If you love the great outdoors, the Gem State is your ultimate playground. There are so many ways to experience Mother Nature’s creations and receive a little fresh air. One of our favorite ways to explore Idaho is on a hiking trail and well, in this great state, hiking trails are in abundance. In fact, there are several small towns in Idaho that are a hiker’s paradise with dozens of hiking trails all within a short driving distance. Here are just nine of the best small towns with outdoor recreation in Idaho that hikers of all ages and all experience levels will want to visit.

1. Stanley
Stanley, ID 83278, USA
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Stanley is one of the best small towns for hikers. There are dozens of hikes surrounding this small town, some that are just a short journey and others that will take your whole day (or even your entire weekend!) to complete. On the trails near this small town, you will get to explore the Sawtooth Mountains, Salmon River, Stanley Lake, and so much more. Plus, you can even enjoy a hike to a hot spring for an epic adventure.
2. Almo
Almo, ID, USA
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Almo is the definition of a small town in Idaho. With the City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park just a short drive away, there are all types of hiking trails in this area. One of our favorite hiking trails is found at Castle Rocks State Park — the Around-the-Rock Trail. This is a 1.1-mile loop trail that is easy, flat, and beautiful.
3. Riggins
Riggins, ID 83549, USA
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When you think of gorgeous mountain towns, Riggins isn’t usually at the top of the list, but it should be. This area is home to some gorgeous hiking trails and hikers of all experience levels will likely find multiple trails near this small town that they love. If you are looking for a bit of a challenge with an incredible view, the Mirror Lake Trail is a must. This 1.6-mile out-and-back trail doesn’t seem like much but it is extremely steep and carrying a map is strongly encouraged.
4. Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
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If you’ve never explored northern Idaho, you are certainly missing out. There are dozens of hiking trails near Bonners Ferry that include lakes, rivers, forests, and more. For a fun afternoon, tackle the easy trail to Copper Falls, a 225-foot waterfall in the Kootenai National Forest. This waterfall hike should be on every Idahoan’s bucket list.

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5. Hailey
Hailey, ID 83333, USA
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Hailey is another small Idaho town where you will find all types of hiking trails. Many of these trails will take you through the Sawtooth National Forest and Sawtooth Wilderness Area, while others will just take you around the town. If you like challenging hikes and are searching for hiking trails with serious distance, this is the area for you.
6. Island Park
Island Park, ID, USA
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Near Island Park, you will find more than two dozen hiking trails. Some of these trails are easy, like the Ranch Loop Trail, which is only 1.7-miles long in Harriman State Park. Other trails, such as the Johnny Sack Cabin Trail, take you through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and to a historic cabin by the river.
7. Cascade
Cascade, ID 83611, USA
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If you are looking for some of the most scenic hikes in Idaho, Cascade is the place to go. In this area, you will find hikes that take you to rivers, lakes, and even hot springs. For a hiking trail that will absolutely take your breath away, check out the Blue Lake Trail. This 1.6-mile trail has a few challenging areas but the views are jaw-dropping. You can always stay at the Blue Lake Campground on your adventure as well.
8. McCall
McCall, ID 83638, USA
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The hikes near McCall are some of our favorites. While there are hikes all around this small town, you can also enter Ponderosa State Park to capture some incredible lake views. For an easy, kid-friendly hike in Ponderosa State Park, explore the Lily Marsh Trail, a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail that is easy, shaded, and mesmerizing.
9. Victor
Victor, ID 83455, USA
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Victor is located in some of the most beautiful country so, of course, you can expect the hiking trails here to be stunning. If you want a long and challenging hike, consider the Taylor Mountain Loop Trail, which is 14.2 miles. This trail is actually in Wyoming (it sits next to the Wyoming and Idaho state line), but it is a hike you will not forget.

Are there any other small towns in Idaho that you’d add to this list? What do you consider the best small towns with outdoor recreation in Idaho? Let us know in the comments! Make sure you share some of your favorite hikes in Idaho as well!

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More to Explore

best small towns with outdoor recreation in Idaho

Courtnie Erickson | September 22, 2022

What are some of the best small towns in Idaho?

It doesn’t matter if you are a history buff, outdoor lover, hiking enthusiast, or just love to explore the Gem State, there are many incredible small towns to visit. One small town that doesn’t get much attention is Weiser. Located near the Oregon border, this town features gorgeous scenery everywhere you look. It is also home to many historic buildings that history buffs will love to check out. Plus, it’s a quick day trip from Boise, perfect if you don’t have much time on your hands for exploring.

Another small town in Idaho that deserves your attention is Moscow. Home to the University of Idaho, this small town revolves around the college. Tucked away in the heart of the Palouse Region, this town is scenic all year long. In the spring and summer months, the green rolling hills will capture your heart, but our particular favorite is during the fall harvest when all you see are rolling hills of gold.

In southeastern Idaho, you can’t forget about the town of Rexburg. This is another college town and also home to a long list of activities and some of the best ice cream shops around. Plus, it is just a short drive from incredible attractions like Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, And Yellowstone Bear World.

What is one of the best small towns with outdoor recreation in Idaho?

While the above small towns are perfect for outdoor lovers, one that also deserves to be on the list of the best small towns with outdoor recreation in Idaho is Ketchum. This town is located near Sun Valley Resort and near all types of outdoor recreational opportunities. In the winter, you can ski, snowboard, tube, snowmobile, ice skate … and the list goes on. In the summer, this area is a paradise for mountain bikers and hikers. There really is no shortage of outdoor activities that surround one of the most picturesque areas in Idaho.

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