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The Old Trace Drive, at milepost 375.8 is a great place to see fall colors in mid to late October. 

Why do Leaves Change Colors?

In middle to late October, the maple, hickory, oak and other hardwood trees begin to change colors and visitors have the opportunity to view the brilliant fall foliage along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Each fall, as sunlight decreases, it signals the plant to stop producing chlorophyll. The best conditions to create fall color are when the autumn days are mild and sunny, and the evenings are cool and crisp, but not freezing. Ideal foliage is sparked by a warm, wet spring, a typical summer, and sunny autumn days with cool nights. While it is impossible to predict the peak time to see colors along the Natchez Trace Parkway, the following locations and reports may help you plan your trip.

Locations to Enjoy the Fall Color in Tennessee:

• The Old Trace Drive (milepost 375.8) provides spectacular overlooks of a hardwood forest.
• Metal Ford (milepost 382.8) and Swan View Overlook (milepost 392.5) provide quick stops to view the fall colors.
• Leisurely walks at Meriwether Lewis (milepost 385.9) or Fall Hollow (milepost 391.9) are great locations to enjoy the colors. 
• Those interested in seeing the colors more closely may find a day hike along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail from the Garrison Creek Trailhead (milepost 427.6), or the Old Trace Trailhead (milepost 426.3) a rewarding experience.

Locations to Enjoy the Fall Color in Alabama and Mississippi:

• The Freedom Hills Overlook (milepost 317.0) provides a spectacular overlook of a hardwood forest.
• A short leisurely walk on the Rock Spring Nature Trail is an easy way to get out and see the colors more closely. 
• The view from Little Mountain Overlook in the Jeff Busby Campground (milepost 193.1), provides a wonderful quick stop to view the fall colors.
• Those interested in seeing the colors more closely may find a day hike along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail from the Old Town Overlook Trailhead (milepost 263.9), or the Beech Springs Trailhead (milepost 266.0) a rewarding experience.

Color Report for November 19, 2011

Colors are currently at their peak from Jackson, MS south to Natchez, and provide the final opportunity to see colors this season along the Parkway. Colors are past peak from Tupelo, MS north to Nashville, TN, and leaves are falling rapidly.

Color Report for November 10, 2011

As the season moves on, the fall colors move farther south on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The leaves are past peak and fading north of the Meriwether Lewis site (milepost 385.9), but between Tupelo, MS (milepost 266) and Meriwether Lewis there are still many areas of beautiful color. From Ridgeland, MS (milepost 102) to Tupelo, the leaves are between 75-100 percent of peak color.

Please remember that leaf color will change rapidly due to weather conditions. Driving the length of the Natchez Trace Parkway will offer the best opportunities to see a wide variety of conditions.

Color Report for October 27, 2011

The colors have changed quickly along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Colors are currently at or near peak from the Tennessee River (milepost 327) north to the Meriwether Lewis Site (milepost 386), with colors being just past peak from the Meriwether Lewis Site to the Northern Terminus.   

From Tupelo, Mississippi (milepost 266) to the Tennessee River (milepost 327) colors are 50-75 percent of their peak.

From Ridgeland, Mississippi (milepost 102) to Tupelo, Mississippi (milepost 266) colors vary from 30 to 70 percent of their peak, depending on location.

Please remember that fall colors can change daily, and driving the Natchez Trace Parkway allows you to see something different at each milepost.

Color Report for October 12, 2011

Fall colors are showing from the Meriwether Lewis Site (milepost 385.9) north to the terminus. Trees are at about 45% of their peak color, with varying hues of red and gold vying for attention. Peak colors are expected within the next week or ten days.

From Colbert Ferry (milepost 327.3) north into Tennessee, the colors are a little further behind. Dogwoods are showing a gorgeous dark red, while sumacs are a rich purple. The trees are at about 35% of peak color.

North from Tupelo (milepost 266) to Colbert Ferry, hints and pockets of color can be found among the green foliage. The trees are at about 5-15% of peak color.

Please remember that fall colors can change rapidly, and leaf color will vary widely along the 444-mile length of the Parkway.