Leaf-peeping ... role in when fall colors arrive. For now, patches of color are beginning to appear across the Northeast, especially over the higher elevations of northern New England.

"We are looking at a 'normal' slow-burn year, where we should not expect any early peak color," explains Jeff "Foliage" Folger, a New England resident, photographer and former fall foliage blogger ...

Southern states usually peak in November. When it comes to fall foliage, it's hard to compete with New England. Some trees have yet to change color, so you'd better plan a trip soon. More from ...