The Best Spot For Fall Colors Is In MI, New Ranking Says

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is finally getting the recognition it deserves for its fall colors.

A new USA Today ranking placed the region No. 1 in the entire country for travel destinations to see fall colors.

The outlet highlighted the region's spectacular color transformation across roughly 7 million acres of forests that touch three Great Lakes.

"With 10 fall color routes that cover a total of nearly 1,500 miles, there are endless opportunities for a peaceful autumn drive to soak in the scenery," the outlet said.

Leaves across the region are expected to peak the week of Sept. 29, according to a Smoky Mountains fall foliage map.

Two spots that are well known for leaf peeping trips in the region are the Porcupine Mountains and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Porcupine Mountains

Simply known as the Porkies, the mountains stretch over 31,000 acres across the northern hardwood forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The trees are beautifully crested among Lake Superior, offering fascinating views. The rushing waterfalls found along the 90 miles of trails offer picturesque views as well, especially when surrounded by the native sugar maples, basswood and yellow birch trees.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Also in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the state park features many trails and waterfalls that are surrounded by trees. Its Upper Falls feature a 50-foot drop into over 200-foot-wide falls into Lake Superior. From nearly every vantage point, the tree canopies create a vibrant patchwork of warm and cool tones.

Here are the 10 best fall color destinations, according to 10Best:

1. Upper Peninsula of Michigan
2. Roanoke, Virginia
3. Hot Springs, Arkansas
4. Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
5. Potter-Tioga, Pennsylvania
6. White Mountains, New Hampshire
7. Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
8. Adirondacks, New York
9. Hocking Hills, Ohio
10. Mountaineer Country, West Virginia

Read more about each of those spots at USATODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for fall.