Summary

  • Wallace, Idaho, is one of the many charming historic towns in the US to visit for a rustic getaway in nature; it offers a rich mining history and scenic hiking trails for travelers.
  • Mancos, Colorado, surrounded by the La Plata Mountains and Mesa Verde National Park, offers stunning natural and historic sites to explore year-round.
  • Cumberland, Maryland, is another one of the scenic nature towns in the US for a vacation; it's a cycling paradise with well-maintained bike paths and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Potomac River region.

The United States is home to a wide and diverse array of beautiful landscapes and 63 stunning national parks that offer numerous recreational activities. However, some of them can be very expensive US national parks, with entrance fees that reach $35 and extra costs that visitors might not always be aware of.

In addition to the spectacular national park system, the US also boasts 6,972 different state park units, some more underrated than others, especially in small towns like Port Townsend, home to Washington's most underrated state park. This means it’s not difficult to find a charming small hamlet to visit that's based in an area with incredible scenery and abundant pristine nature spots.

Case in point; here are a number of great towns to visit for a peaceful getaway in nature, each of which may just be some of the most beautiful nature vacation spots in the US.

UPDATE: 2024/03/23 20:49 EST BY MONA BASSIL

Discover Even More Rustic & Rural Vacations In The US In These Peaceful American Towns

Looking for rustic cities in the US (and also charming rural American towns)? We've added even more beautiful places in the US to visit to this list, each of which offers a rustic escape with nature, hiking trails, quaint downtowns, charming accommodations, historic attractions, and gorgeous natural scenery.

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12 Fish Creek, Wisconsin

A hidden gem with hiking and boating opportunities

Fish Creek is an unincorporated community within the town of Gibraltar in Door County and is the epitome of small-town charm. Travelers seeking somewhere quiet with lots of outdoor activities will appreciate the many scenic hiking trails and miles of shoreline, on top of the fine wineries and charming galleries.

Also within the county's limits lies Peninsula State Park, the third-largest park in the state, with its 3,776 acres of stunning outdoor space to enjoy via hiking, biking, or swimming; its most scenic viewpoint is Eagle Tower, which overlooks the entire Green Bay.

Best Time to Visit:

Summer, when all businesses are open

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Peninsula State Park (6 am to 11 pm; $28 for WI plates; $38 for out-of-state plates); Sunset Cruise with live music (from $32)

Easy Trail:

Sentinel Trail to Lone Pine Trail Loop (2.1 miles; 40 minutes)

11 Mancos, Colorado

Surrounded by stunning natural and historic sites

Mancos Valley Overlook in the Colorado desert
Shutterstock
Mancos Valley Overlook in the Colorado desert

Located along the San Juan Skyway, Mancos in Colorado still retains the spirit of the Old West, complete with ranches that are still active in this part of the satate.

Perhaos one of the most beautiful towns in Colorado, Mancos is flanked by the La Plata Mountains on one side and the striking cliffs of Mesa Verde National Park on the other, the latter a well-preserved ancestral home that is considered sacred to Native Americans.

As for the Jackson Gulch Reservoir here, it is a prime fishing and wildlife viewing spot located only 14 miles from town. All in all, Mancos' various green areas can be enjoyed in any season, with snowshoeing and skiing opportunities in winter, too.

Best Time to Visit:

May to July for the best weather

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Mesa Verde National Park (8 am to sunset; $15/person); Mancos Valley Overlook; 700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour (from $108.26)

Easy Trail:

Knife Edge Trail (2 miles; 43 minutes)

The best months to visit this trail are April through October.

10 Wallace, Idaho

Come for the silver, stay for the scenery

Wallace, the county seat of Shoshone County, Idaho, has been the world’s number one silver producer for more than 100 years. As a rich and rustic mining town, travelers will find plenty to do in its center, from antique and pawn shops to hearty bites, as well as pleasant surrounding nature.

There are hundreds of hiking and walking trails in the community parks and green areas in the vicinity, ensuring travelers seeking tranquility will find what they’re looking for.

