Here are the most popular leaf peeping routes in Northern, Central and Southern Vermont

People travel from all over the country to see the colors of the leaves changing in the northeast, but Vermonters are lucky enough to enjoy it right in our own backyards. But where might be the best spots to view it from? Each region of Vermont has their own popular lookout locations, with optimum scenic views.

The mountains of Vermont have the largest percentage of maple trees in New England, making the Green Mountain State one of the must-see regions for leaf peeping. While each year it varies slightly, peak fall foliage is generally around mid-October.

Here are a handful of the most picturesque locations for any traveler to be guaranteed a great view, no matter what part of the state they're traveling through.

Northeast Kingdom and Northern Vermont

The Northern Green Mountains and the Northeast Kingdom is some of the most scenic viewing for foliage in the state. It will also have the least number of visitors compared to the southern part of the state, leaving you to visit towns and parks without big crowds.

Spend a few days in Stowe and ride gondolas at the ski resorts to see the colors from above. Take a bike ride in the Smugglers' Notch State Park, a top leaf-peeping destination in the state. Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest peak, which offers a magnificent view of Lake Champlain and surrounding forests, including the colorful islands across the lake. It's near Vermont's largest city, Burlington. Being the largest city, it's a popular spot for tourists to stay or visit while on their Vermont trip.

Danville is also a popular autumn stop, with its Great Vermont Corn Maze , the largest in New England.

The Green Mountain Byway - part of Route 100 - offers many scenic overlooks near Stowe, the Waterbury Reservoir and the peaks of the Worcester Range.

Central Vermont

A popular spot for viewing foliage in Central Vermont is Killington Mountain. Like at the Stowe ski resort, you can take a gondola ride to enjoy the breathtaking views at Killington.

Drive on the scenic Upper Connecticut River Valley Loop and stop in Woodstock, a popular small-town stop.

Quechee State Park, located on US Route 4, boasts an abundance of maples. It's also home to 165 ft-deep Little Grand Canyon or Quechee Gorge, the deepest gorge in Vermont. This natural wonder, which dates back to the Glacial period, is framed with fields of maple trees.

More: What are the deepest bodies of water in Vermont? Here's what to know.

Southern Vermont

Manchester is a popular stop in Southern Vermont for foliage viewing. For the best views, head to Equinox Mountain, one of the highest points in Southern Vermont, which offers excellent vistas.

Bennington is also among the best places that offer picturesque fall views of New England. Stop by Somerset Reservoir to see beautiful reflections on the large lake that's nestled within the Green Mountain National Forest. The area offers spectacular views of Stratton Mountain and Mt. Snow as well as plenty of wildlife sightings: ducks, moose, deer or black bears.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Here are the most popular leaf peeping routes in Northern, Central and Southern Vermont