OutsideJul 29
I’ve Forecast Extreme Weather for 30 Years. These Are My Top Adventure Towns for Escaping the Heat.
A veteran television meteorologist shares her favorite under-the-radar U.S. towns where summer temperatures stay comfortably under 80 degrees—and are full of outdoor adventure.
local favorite before a hike
24 things in this story
- Mirror LakeSightgas-powered boats aren’t allowed, ideal for swimming
- High Falls GorgeSightHike for waterfalls and shaded trails
- Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial HighwaySightNew York’s toughest bike ascent
- Stairway Ridge TrailTrailshort and steep hike to the summit
- Miracle on Ice rinkSightskating on the famed rink
- SkyRide at Lake Placid Ski Jumping ComplexSightride the SkyRide
- Mt. Van HoevenbergAttractiontake a luge or biathlon lesson
- Cliffside CoasterPlaceNorth America’s longest mountain coaster
- The Coffee BarCaféStart the day with a latte on the balcony
- Bluesberry BakeryBakerygrab a pastry
- The Breakfast Club, etc.Restaurantlocal favorite before a hike
- Elsewhere
- Olympic National ParkSightForks, United Statesmost diverse national park in the USA
- Mount WashingtonSightConcord, United Stateshighest peak in the Northeast, infamous for extreme weather
- Mount Washington Auto RoadSightConcord, United StatesAmerica's oldest man-made tourist attraction
- Mount Washington Cog RailwaySightConcord, United Statesworld's first mountain-climbing cog railway
- Jackson FallsSightJackson, United States100-feet-tall falls, series of cascades and pools
- Androscoggin RiverSightJackson, United StatesPaddle on a guided wildlife kayaking tour
- Great Glen Trails Outdoor CenterPlaceJackson, United Statesoffers guided wildlife kayaking tours
- White MountainsSightJackson, United Statesterrain for every mountain biker
- YesterdaysRestaurantJackson, United StatesChow down on a Bennie or omelet
- Sunrise ShackRestaurantJackson, United StatesGrab a burger
- Wildcat TavernGuest houseJackson, United StatesEnjoy country comfort food in rustic post and beam
- Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewing CompanyRestaurantJackson, United StatesFor barbecue and craft beer
- Wildcat Inn and TavernGuest houseJackson, United Stateshistoric, classic New England charm