Diversions September 11, 2014

Survey Reveals Top Fall Foliage Destinations

From New England and the Great Lakes to the farthest South, here’s where to find trees showing off their fall color, according to TripAdvisor’s survey of the top 10 U.S. foliage destinations.

Reported by

Jill Cornfield

TripAdvisor polled more than 2,300 travelers, and the answers range from mountain peaks to seaside ports, with a wide-ranging variety of activities—shopping, biking, hiking, among others—for leaf-peepers.

Asheville, North Carolina. Travelers can enjoy the views by peddling through the Appalachian Mountains on one of many biking trails or tooling in the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Peak viewing: the middle to the end of October.

Boston. Travelers can stroll along the Charles River, enjoy a ride on the Swan Boats or simply relax in the Public Garden to soak up lush foliage, sprawling grass and the sounds of nature. Peak viewing: late September through the middle of October.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Leaf enthusiasts enjoy small-town charm in the middle of the Smoky Mountains. More than 600 miles of hiking trails leave plenty of room for exploration, including the Newfound Gap Road from which travelers can observe a brilliant tapestry of foliage at 1,400 feet above sea level. Peak viewing: mid-October to early November.

Burlington, Vermont. A short walk from Church Street Marketplace sits Waterfront Park, where travelers can enjoy a stroll along the shores of Lake Champlain and the reflection of leaves with the mountains in the distance. Peak viewing: middle of September through the middle of October.

Stowe, Vermont. View the brilliant display while driving the scenic Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road. Peak viewing: middle of September through the middle of October.

Traverse City, Michigan. Visitors can venture down Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for seven picturesque miles of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Peak viewing: middle of September through October.

Door County, Wisconsin. Travelers can hike, bike or relax on a beach in Peninsula State Park, which spans nearly 4,000 acres. Peak viewing: late September through November.

Portland, Maine. Besides exceptional foliage, the area features boutiques in the Old Port District, views fishermen returning with a fresh catch and Portland Head Light. Peak viewing: middle of September through October.