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Best New England Fall Foliage

Winner, Runners-up for the 2012 New England Travel Readers' Choice Award Are...

By , About.com Guide

It's no surprise that mountain towns dominated the Best New England Fall Foliage finalists in these first New England Travel Readers' Choice Awards. Which location claimed the peak prize for spectacular autumn leaves?

The winner and runners-up for Best New England Fall Foliage are...

1. ***Winner*** Greenville, Maine

Situated on the southern shore of Maine's picturesque Moosehead Lake, Greenville is home to several outfits that offer floatplane tours: an incredibly memorable way to experience the region's fall scenery. Even those who prefer solid ground find ample reasons to trek north to Greenville when the leaves begin to change.

2. North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway is situated on the eastern side of New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway: a breathtaking route through the White Mountain National Forest widely regarded as New England's most superb autumn drive. It's an ideal spot from which to set out on memorable fall excursions, from waterfall hikes to scenic train rides.

3. Stowe, Vermont

The hills are alive with splendid hues each autumn in Stowe, Vermont, where the Trapp Family Lodge is still owned by descendants of the von Trapp family of Sound of Music fame. Leaf peepers have a multitude of reasons to sing the praises of Stowe, a quintessential New England town nestled at the base of Vermont's highest ski peak.

4. Bethel, Maine

Bethel Maine Fall FoliagePhoto courtesy of Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce.
This ski town in the heart of Maine's Western Lakes and Mountains region makes a spectacular home base for leaf peepers thanks to its stunning treed landscapes and proximity to some of the state's most scenic driving, hiking and biking opportunities.

Cast Your Vote for Bethel, Maine

5. Mashantucket, Connecticut

Mashantucket in southeastern Connecticut is home to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. While the massive Foxwoods Resort Casino is the focal point of the reservation, much of the land surrounding the complex remains pristine, and other Pequot enterprises make Mashantucket a particularly fine fall destination for golfers who want to play Lake of Isles or for Native American history enthusiasts who want to explore indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum.

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