Neihart, MT

Set high in the Little Belt Mountains at around 5,600 feet, Neihart is a tiny, rustic mountain community about an hour southeast of Great Falls. The town got its start during the silver mining boom of the late 1800s and sits along U.S. 89 on the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. Living here means having the Lewis and Clark National Forest right in your backyard, with a quiet, secluded atmosphere and scenic canyon views all year round.

ATTRTony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK / CC BY 2.0

Outdoor recreation shapes daily life, especially during the colder months. Showdown Montana, the oldest ski area in the state, is only a few miles up the road at Kings Hill Pass, surrounded by miles of trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Winters are long and snowy, so residents rely on four-wheel drive and comfort with mountain driving on Highway 89. In return, you get peaceful mountain living, easy access to nearby streams and trailheads, and a close-knit group of neighbors.