Looking to add some excitement to the usual "oohs" and "ahhs" of a fall drive? Get out of the passenger seat and experience the bold colors of fall foliage up close. Turn over a new leaf with these eight exciting leaf-peeping adventures.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Asheville

With more than 5,000 feet in elevation change in the 50 miles surrounding Asheville, N.C., the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains put on one of the largest leaf color displays in the U.S. Take in the foliage from above with a hot-air balloon ride near the city.

The trip: Asheville Hot Air Balloons offers a one-hour sunrise flight over the Pisgah National Forest in the Great Smoky Mountains where you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views.

When to go: Fall colors peak here in late October and early November.

Photo courtesy Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau

Visit www.ashevillehotairballoons.com for more information.