An ode to America's teeny-tiny trail towns

In the world of long-distance backpacking, few elements have more of an impact than the trail towns you visit along the way. I have been thru-hiking long-distance trails in the U.S. since 2015, and while every trail has a distinct personality and wildly varied terrain, one thing they have in common are the remarkable small towns, few of which I would have visited had I not been backpacking through the region.

The idea of a “trail town” can be somewhat confusing: if you’re hiking a long trail, why are you in town? Simply put, backpacking trails that measure over a certain distance require town stops to resupply, which can include restocking food for the next section, repairing gear, having items shipped to you, and shipping items home. Because of their location, often far from urban centers, they aren’t the first places you’d think to travel to. But many of the best trail towns have found their footing as helpful communities to the wayward outdoor traveler—while also being unique, quirky, and hidden gems deserving of their own stop on a road trip, even if you aren’t hitting the trail.

Whether you’re exploring a long-distance trail or just happen to be in the region, these five trail towns are just a few of the wonderful places I’ve visited during my years of backpacking.

The Appalachian Trail is one of the most well-known long-distance trails in the country, traversing 14 states from Georgia to Maine. Virginia is the longest state on this trail (over 400 miles!) and Damascus, VA, is the first town to welcome hikers from the south. In fact, the Appalachian Trail itself goes right through town, so you can easily hop on and get a taste of the iconic route. There’s plenty to snack on in town, starting with a coffee at Mojo's Trailside Cafe & Coffee followed by a milkshake at Damascus Diner. Beyond the A.T., you’ll find the 34.3-mile rail-to-trail Virginia Creeper Trail here, a fresh-air way to explore the region around Damascus on foot or bike. If you’re looking to take a break from your hiking boots and pedal, rent a bike from Damascus Bike Rentals or Creeper Trail Bike Rental. Options for lodging range from a room at the Mountain Laurel Inn to the communal environment at Crazy Larry's Hostel. Consider timing your trip to the iconic trail town’s Trail Days, an annual celebration for locals, hikers, and the general Appalachian Trail community.

Late October into November is a lovely time to be on the 223-mile Ouachita Trail, a wooded path that traverses through the deciduous forest and ridges of Oklahoma and Arkansas. The welcoming environment in each town along the way was an unforgettable part of my own trip, and the Blue Bell Cafe and Country Store in Story, AR, was one of the biggest surprises of them all. I heard through the hiker grapevine that this store would send someone to pick you up on the trail and bring you to town for food and resupply, and the rumors were true. After massive burgers, a long chat with local diners, and a quick resupply, I spent the night a few minutes away at the Royal Oak Inn, with a rustic vibe that made me feel like I was experiencing the best of small town Arkansas. I was met with open kindness on this section of the trail and excitement bubbled from all angles as I chatted with locals and visitors alike.

Cannon Beach, OR, has been named one of National Geographic’s 100 Most Beautiful Places, and the mist rising from the ocean around the iconic Haystack Rock makes it easy to understand why. This town—of The Goonies fame—gets busy during the summer months, but when I cruised through here on the Oregon Coast Trail in the fall, it was serene and quiet with fast, friendly assistance in the shops and a warm welcome from locals. Beyond the trail, the Coaster Theatre is open year-round for a variety of shows in a cozy setting, and the Cannon Beach History Center provides historical context for the area. I stayed at the beachy Inn at Haystack Rock where I took a much-needed shower, and was told not to miss the Dungeness crab at the Ecola Seafood Restaurant. As a backpacker, I didn’t have much of a choice but to walk—thankfully the town is easy to navigate and compact, making it accessible for folks choosing to travel around town on foot or bike.

Tucked in a high valley in the San Juan Mountains, ​​Silverton, CO, is a National Historic Landmark and marks one end of the majestic Million Dollar Highway that links Silverton to Ouray. This high-elevation town sits above 9,000 feet and is a stellar stop for leaf peeping. If you’re looking for a mid-hike adventure, take an off-road vehicle on the Animas Forks Ghost Town Route, or head a few minutes out of town to Molas Lake Campground and wander through the trees and meadows on a section of the famous 486-mile Colorado Trail. Silverton was my favorite town stop on this trail, with most of the shops and dining lined up in a row along the main drag, framed by the mountains rising on the side of the pass. I stayed in a charming cabin at the Red Mountain Motel, and made multiple stops at the Coffee Bear for pastries and espresso, while also making some time for tacos and local beer at Avalanche Brewing Company.

With a population of just over 2,000, Kearny, AZ, is a quaint desert oasis with everything a thru-hiker—or road tripper—could want for shoulder season visits and adventures. I hung out in the shade at the charming Hubbard Park where I ate one of the biggest burritos I’d ever seen from Maria’s Restaurant. If you have access to a car, don’t miss Goldfield Ghost Town, which is an hour up the road and well worth the drive. This part of Arizona is prime for road tripping, with the Apache Trail Scenic Byway skirting the edge of the Superstition Mountains, and winding through miles of desert canyons.