 acres, it is the largest National Forest in the state. The town is named after the former North Carolina Governor, who also surveyed the area. Ruby Cinemas features neon lights on the inside and a classic roadside sign on the outside. They still take the time to post what is currently playing. AT hikers can replenish their supplies at Outdoor 76. Visit one of three museums to learn about Franklin's past as a gem mining destination.

Roan Mountain, Tennessee

A gorgeous view from the top of a mountain at the Roan Mountain State Park.

Roan Mountain, Tennessee, has a population of just over 1,000 who are all addicted to the view and the easy vibe of Roan Mountain. Nicknamed "Cloudland" for the over 6,000-foot altitude, Road-Mountainites see clouds below them as they tend their rhododendron gardens. Roan Mountain State Park stretches to over 2,000 acres of hardwood forest. There are 30 cabins available to book (the park website includes a phone number) and over 100 campsites. Trails dip in and around the handsome Doe River, where many rare, migrating birds can be spotted when serendipity strikes. Serendipity loves Roan Mountain, Tennessee.

Duncannon, Pennsylvania

Duncannon has been an under-the-radar favorite amongst hikers and anyone who would listen to them for years. The Hawk Rock Overlook has an eye-widening view of the Susquehanna River Valley. The population of just under 1,500 get their fish and chips at The Pub; the British restaurant won Best Fish and Chips after Greene King Brewery in the UK traveled to the US seeking masters of the batter. The Old Sled Works was once the site of the Lightning Guider Sled factory. It is now a haven for fading Americana, where you can find over 100 antique and crafts stalls. You can also taste soda from an old-style fountain.

Bennington, Vermont

If your heart desires an Instagram pic in front of a covered bridge, Bennington is the place for you. They have a bunch. Depending on your personality, the Dollhouse and Toy Museum of Vermont could be very creepy or deeply fascinating. Either is perfect for an October trip. Visit the Bennington Battle Monument, where General Stark's forces defeated two detachments of British General Burgoyne's army in 1777. Warning: the fudge counter at The Village Chocolate Shoppe is so vast, colorful, and delicious it will haunt your dreams for the rest of your life.

Monson, Maine

The Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary is a wonderland for humans for the same reason it is migrating birds. Stretches of old-growth forest give way to crags, crystalline ponds, and stretching panoramic views. The nearby town of Monson has a population of 654. It is a vital AT stop, either near the beginning or end of a hiker's journey. The Lakeshore House Lodge and Pub serves up welcome respite from the trails with a meal and/or a room. Have your camera ready for the truncated cascade of Little Wilson Falls, an easily navigable trail that connects with AT.

Gorham, New Hampshire

Aerial view of Gorham in the Appalachians.

The section of the Appalachians known as the White Mountains is replete with waterfalls. There are over 100 falls in the vicinity of Gorham, New Hampshire, a town with a population of just under 2,700. Gaze upon the Presidential Mountains from the comfort and hospitality of the Androscoggin Valley. Drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road and join one of the largest bumper sticker clubs in the country. The sustainably maintained Glen House Hotel offers a luxurious mountain getaway with spectacular vistas.

8 Of The Friendliest Towns In The AppalachiansLiving in a closed-off environment makes for an extra friendly population in the small towns of Appalachia, willing to share the pristine natural features of their vastly diverse region with new, curious faces.

Traveling in an era of increasing degradation of our natural resources necessitates that excursionists take good care of their surroundings at every opportunity. Leave no trace of your visit to State Parks. Be sure to always check for food or wrappers when leaving a park bench. When possible, support Native American businesses and donate to local conservation efforts. The views from the Appalachians must be preserved for future generations.

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