There's something for everyone in these U.S. mountain ranges, including hiking, water sports, scenic drives, and more.

‍

New international flights are being added to this U.S. airport, including direct flights to Paris. Whether you visit the fog-covered Great Smoky Mountains or the sharp, snowy peaks of the Alaska Range, there is something undeniably peaceful about exploring the mountains in the U.S. We've compiled a list of the best scenic mountain ranges with great hiking and even better views. Get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking places our country has to offer by grabbing your hiking boots and a water bottle.

‍

Teton Range

‍

‍

From British Columbia to New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains cover 3,000 miles across North America, including the picturesque Grand Teton National Park. Over 200 miles of hiking trails, boating opportunities, and a picturesque outdoor landscape are all part of Grand Teton's 485 square miles of stunning natural beauty. 

‍

Great Smoky Mountains

‍

‍

The Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains famous for the fog that hovers around their tops, giving them their name. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country's most visited national park, is primarily located in North Carolina and Tennessee. There are millions of visitors who visit this park every year to hike, camp, and take in the incredible views of the mountains.

‍

Alaska Range

‍

‍

There are some incredible peaks in the Alaska Range, and some of the country's most beautiful national parks protect these mountains, even though it's more remote than other mountain ranges on this list. The Alaska Range is covered by three national parks and preserves: Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. This stunning mountain range is also home to Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America at 20,310 feet.

‍

Sierra Nevada

‍

‍

Many mountains are located within California's Sierra Nevada mountain range, which stretches from the Central Valley to the Great Basin. Each of the Sierra Nevada range's three national parks offers unique experiences, wildlife sightings, hiking, and stunning views. Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Kings Canyon National Park are among the parks.

‍

Cascade Range

‍

‍

Located in western North America, the Cascade Mountains cross parts of Canada, Washington, Oregon, and California. There are beautiful snow-capped mountains and volcanoes in this range, including Mount Rainier, the highest point in the range, which reaches 14,411 feet, and Mount Saint Helens, the last active stratovolcano.

‍

Uinta Mountains

‍

‍

There are plenty of outdoor activities you can do in the Uinta Mountains, including rafting, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. Dinosaur fossils and historic petroglyphs can also be seen at Dinosaur National Monument in this range.

‍

Olympic Mountains

‍

‍

A part of Olympic National Park, the Olympic Mountains are located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. For hikers and people looking to explore the great outdoors, this is a popular destination due to its rocky coastline, lush rainforest, and mountain peaks. With an elevation of 7,979 feet, Mount Olympus is the highest peak in the range.

‍

Blue Ridge Mountains

‍

‍

Eastern United States are dominated by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which stretch from Pennsylvania to Georgia. East Coast cities are only a short drive from many beautiful destinations, so there is plenty to explore. Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are two of the many attractions in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

‍

California Coast Ranges

‍

‍

This mountain range is located on the Californian coast, covering some of the most scenic parts of the state. It is home to the incredible Big Sur region, part of the Santa Lucia Range. It's great to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, but there are also plenty of hiking opportunities.

‍

Adirondack Mountains

‍

‍

New Yorkers looking to escape the city and relax in nature can take advantage of the Adirondack Mountains in northeastern New York. Winters are snowy, autumns are colorful, and spring and summer are great for kayaking and hiking. There are also several charming small towns in the area and lovely scenic drives.

‍

Sawtooth Range

‍

‍

Its jagged peaks make Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains one of the most beautiful in the country. For outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers hiking trails, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, and more.

‍

Bighorn Mountains

‍

‍

The Bighorn Mountains, which cross parts of Wyoming and Montana, are another great mountain destination for outdoor adventurers. They offer bike trails, camping, hiking, fishing, and more. Its beautiful alpine landscape makes Cloud Peak Wilderness one of the most picturesque areas in the range.

‍

White Mountains

‍

‍

A beautiful mountain retreat with outdoor activities for everyone, the White Mountains are located in New Hampshire and part of Maine. There are tramways, alpine coasters, vintage railroads, and more that offer mountain views in addition to hiking and camping.