By Cora Gold
The best getaways give you a chance to unplug and get away from your busy schedule. Plan a trip to the mountains next year to enjoy a long weekend that will make your stress disappear.
These are some of the best vacation spots in the U.S. for an off-the-grid vacation you’ll never forget.
1. Adirondack Mountains
Although you can find plenty of wellness destinations across New York, the Adirondacks might become your new favourite place to immerse yourself in nature. Head upstate to discover the many lakes and hiking trails where you can reduce oxidative stress damage caused by long-term periods of anxiety back home.
The Adirondacks also have tourist activities if you don’t want to spend all your time hiking, swimming or fishing. Visit maple syrup cabins, museums, historic sites and more by getting tickets before you leave home.
2. Olympic Mountains
Washington is home to the gorgeous Olympic Mountains. People travel there annually to unplug from the world and relax in the woods. Summer is the best time to see the thriving plants nestled in the thick forests, but you can also visit in early autumn to see the changing leaves before snow flurries begin to fall.
If you’d rather spend time alone, Olympic National Park could be the best place for your next trip. It contains nearly 1 million acres, so you can explore the surrounding land every day without feeling cramped on busy trails. Bring a GPS or solar-powered phone charger just to be safe if you venture too far off the main paths.
3. Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains stretch across North Carolina and Tennessee, but Gatlinburg is one of the best places to visit if you want to see the national park. It has a little something for everyone, like restaurants, shops and secluded cabins. You can unplug as long as you’d like and still be close to activities if you change your mind.
Don’t miss out on Gatlinburg’s ever-growing artistry community while you’re in the area. You could get local pottery and one-of-a-kind paintings while listening to live music as the sun sets. It’s a much more relaxing experience than listening to music through your headphones while shopping for art on your phone.
4. Alaska Range
You can always visit the Alaska Range for a snowy camping trip, but it’s also a beautiful destination in the early fall. Either way, you can turn off your phone and spend time on the hiking trails surrounded by picturesque mountaintops.
Denali National Park is also among the best mountain getaways because you can see sled dog demonstrations. Kennel owners host shows all year round. You get to watch how the sledding works and even ride behind expert sled dogs under the summer sun.
5. Bighorn Mountains
Your off-the-grid vacation shouldn’t feel like a challenging destination to reach. The Bighorn Mountains prevent that issue by offering three scenic byways through the park to your mountain getaway.
Enjoy the breathtaking views from your car as you navigate to your campsite, RV park, or cabin. After arriving, you’ll have plenty of time to climb up Ten Sleep Canyon or view the Bighorn Medicine Wheel monument.
6. San Francisco Peaks
Don’t let the name fool you — the incredible San Francisco Peaks are actually in Arizona. Flagstaff sits at the base of the mountains and offers all the creature comforts you could want on vacation.
Whether you want to unplug completely or have a few modern amenities, you’ll find cozy places to stay and hiking trails winding through lush forests throughout the year.
7. Wichita Mountains
There are many incredible things to experience during a getaway in the Witchita Mountains. It’s a serene location that makes people feel like they’ve left the modern world and transported themselves back in time.
Spend quiet time reflecting on the beauty of nature while bison roam across the fields in front of your campsite. If you consider yourself an experienced outdoor enthusiast, plan to hike the Eagle Mountain Trail. Spraypainted arrows will guide you up the mountain until you reach the 360° view at the top.
Remember to wear pants and long sleeves to protect yourself from the brush as you climb.
8. Pine Valley Mountains
Utah’s Pine Valley Mountains are a treasure for those seeking the best mountain getaways. The cool breeze and endless views create an incredible experience whether you’re fishing, hiking or taking photos.
If you head there in the winter, you’ll find other visitors putting on snowshoes. The surrounding floodplain wears a blanket of snow during the winter months, so it’s the perfect place to test your skills as you snowshoe along riverbeds.
9. Mount Shasta
When a volcano collapsed 300,000–500,000 years ago, the lingering pile of land formed Mount Shasta. Geologists still consider it an active volcano, but don’t expect it to erupt for another 1,000–2,000 years. You can easily plan a getaway to immerse yourself in the mountain’s beauty.
Visitors often go in the winter to ski down the mountain’s slopes. You could snowboard back to your ski lodge or return in autumn to hike up to Three McCloud Falls. Listen to the rushing water and take deep breaths to slow cortical rhythms that otherwise maintain the intensity of anxiety symptoms.
10. Catskill Mountains
Some adventurers find easy-going outdoor vacations most relaxing. If you feel the same way, the Catskill Mountains might become your new favourite place for weekend trips. The slopes are gradual, so trails won’t leave you exhausted or overly challenged.
It’s also a place that’s famous for its fishing opportunities. Reset your stress levels by testing your angling skills at flyfishing spots like the Neversink River or Roscoe. You’ll also find rainbow trout and white suckerfish at Big Pond. There are plenty of places to rent canoes, too.
Obtain the proper fishing licenses according to New York law, and you’ll have a great time on your vacation.
Discover the Best Mountain Getaways
No matter which destination you choose, your off-the-grid vacation will be sensational. Consider which activities you’ll do while you’re away from home to plan the best mountain getaways possible.
You can embark on adventures all year round with destinations like these. Pack everything you need, and your next vacation will leave you with incredible memories.
