10 great places to peep at the peak foliage

— -- Think fall colors, and the back roads of Vermont and New Hampshire immediately come to mind. But plenty of other locales for exploring seasonal foliage are often overlooked — even in New England. ScottyJohnston, a fall foliage guide with Tauck World Discovery for 47 years, suggests some less familiar places to see autumn's artistry with Kelly DiNardo for USA TODAY.

Brooklyn Botanic GardenBrooklyn, N.Y.

"When you think of fall's colors in New York, you're thinking the Adirondacks and places upstate," Johnston says. "It's surprising to find a place to look at foliage in an urban area." Brooklyn Botanic features 52 acres of gardens filled with 10,000 kinds of trees and plants from around the world. "You'll see things you wouldn't find if you were driving through Queens," he jokes. When to visit: late October and early November. 718-623-7200; bbg.org

Porcupine MountainsMichigan

In the northern section of Michigan's Upper Peninsula is an area of about 60,000 acres along the shores of Lake Superior. "The area has an amazing contrast of colors," Johnston says. "Several hikes offer a panoramic view of the red, orange and yellow mountains with the blue of Lake Superior. There's also an evergreen tree called hemlock, which offers more contrast." When to visit: late September. 906-884-2047; porcupinemountains.com

Crested Butte-GunnisonColorado

"The foliage is a different kind from what we find in the East," Johnston says. "You get three distinct shades along the long slopes. At higher altitudes is the western larch that turns a beige color. At the mid-slope is the aspen tree, which turns a beautiful gold color. When you get down low along the river valley, you have the soft yellow shade of cottonwood." Drive between Crested Butte and Gunnison through the Kebler Pass and along the Gunnison River almost anytime in September for great views. 800-814-7988; gunnisoncrestedbutte.com

Litchfield CountyConnecticut

"The area is virtually overshadowed by Vermont and New Hampshire, but it's part of the Appalachian chain and has beautiful foliage," he says. "There are also antique shops, craft fairs, pumpkin picking and unique items like the covered bridge in Cornwall." When to visit: the third and fourth weeks of October. litchfieldcty.com