If your ideal fall getaway involves fewer crowds and more quiet moments in nature, a new ranking may offer some travel inspiration.
An analysis from hearing aid manufacturer ReSound identified the U.S. outdoor destinations visitors most often described as peaceful. Researchers examined thousands of Tripadvisor reviews and counted mentions of words such as "peaceful," "quiet," "relaxing" and "relax."
Lost Lake Loop in Oregon's Mount Hood National Forest claimed the No. 1 spot, followed by Jordan Pond in Maine's Acadia National Park and Emerald Lake in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park.
The ranking reflects how often reviewers used relaxation-related terms, rather than measuring actual noise levels or accounting for how many total reviews each destination received. Still, the results highlight the lakes, forests, waterfalls and mountain trails that have left visitors feeling especially calm.
Lost Lake Loop received 307 mentions of the words included in the analysis, giving it a comfortable lead over the other destinations.
The 3.1-mile Lakeshore Trail circles Lost Lake, winding through stands of old-growth cedar, Douglas fir and hemlock. Along the way, hikers can take in views of Mount Hood reflected in the water. Raised boardwalks cover portions of the route, and beavers are sometimes active near the lake's inlet.
The relatively easy trail and its combination of mountain, lake and forest scenery help explain why so many visitors associate it with a peaceful escape.
Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park ranked second with 230 qualifying mentions.
The clear glacial lake is framed by mountains, including the rounded peaks known as the Bubbles. Visitors can follow the Jordan Pond Path around the shoreline or simply pause to enjoy the water and surrounding scenery.
Acadia is among the country's most-visited national parks, so Jordan Pond isn't necessarily crowd-free. Arriving early in the morning or visiting outside the busiest summer months can offer a more tranquil experience.
Rocky Mountain National Park was the only destination represented twice among the five highest-ranking spots.
Emerald Lake came in third with 200 peaceful or relaxing mentions. Reaching the alpine lake requires a hike past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, with mountain views unfolding along the route.
Bear Lake, one of the park's most recognizable destinations, ranked fifth with 134 mentions. A short trail circles the subalpine lake, making the scenery accessible to visitors who want to slow down and enjoy the landscape without committing to a longer hike.
Both areas are popular, particularly during the summer and early fall. Visitors should check current park requirements and trail conditions before setting out.
Hoh Rain Forest in Washington's Olympic National Park took fourth place, with 149 mentions. Moss drapes from towering trees in this temperate rainforest, creating a peaceful setting that feels worlds away from the alpine lakes appearing elsewhere on the list.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan ranked sixth. Its forests, towering sand dunes and expansive Lake Michigan views offer several ways to find some breathing room.
Congaree National Park in South Carolina followed in seventh place. The park protects a vast stretch of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, which visitors can explore along trails and boardwalks or from the water in a canoe or kayak.
Tuolumne Meadows Trails in Yosemite National Park ranked eighth, while Minnesota's Gooseberry Falls State Park and the Trail of the Cedars in Montana's Glacier National Park completed the top 10.
Lost Lake Loop, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon: 307 mentions
Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park, Maine: 230 mentions
Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: 200 mentions
Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington: 149 mentions
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: 134 mentions
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan: 118 mentions
Congaree National Park, South Carolina: 109 mentions
Tuolumne Meadows Trails, Yosemite National Park, California: 104 mentions
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota: 97 mentions
Trail of the Cedars, Glacier National Park, Montana: 88 mentions