Best Time to Visit:

Summer for events; November to February for affordable lodging

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Moon Pass Road; Silver Streak Zipline (from $100)

Moderate Trails:

Pulaski Tunnel Trail (3.5 miles; 1 hour 47 minutes); Upper Glidden Lake (2.7 miles; 1 hour 1 minute)

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9 Kennebunkport, Maine

Beautiful in every season

Located in southern Maine, Kennebunkport offers plenty to do and see, as it's a picturesque hotspot in York County. It is particularly praised for its beautiful, laid-back beaches, making it an ideal choice for summer travelers seeking a quiet destination by the ocean.

It is, however, equally scenic in every season, whether adorned in fall foliage or with Christmas lights, and the downtown area boasts many art galleries, boutique shops, and fine restaurants.

Best Time to Visit:

Year-round

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Drive along Ocean Avenue; St. Anthony's Monastery and Gardens; 3-Hour Kayak/SUP Rental in Cape Porpoise Harbor (from $39.95); Historic District Garden Stroll (from $41.99)

Easy Trails:

Parson’s Way (2 miles; 39 minutes); Goose Rocks Beach Walk (4 miles; 1 hour 8 minutes)

Only leashed dogs are welcome on Goose Rocks Beach.

8 Lajitas, Texas

Rugged charm all around

Lajitas, Texas, is a small town with a beer-drinking goat for a mayor. As quirky as that sounds, the town also offers lots to do and holds onto the charm and rustic characteristics of the Wild West. Located in Far West Texas, Lajitas centers around a resort (Lajitas Golf Resort) and other accommodation options and is one of the two towns closest to Big Bend National Park, which is why travelers exploring the park often base themselves there.

In addition to being a gateway to the National Park, the town is also the ideal place to stay for hiking in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Beyond exploring the region's designated green spaces, travelers can also embrace the natural beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert by horseback riding, zip lining, and bird watching.

Best Time to Visit:

March and April for mild temperatures

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Big Bend Ranch State Park (8 am to 4:30 pm; $5/adult); Big Bend National Park (24/7; $15/person; $30/vehicle); Lajitas Equestrian Center (sunrise and sunset trail rides at $125/person)

Moderate Trail:

Lajitas Mesa (8 miles; 4 hours 8 minutes)

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7 Cumberland, Maryland

A cyclist's paradise

Once a transportation center in the 19th century, Cumberland may be the county seat of Allegany County, but it retains a rustic, small-town feel.

It is a hidden gem in the Maryland mountains, right on the Potomac River, with tree-lined streets and well-maintained bike paths for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit:

March to May for lower prices

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

The Narrows and Lovers Leap; Washington Street Historic District

Easy Trails:

Bishop Walsh to Cumberland Overlook (1.7 miles; 47 minutes); Rocky Trail and Settler's Trail (3.8 miles; 1 hour 32 minutes)

The Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath both contribute to a 335-mile route between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., which is an epic journey for cyclists.

6 Littleton, New Hampshire

A quaint, historical town with many hiking trails

Situated on the northern edge of the White Mountains, in Grafton County, Littleton is a quaint small town known for its summer festivals and street performances. The center is extremely walkable and retains its historical charm, with old-fashioned shops lining the streets.

Hiking is a wonderful way to spend time around Littleton, with popular trails like Kilburn Crags and The Dells Trail located close by.

Best Time to Visit:

Summer

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Riverwalk Covered Bridge; the murals between Main and Mill Streets; Parker Mountain

Easy Trails:

Ammonosuc River Covered Bridge (0.8 miles; 16 minutes); The Dells Trail (1.3 miles; 24 minutes)

5 Whitefish, Montana

A winter resort town close to Glacier National Park

Montana is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the US, as seen in the numerous scenic Montana towns that offer easy access to beautiful hiking trails. One of them is Whitefish, a gorgeous town in Flathead County that is particularly popular in the colder months, with activities that include skiing and snowboarding, as well as hiking.

