Two North Carolina destinations rank among best places to visit this fall. Here’s why

The North Carolina mountains boast stunning fall foliage — and are home to two of the best places to visit this autumn, a new report finds.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranks No. 2 and Asheville ranks No. 5 on a list of destinations that offer travelers seasonal activities and the ideal weather conditions for enjoying them, according to results published in August.

To create the list, U.S. News & World Report said it focused on destinations in the United States, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. The website considered whether the fall — which it defined as September to November — was a “recommended” time to visit each place.

Before choosing the winners, U.S. News gathered thousands of votes from people who went online to weigh in on their favorite places, senior editor Elizabeth Von Tersch said in an email to McClatchy News. The website also scored destinations on the categories of “sights, culture, people, food, family, nightlife, adventure, romance, value and accessibility.”

“Whether you’re seeking scenic drives through fall foliage, less-crowded hikes through national parks or a post-summer beach vacation, autumn is an opportune time to get away,” U.S. News wrote in its report, adding that fall travelers also may pay less for their trips and experience mild temperatures during their stays.

Why were the Smokies, Asheville named top destinations?

Of the North Carolina destinations on the list, the Great Smoky Mountains ranked the highest at No. 2. The national park site, portions of which lie in Tennessee, is one of the most visited in the country.

“This national park is home to multiple hiking trails, tumbling waterfalls and all kinds of wildlife,” U.S. News wrote in its report. “As temperatures cool, the park becomes a perfect place for leaf peeping.”

While the park’s trees can start changing colors at higher elevations in mid-September, rangers said leaves in lower areas often hit their peak between mid-October and early November.

Also receiving a nod for its proximity to fall foliage was the popular mountain tourist town of Asheville, landing the No. 5 spot on U.S. News’ list.

“Visit the city between early October and early November to see the most vibrant colors on the surrounding mountains,” the website wrote. “And you can’t miss sampling the city’s tasty craft beers: Asheville is home to several dozen breweries, serving everything from sours and pilsners to IPAs and porters.”

Asheville is no stranger to being recognized for its drinking scene, having been named one of the nation’s best cities for beer lovers in August. The city ranked No. 1 on U.S. News’ fall vacation list last year, when it was praised for its seasonal festivals and sunny but cool weather, McClatchy News reported.

On the latest list, U.S. News said the best place to travel to this fall is Zion National Park in Utah. Rounding out the top five:

• The Finger Lakes in New York at No. 3

• Toronto, Canada, at No. 4

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