Cities That Offer The Best Fall Foliage

The hot temperatures of summer give way to cooler air and the country come alive with color. Visitors travel from near and far just to get a glance at Mother Nature's remarkable hues show. The various dazzling shades peak between September and October all across the country. The following cozy cities offer the best of the best for an awesome autumn getaway or a new comfy home. Some of them were selected based on surveys taken and submitted to Homes.com.

Charlottesville is a quaint Virginia city nestled along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville offers a glimpse into the past with its historic Monticello mansion and University of Virginia campus. Residents and visitors alike enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, camping and apple and peach harvesting. Charlottesville is home to many apple and peach orchards, wineries, and old-fashioned-styled restaurants and pubs.

Greenville offers a cozy downtown area that doesn't disappoint and it's no wonder it has made the list. The city's Main Street is lined with beautiful scenery including a river walk. Surrounding this upstate city are over 30 waterfalls as well as numerous state parks and mountains. The city also holds a plethora of fall festivals including an arts and crafts parade annually.

Boston is well-known for its mid-September fall foliage. From its gorgeous maple trees, to the breathtaking lagoon in Boston's Public Garden and the Esplanade park, there is plenty to do in this New England town when fall rolls around. Boston also offers a number of trolley and fall foliage tours that are sure to give you a taste of the woodsy season.

Of course Aspen would get a spot on the list, it's named after a tree! This world renowned city, famous for its ski destinations, is one of the best cities in the nation to explore fall foliage. The aspen trees literally turn golden-yellow mid-to-late September and early October and provide beautiful scenery for those lucky enough to visit the snowy city. Aspen residents and visitors can enjoy the Aspen Filmfest, the Golden Leaf Half Marathon and the city's annual Mac and Cheese Festival along with long walks in its many mountains.

Oakland is a gorgeous city with an array of fall scenery. While in Oakland, you can enjoy the turning of the leaves at Swallow Falls State Park where the Youghiogheny River offers a lovely backdrop to hundreds of oaks, aspen, pine and hickory trees. The city hosts its annual Autumn Glory Festival and a Halloween hayride along the lake every October.

Surrounded by Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Upper Peninsula is a great destination for leaf peeping. Upper Peninsula's largest cities include Marquette, Houghton, and Escanaba. This icy region has over 300 natural waterfalls, over 20 state parks and is also known for its lighthouses along the three Great Lakes surrounding it. Visitors can also go on the Upper Peninsula Fall Colors tour that includes chair lift rides.

The Adirondack Region boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country. The range bursts into different shades of reds, orange, yellow and green. For a thrilling adventure, you can take a hot air balloon ride. Thanks to the stunning golden colors that contrast against the gleaming blue waters, New York's Finger Lakes region is considered one of the country's best spots for leaf-peeping. There are other exciting ways to see the fall foliage there, including whitewater rafting, biking, and even wine tours by boat.

Home to Missoula, Montana's second largest community, the Missoula Valley is a primary destination to experience fall in Glacier Country. With easy access to the Rattlesnake Wilderness and Blue Mountain Recreation Area, numerous fall hiking and biking excursions take place. It's where people go for beautiful displays of spectacular colors in the fall. For a splendid view in the city, make the trek up Mount Sentinel to the "M".

Hike to the Buttermilk Falls. The trek is perfect for adventurous families willing to traverse the unmarked trails. Take the kids out to enjoy nature in the Adventure Zone at the base of the mountain; let them burn off energy and have fun around other children. Okemo Mountain Resort offers scenic train rides from the picturesque town of Chester to Okemo's Jackson Gore. Roll past rivers, farms, covered bridges, and hills bursting with fall colors.

Lake Geneva, a small city in Wisconsin, is one of the most astonishing places to see dramatic and long lasting fall colors. Enjoy the gorgeous natural displays on cruises on the lake, and stay in off the beaten path cabins. Witnessing the blazing red, bright shining yellow and burning orange hues that burst in this Midwestern town between September and November is a real treat.

The changing leaves color the little mountain town with robust reds and vibrant yellows. See miles of nature's perfection from Newfound Gap or from one of the scenic mountain overlooks. Cycling in the Smokies, zip lining and mountain golf are some of tourists' favorite activities.  Ober Gatlinburg is celebrating October with a fantastic festival featuring Bavarian-style food, drink and music from Sept. 22 – Oct. 29.

This far-out mountain town is unlike any other place on earth—and that's the appeal. It is bordered on three sides by the towering red peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you're feeling adventurous, climb the tallest mountain in New Mexico, Wheeler Peak, or if you're a skilled paddler, take on the Taos box section of the Rio Grande.

Surrounded by the regal Ouachita and Ozark Mountains, Fort Smith is a small natural paradise with lots of trees. Hike the Trail of Tears for stunning views of the Mississippi River. Overlook the junction of two rivers at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Take a train excursion that climbs into the Ozark Mountains for more stunning hues ranging from bright yellow to burning red and purple.

Park City is a gem in the fall, not just in the winter. Take to the air on Park City's zip lines. Check out the mountains on bike or on foot. Park City's internationally-recognized trails are pure heaven and rock climbers will find their niche out in the Wasatch Mountains. The ski lift is one of the best spots for leaf-peeping. You can also do a high-speed descent though the fall colors via an alpine slide, one of the longest slides in the world.