NEEDHAM, Mass., September 24, 2015 – TripAdvisor ®, the world’s largest travel site*, today announced the top 10 destinations for viewing fall foliage, based on the quality and quantity of reviews and opinions from millions of TripAdvisor travelers. From the peaks of New England to the Pacific Northwest, travelers across the United States can get lost in the colorful splendor of these beloved destinations.
“A recent TripAdvisor survey revealed 82 percent of U.S. travelers are planning an autumnal escape. Those traveling this fall should consider visiting the top spots for viewing foliage based on feedback from our community of millions,” said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications for TripAdvisor. “With Stowe, Vermont and North Conway, New Hampshire occupying the top two spots on the list, New England is a prime region for viewing the season’s colors.”
10 Spectacular U.S. Destinations for Fall Foliage
1. Stowe, Vermont (25 hotels, 86 restaurants and 54 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Located in the majestic Green Mountains, this idyllic New England town boasts a 200-year-old village lined with quaint shops, cafes and restaurants where travelers can unwind after a day of viewing vibrant leafy displays. “We have visited the Stowe area many times over the years and enjoy the scenery in the different seasons, but the fall foliage is truly breathtaking,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.
2. North Conway, New Hampshire (24 hotels, 87 restaurants and 48 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Offering more than 700,000 acres of protected forest, North Conway is a spectacular venue for viewing fall color. Travelers can hike the trails of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, or drive along the Kancamagus Highway where they will see the seasonal sights from their car. “We were there at the end of September and the fall foliage was incredible,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.
3. Aspen, Colorado (36 hotels, 155 restaurants and 113 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Seated in the Rocky Mountains, this alpine oasis offers year-round recreation for travelers of all ages. During the fall, guests are invited to bike, hike or walk along the peaks where they will enjoy the natural splendor of the trees turning shades of gold, crimson and tangerine. “I have seen the foliage in the Northeast and Appalachian Mountains during its peak, but nothing prepared me for the sight of the Maroon Bells among the yellow and golden Aspens,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.
4. Niagara Falls, New York (53 hotels, 267 restaurants and 78 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Home to one of America’s first iconic landmarks, Niagara Falls, this unique locale shares more than a cascading waterfall. Travelers flock to view dazzling fall foliage that can be seen in the state park that offers more than 400 acres of lush landscape and wildlife. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “The fall foliage was spectacular! Beautiful colors against the waters that rage from the Niagara River.”
5. Eureka Springs, Arkansas (37 hotels, 121 restaurants and 103 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Secluded in the Ozark Mountains, this peaceful hideaway boasts a charming downtown area with unique shops and eateries. Outdoor enthusiasts can marvel at the vibrant vegetation while canoeing the Arkansas River or exploring the meandering mountains on foot. A TripAdvisor traveler shared, “It’s very relaxing, especially in the fall with all the beautiful foliage.”
6. Park City, Utah (130 hotels, 221 restaurants and 133 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Known for its world-class ski trails, Park City is also a fantastic destination for viewing the colors of autumn. Before the snowfall, the peaks of the Wasatch Range produce a panoramic display of stunning color that shouldn’t be missed. “What a beautiful area! Never having been to Utah, I had no idea what to expect. The fall foliage was at its peak so it was absolutely lovely and the weather was perfect,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.
7. Asheville, North Carolina (59 hotels, 676 restaurants and 309 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Boasting one of the world’s longest fall foliage seasons, Asheville is known for its impressive scenery. Travelers can view the colored tree-tops while whitewater rafting, mountain biking or hiking along the tranquil paths of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Fall foliage was perfection! I traveled the second weekend in October and the colors were at their peak. Beyond beautiful,” exclaimed a TripAdvisor reviewer.
8. Greenville, South Carolina (70 hotels, 812 restaurants and 118 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Combining traditional southern charm with natural beauty and a temperate climate, Greenville offers a host of outdoor activities perfect for leaf-peeping, including hiking and picnicking. “This place is phenomenal in the fall! There is a multitude of colors and the beautiful leaves along with the waterfall make it magical.”
9. Portland, Oregon (133 hotels, 3,787 restaurants and 781 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
In addition to its vibrant downtown area, Oregon’s largest metropolis boasts 5,000 acres of woodlands within its city limits. Travelers can peruse the forest while enjoying a kaleidoscope of foliage. “Absolutely beautiful. We went just as the leaves were in full color change, and I can say I've never seen anything like it. We posted a few pictures and our friends commented that the photos were of a painting. Amazing, beautiful and peaceful,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.
10. Gatlinburg, Tennessee (86 hotels, 184 restaurants and 203 attractions listed on TripAdvisor)
Travelers visiting the Great Smoky Mountains can immerse themselves in nature as they gaze at the magnificent autumnal foliage from elevations of 4,000 feet. While some prefer to explore the leaves on foot, thrill-seekers are invited to enjoy the foliage while zip-lining through the canopy. “The most wonderful changing of the leaves I’ve ever seen. We were lucky to see the peak season. Lots of reds, yellows, oranges,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.
Methodology: The TripAdvisor ranking of top U.S. fall foliage destinations is based on the quantity and quality of reviews mentioning terms related to fall foliage, as well as the quantity and quality of reviews for hotels, restaurants and attractions in each destination. Destinations were limited to one per state.
About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and book the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers advice from millions of travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools that check hundreds of websites to find the best hotel prices. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, reaching 375 million unique monthly visitors**, and more than 250 million reviews and opinions covering 5.2 million accommodations, restaurants and attractions. The sites operate in 45 countries worldwide.
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*Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, July 2015
**Source: TripAdvisor log files, average monthly unique users, Q2 2015
