While it may be well-warranted, the South’s reputation for scorching summer weather isn’t completely accurate. Of course, there are places like Savannah, New Orleans, and Atlanta, where the heat and humidity require the constant presence of air conditioning and ceiling fans, but the region also comes with its share of slightly cooler, above-sea-level escapes. Serving as antidotes to the ever-increasing temperatures, mountain towns are where Southerners go when the air gets too thick and even the shortest walk results in a level of perspiration typically only encountered during a high-intensity workout.
Located within the Appalachian Mountains and its subranges — including the Alleghenies, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Cumberland Mountains — these small, often remote, towns are chock-full of reasons to visit throughout the year, especially in late spring, summer, and fall. Along with the more tolerable temperatures associated with higher altitudes, many of these destinations feature a slate of other natural cooling mechanisms: swimming holes, floatable rivers, and towering, ancient trees that graciously provide shade to those hiking in the area.
For Melany Robinson, founder of Sprouthouse, the summer appeal of a Southern mountain town — particularly the ones in Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina, where she considers “home” — goes deeper than a simple thermometer reading. “I think of skiing on mountain lakes and hiking on rhododendron-covered trails. I think of cold fried chicken and homemade peach ice cream. I think of fiddlers playing bluegrass music and long drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway,” she says.
As someone who grew up just 10 minutes from that parkway, I can attest to the fact that Southern mountain towns are a singular source of magic, relaxation, and reprieve from the formidable summer heat. There are a few, however, that are more worthy of a trip than others. Read on to discover 10 of the best mountain towns in the South.
Highlands, North Carolina
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Named one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Small Towns of 2023, Highlands, North Carolina (population: 1,088) has a long History as a getaway for Southerners looking to escape the oppressive summer heat — whether they’re Traveling from Charleston, Atlanta, or Nashville. Its position within the Nantahala National Forest and elevation of 4,118 feet give way to a relatively pleasant climate throughout the season; from June through August, the maximum temperature hovers between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Notably, summer is one of the most popular times to visit Highlands, so it’s a good idea to book your trip in advance. Old Edwards Inn, Half-Mile Farm, and Highlander Mountain House continue to be favorites among Travelers, but there’s also a new face in the mix: The Outpost Inn officially opened its 14 rooms to the public in early 2024, and its central location is convenient for exploring the town and surrounding trails, waterfalls, and mountain views.
Waynesboro, Virginia
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Upon entering Waynesboro, says Corry Blanc, founder and owner of kitchenware and barware brand Blanc Creatives, “you’re transported to an old industrial mountain town, once sleepy and now coming to life with artisans and amazing nature.” Here, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, and the Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive intersect to create a hub of outdoor and cultural activities where, he explains, “you can’t throw a rock… without hitting a brewery, winery, restaurant, or hiking trail.” If you’re planning on just a quick trip to Waynesboro, though, Blanc has one piece of advice: “Be careful if you visit for a weekend because you just might wind up living here… that’s what happened to me.”
Blue Ridge, Georgia
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You won’t completely escape the summer heat in Blue Ridge, the “trout capital of Georgia,” but the mountain town has plenty of ways to make it more bearable. Fly fishing, tubing, rafting, and kayaking will get you out on the Toccoa River, and a selection of nearby breweries and wineries take the edge off an otherwise warm day. Before (or after) the sun reaches its peak during the day, be sure to explore downtown Blue Ridge’s boutiques, art galleries, and lineup of restaurants. Come nightfall, slide into bed at the charming Blue Ridge Inn Bed & Breakfast, a renovated Victorian home filled with comfort and thoughtful amenities.
