These 10 Destinations Rank Among the World's Best for Fall Foliage

1. Quebec City, Canada

The surrounding forests are filled with sugar maples that turn brilliant shades of red and orange each fall. Jacques-Cartier National Park is one of the best places to see the changing leaves, with hiking trails that follow the river through a forested valley. Mont-Sainte-Anne is another popular spot for a day outdoors.

Back in Quebec City, visitors can grab a bite along Grande Allée, known for its restaurants and cafes, or walk through Old Quebec to see the Château Frontenac, a historic hotel built in 1893 that overlooks the St. Lawrence River.

2. Kyoto, Japan

November is prime leaf-peeping season in Kyoto, when Japanese maples turn red around the city's temples and gardens. Kyoto earned a score of 85.9 in the study, placing it second worldwide and first in Asia. At Tofuku-ji Temple, visitors can look down on a sea of maple trees from a wooden bridge that crosses the valley.

Another stop is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which sits on a hillside above Kyoto. The Philosopher's Path is also worth exploring, with a walking trail that follows a narrow canal past small shrines, neighborhood shops and cafes.

3. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington came in third with a score of 83.5, the highest ranking for a U.S. destination. Fall is a busy time in this part of Vermont, with travelers heading into the nearby mountains to see the changing leaves.

Smugglers' Notch is a popular fall drive, with a narrow road twisting between steep rock cliffs and maple and birch forests. In downtown Burlington, Church Street Marketplace is closed to cars, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing local shops, grabbing lunch or stopping at one of the outdoor cafes.

4. Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine, came in fourth with a score of 81.6.

Just outside Portland, Bradbury Mountain State Park has hiking trails and a short climb to the summit, where visitors can take in the surrounding forest. Back downtown, visitors can explore the Old Port's cobblestone streets, browse independent shops, and stop for fresh seafood at one of the city's waterfront restaurants.

5. Jackson, New Hampshire

The Kancamagus Highway is one of New Hampshire's most popular fall drives, and Jackson makes a convenient base for exploring the White Mountains. The small village came in fifth in the study with a score of 81.5.

The 34-mile highway winds through the White Mountain National Forest, passing covered bridges, waterfalls and stretches of maple and birch trees. Visitors can also explore nearby Crawford Notch State Park or stop at Jackson's famous covered bridge, known locally as the Honeymoon Bridge.

Five More Fall Foliage Destinations That Made the List

1. Wachau Valley, Austria (80.2): Fall brings grape harvest season to this stretch of the Danube River. Visitors can tour local wineries, explore Melk Abbey or take a boat trip past vineyards and medieval villages.

2. Bar Harbor, Maine (79.9): Acadia National Park is the main attraction, with carriage roads for biking, trails around Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain, where visitors can watch the sunrise.

3. Hiroshima, Japan (77.8): Maple trees are a major attraction at Momijidani Park on nearby Miyajima Island. Visitors can also explore Shukkeien Garden or visit the city's Peace Memorial Park.

4. Halifax, Nova Scotia (76.7): Point Pleasant Park has miles of wooded trails near the waterfront. Visitors can also explore the Halifax Citadel or take a ferry across the harbor to Dartmouth.

5. Saguenay, Quebec (76.3): Fall colors line the cliffs of the Saguenay Fjord, which visitors can explore by boat. The area also has hiking trails, small waterfront villages and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Seven of the top 10 destinations are in North America, giving travelers plenty of options closer to home. For those looking to travel overseas, Kyoto's temples and Austria's wine country are also worth considering for a fall trip.