Gatlinburg was ranked by travel website TripAdvisor as the top destination on the rise in 2015. The mountain resort town was praised for its outdoor offerings and stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.
Coming in second and third were Orange Beach, Ala. and Destin, Fla., two southern getaways known for their scenic ocean views and delicious seafood offerings. TripAdvisor also released their list of the world's top destinations on the rise, which included several Latin American hotspots like Tulum, Mexico, Cartagena, Colombia and Foz do Iguacu, Brazil.
The rankings were determined by an algorithm monitoring increased positive feedback from TripAdvisor users on hotels, restaurants and entertainment, according to a press release from the website.
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"Our well-traveled community has helped us identify the destinations around the world that are gaining in interest and popularity," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor.
You can see TripAdvisor's full U.S. destinations on the rise list below.
1. Gatlinburg, Tenn.
In addition to the hiking and fishing opportunities in and around Gatlinburg, visitors can also make a stop at the Gatlinburg Space Needle for 360 degree views of the Smoky Mountains.
2. Orange Beach, Ala.
TripAdvisor calls Orange Beach "a great family beach vacation spot," offering championship golf courses as well as dolphin sighting trips and fishing charters.
3. Destin, Fla.
Part of Florida's Emerald Coast, visitors to Destin will enjoy fine, soft sand perfect strolls along the beach.
4. South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Whether you're looking for mountaintop winter sports adventures or summertime lounging on the lake, South Lake Tahoe offers a wide variety activities of visitors of all ages.
5. Jackson, Wyo.
Another year-round destination, Jackson offers skiing in the winter and fly-fishing in the summer.
6. Estes Park, Colo.
Estes Park is a great launching point Rocky Mountain National Park and offers a charming, small town experience with its boutique shops and galleries.
7. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is warmer than most people expect and offers uniques activities like "skijoring" -- cross-country skiing while being towed by a dog.
8. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has come a long way from its industrial roots. Two new professional sports stadiums have opened in downtown in the past two years.
9. Portland, Maine
Portland is full of history, like the Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse still in continuous use in the U.S. but still offers family friendly attractions like the highly interactive Children's Museum of Maine.
10. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Home of some of the world's best coffee, Kailua-Kona also offers waterfalls, volcanoes, and black sand beaches.