Lansing, North Carolina
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There’s certainly no shortage of excellent mountain towns in Western North Carolina — Boone, Brevard, and Waynesville are all strong contenders — but Robinson has a special place in her heart for Lansing. “My grandfather bought 90 acres on the north fork of the New River when my mom was little,” she says. “I have fond memories of floating down the [river] in inner tubes, biking the Virginia Creeper Trail, and hiking alongside wild ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park.” To fuel days traversing trails, mountain biking, and fly fishing the Lansing Heritage Trout Waters, Robinson recommends grabbing coffee at the General Store and pizza from Pie on the Mountain.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
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The main entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee — a mountain town with an impressive roster of summer activities, both natural and human-made. Following breakfast at Pancake Pantry or The Donut Friar, travelers can drive the Roaring Fork Nature Trail, fish in the Smokies’ streams, walk the awe-inspiring SkyBridge, and go waterfall spotting throughout the area. Downtown Gatlinburg also boasts a range of unique galleries, boutiques, and candy shops, which you can pop in and out of along the “Parkway.”
Dahlonega, Georgia
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“If you love nature, you’ll love this part of North Georgia,” says Blanc, who recommends Travelers explore both Dahlonega and neighboring Dawsonville. “The Approach Trail for the Appalachian Trail starts at Amicalola Falls State Park, which is the highest waterfall in Georgia. The area is also full of amazing river systems that I grew up kayaking and trout fishing on,” he explains. Outside of outdoor pursuits, Dahlonega — one of T+L’s Best Small Towns of 2023 — is known for its thriving wine, spirits, and craft beer industry and its dedication to sharing its History and culture with visitors. Plus, adds Blanc, “It’s only one hour north of Atlanta, making it perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.”
Mentone, Alabama
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In northeast Alabama, not far from both the Tennessee and Georgia state lines, sits Mentone. Some may know it for its summer camps, others may know it as the location of the only ski resort in the state. Either way, its location atop Lookout Mountain produces an atmosphere that qualifies the destination as one of the best mountain towns in the South. Nearby DeSoto State Park is a must-explore for hikers and other nature enthusiasts, as its 3,502 acres are filled with places to kayak, swim, boulder, fish, bike, and more. The park also has a few waterfalls, but Travelers should note, pending rainfall, they may be dry in the summer.
Bryson City, North Carolina
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If you want a classic North Carolina mountain town with a distinct sense of place, consider a trip to Bryson City, the “outdoor adventure capital of the Great Smoky Mountains.” Just over an hour’s drive from Asheville, the fewer-than-2,000-person town takes full advantage of its surroundings; long summer days can take the form of whitewater rafting the Tuckasegee River, tubing down Deep Creek, or paddling the Nantahala. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which offers scenic single-day train rides leaving from the historic train depot in downtown Bryson City, also runs throughout the season.
Floyd, Virginia
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For a Southwest Virginia mountain road trip, Robinson recommends a few spots — Roanoke, Lexington, Devils Backbone Basecamp in Roseland, and the tiny, one-stoplight town of Floyd. The latter is one of the main stops along “The Crooked Road,” Virginia’s heritage music trail, and it’s home to the “world’s largest collection of traditional bluegrass and old-time music.” You can browse County Sales’ impressive inventory of tunes and titles at your leisure, but you'll want to plan ahead (and reserve seats online) for one of the town’s most famous events: the Friday Night Jamboree at Floyd Country Store. According to Robinson, a trip to Floyd wouldn’t be complete with watching the fiddlers and cloggers take the stage. When summer arrives, the Jamboree gets a bit bigger, expanding into parking lots, alleys, and driveways; not to mention, the famed FloydFest, an annual celebration of music and art, brings in visitors from near and far in July.
Black Mountain, North Carolina
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If there’s one connecting thread between all Southern mountain towns, it’s a shared appreciation of art. Nowhere is this more prominent than Black Mountain. The North Carolina town once revolved around Black Mountain College, a mid-20th century artists’ haven, and there’s a thrum of creativity that continues to this day. Even if you’re only visiting for a weekend, plan to fill your itinerary with shopping trips and performances at Black Mountain Center of the Arts, White Horse Black Mountain, Red House Studios, Seven Sisters Gallery, and Mountain Nest.
