The arrival of pumpkin spice lattes and cooler temperatures may mean fall is on its way, but nothing quite kicks off the season like when the leaves change into those vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red. The cascade of colors that erupts each September and October signal that change is on its way.

Fall foliage outlooks say peak fall colors will start appearing in the northeast United States by early October and quickly spread south. The outlook is more complex out West, where elevation plays a bigger role in when fall colors arrive.

We're closing in on the official first day of fall, but parts of northern New England are already reporting moderate fall colors. Check our updated map HERE.