It is also famed for being the gateway to Glacier National Park, which is only 35 minutes away and offers more than 700 miles of trails that can be explored and admired in any season.

Best Time to Visit:

Winter and spring

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Whitefish Lake State Park (24/7; $8/vehicle); Glacier National Park (24/7; from $20/person)

Easy Trail:

Swift Creek Loop (1.4 miles; 30 minutes); Bob Cedar Trail (3.3 miles; 1 hour 27 minutes)

4 Bristol, Rhode Island

A picturesque seaside community with great architecture

Bristol might just be one of the most beautiful towns in Rhode Island, boasting impressive architecture and diverse culinary experiences.

As a deep-water seaport named after the city of Bristol in England, the town's main industries are essentially marine-based, but it also offers many independent shops, year-round cultural events, 14 parks, miles of coastline, and a solid starting point on the East Bay Bike Path.

Best Time to Visit:

Spring for mild temperatures

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Mount Hope Farm (8 am to 6 pm; free); Bristol Town Beach (6 am to 6 pm; free); Colt State Park (5 am to 8 pm; free); Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum (March 30 to October 14; Manor: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm; Gardens and grounds: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm; from $20)

Easy Trails:

Mount Hope Farm Trail (2.5 miles; 49 minutes); Bristol Harbor Paddle Route (5.6 miles)

Travelers can visit Salt Water Farms on the Oyster Trail for a delicious look at shellfish farming in this state.

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3 Unalaska, Alaska

An underrated island gem

Sunny day view of Unalaska island in Alaska
UltraBlue1215, Shutterstock 
Sunny day view of Unalaska island in Alaska

Unalaska is a small town on an Alaskan island that is ideal for a peaceful hiking, fishing, or kayaking getaway, surrounded by some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world, from wildflowers to rolling hills and treeless but stunning landscapes.

Some cruise lines now make Unalaska a stop on their routes, meaning it’s slowly gaining attention, but it’s still relatively quiet compared to other state towns and cities, such as Anchorage. Some popular hikes include the Agamgik Trail and the Mt. Ballyhoo South Face Trail.

Best Time to Visit:

July and August for warmer temperatures

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Church (established in 1826); Pyramid Valley; Bayview Avenue

Easy Trail:

Bunker Hill Trail (2 miles; 58 minutes)

2 Page, Arizona

The base of many natural wonders in Arizona

Nestled in Coconino County, Page is a small town that is surrounded by iconic natural sites, from Lake Powell to Horseshoe Bend and the amply photographed Antelope Canyon.

Popular activities include glamping, RV camping, pub crawling, rodeos, stargazing, off-road tours, and rafting on the Colorado River.

Best Time to Visit:

May to October

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Big Lake Sand Cave; Eggshell Arch; Horseshoe Bend (sunrise to sunset; from $15/person)

Easy Trails:

Page Rimview Trail (10.3 miles; 3 hours 26 minutes), Beehive Trail (1.9 miles; March through June)

Antelope Canyon can only be visited through a guided tour, such as this one from $76/person.

1 Eastsound, Washington

A charming town on a calm bay

Eastsound is another one of the many rustic towns in the US for a vacation. It may be the commercial center of Orcas Island, but it is decidedly serene and pleasant and can easily be explored on foot.

Both its visitors and the welcoming locals are fond of its massage centers, relaxing resorts, quaint art galleries, and specialty boutiques, not to mention its ample fishing, kayaking, cycling, and whale-watching opportunities.

Best Time to Visit:

May to October for whale watching

Scenic Attractions and Activities:

Sucia Island State Park (6:30 am to dawn in summer, from 8 am in winter; $10/day); Moran State Park in Olga (7 am to 8:30 pm; $10/day)

Easy Trails:

Cascade Falls Trail (0.8 miles; 22 minutes); Crescent Beach Trail (1.5 miles; 29 minutes)