Photo: Courtesy of The Bristol Hotel

Bristol, Virginia

Bristol, Virginia is flanked by the Appalachian Mountains, which makes it an ideal leaf peeping locale. Here, travelers can explore the Appalachian Trail and Cherokee National Forest, both of which are great for hiking, strolling, picnicking, and -- you guessed it -- foliage viewing. At The Bristol Hotel, where the rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the city: plus blazing colors, of course.