Nothing – not sweaters, not the smell of fireplaces, not pumpkin patches, and not apple picking – says "fall" like the blazing red, glimmering gold, and burnt-orange leaves that cover trees and crunch underfoot during the autumn months. Whether you're practically a professional leaf-peeper or just a casual enthusiast, you'll need to know where to take in the season's splendor. Lucky for you, we've scouted out the 10 best fall foliage travel destinations – and while some perennially popular places made our list (because it just isn't possible to do a story on foliage without including New England), we think you'll be surprised by some of the less-obvious-but-just-as-glorious destinations that did, too. (Or, if you're looking for a little adrenaline boost to go with your ogling of those fall hues, check out our Top 10 Fall Foliage Travel Adventures). Oh, and no need to fret about when the peak colors will peek out – we've done the research for you, as well. See our Fall Foliage Travel Destinations slideshow for a preview of these spectacular autumn destinations.

Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find flight, hotel, cruise, and more travel deals to top fall foliage travel destinations.