New England leaves changing earlier this year amid drought

Leaf-peeping season is fast approaching — even faster than usual due to an ongoing stretch of unusually dry weather.

Nicole Keleher, forest health program director for the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, said because of the region's drought, leaves started changing colors a bit early this year, and they might not be as vibrant this fall.

"You can still get up on a nice outlook and you'll be able to see nice different fall colors this year," Keleher said. "The timing might not be the same, the colors might be a little bit more muted and not as beautiful and robust as we usually get to experience here in New England."

Keleher still expects a good fall foliage season.

For people wanting to stay close to Boston to look at the leaves, she suggested heading to the Blue Hills Reservation.