Autumn colors abound at the 10 best destinations for fall foliage

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For many of us, the only thing that takes the sting away from the end of summer is the anticipation of the beautiful fall colors. The leaf-peeping season has arrived, so we went on a search for the top places to view the changing trees. A panel of travel experts selected the original 20 nominees, then readers voted for the 10 best destinations for fall foliage. Scroll to learn more about the winners.

Photo courtesy of Destination Door County

No. 10: Door County, Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s best fall foliage can often be found in Door County. Leaves reach their peak of color between late September and mid-October, when visitors from around the country come to drive its tree-lined roads or hike its trails.

Photo courtesy of Mark Vandenberg

No. 9: Stowe, Vermont

Vermont is well known for its fall foliage, particularly in the Green Mountains. For the best leaf peeping, make the drive along the Green Mountain Byway between the towns of Waterbury and Stowe.

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism/ CJRW

No. 8: Ozark Mountain Region, Arkansas

A variety of different tree species, including maple, hickory, sycamore and oak, paint the landscape of the Arkansas Ozarks in warm fall colors each September and October. This mountainous landscape attracts leaf peepers who want to get outdoors for an autumn hike in the mountains.

Photo courtesy of Alex Byers

No. 7: Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

Fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands usually peaks in mid-October, making the Pennsylvania region an ideal fall getaway destination. Go for a drive along Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway with a stop to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater framed by colorful leaves, or take a scenic hike in Ohiopyle State Park.

Explore: Best attractions and activities for this fall, according to readers

Photo courtesy of Aspen Chamber

No. 6: Aspen, Colorado

Aspen ranks among the nation’s best spots for a fall leaf peeping hike. The area’s aspen trees begin to change from green to gold from mid-September to early October, and some of the best viewing spots include the Maroon Bells, Cathedral Lake, Maroon Creek Road and Independence Pass.

Photo courtesy of Gatlinburg CVB

No. 5: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains, thanks in large part to the spectacular fall foliage and cool temperatures. Gatlinburg travelers have their choice of several aerial tramways and chairlifts for taking in a bird's-eye-view of the landscape before or after a trip into Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Photo courtesy of iStock / haveseen

No. 4: White Mountains, New Hampshire

The annual display of fall color in the White Mountains of New Hampshire typically takes place each September and October, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. One of the best places to take it all in is along the 34-mile Kancamagus Highway as it cuts through White Mountain National Forest.

Photo courtesy of PoconoMountains.com

No. 3: Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains are ablaze with hues of red, orange and yellow come autumn, thanks to the area’s 127 species of indigenous trees, plants and shrubs. Leaf peepers can hop in the car for a scenic cruise along Route 507 near Lake Wallenpaupack or climb aboard a fall foliage train.

Photo courtesy of Town of Taos

No. 2: Taos, New Mexico

There’s no shortage of leaf peeping opportunities in and around Taos, starting with a drive along the High Road to Taos or the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. The town makes an excellent base for autumn adventure as well, from biking along the West Rim Trail on the Rio Grande River or hiking Williams Lake Trail.

Photo courtesy of @snaphappymichigan

No. 1: Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Just about the entire Upper Peninsula puts on a display of fall color that peaks during the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. A favorite fall experience for leaf peepers is the drive on M-26 along the shores of Lake Roland and past the trees of Copper Country State Forest.