ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

2 North Carolina Towns Voted As The Best Small Towns For Adventure

USA Today recently had their readers vote for their “10 best” campaign. One of those categories was “The Best Small Towns for Adventure”. And not one but two North Carolina…

Boone North Carolina Small Towns Adventure

Linville Falls near the Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina, in early fall.

Eifel Kreutz/Getty Images Plus

USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Adventure". And not one but two North Carolina towns made the top 10 list! And both are on opposite ends of the state, showcasing the true diversity North Carolina offers. Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors whether you enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or something else. I was surprised at the top spot on this list, it was actually a town I had never heard of. Whereas the destination I would have guessed would have that spot came in at number 8.

The other thing that surprised me, is that as someone who is not that into outdoor adventures I've been to a fair amount of these.  It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers something unique to make it a fantastic option! Or as a handful are mountain towns there could be a good ski trip destination this winter. We've got multiple areas of the country covered as well, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!

View the full article here or keep reading for the list!

The Best Small Towns For Adventure

According to USA Today Readers

10. Gorham, New Hampshire

Gorham is tucked in the Androscoggin Valley of New Hampshire adjacent to the picturesque Presidential Mountain Range making it the perfect adventure destination.

9. Beaufort , North Carolina

This coastal town gives adventure lovers plenty of options on the water and off!

8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

It's no surprise this mountain town near the Grand Tetons makes the list, the only shock is it's not higher on the list!

7. Sheridan, Wyoming

Sheridan is halfway between Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore on the eastern side of Wyoming. Adventure lovers can roam the open range on horseback, backpack, or fish in the Wyoming waters.

6. Stowe, Vermont

Any season is the perfect time to take in all that this Vermont mountain town has to offer.

5. Boone, NC

This college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is just steps away from hiking, rafting, and more.

4. North Conway, New Hampshire

Its location at the base of Mt. Washington propelled North Conway to the 4th spot on this list.

3. Taos, New Mexico

Taos while home to rich history also has some of the best rafting in New Mexico!

2. Ellicottville, New York

The self-described Western New York playground for outdoor fun is Ellicottville. Activities include skiing and snowboardinggolfmountain bikinghikingfishing,  paddle boarding, and kayaking.

1. Savanna, Illinois

Located along the Mississippi River is Savanna Illinois. It's the beginning of the Great River Bike Trail, which is 60 miles of trails. It's also home to the Mississippi Palisades State Park.

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.