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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 October 14, 2009.

The fall colors are starting to show at the northern end of the Parkway in Tennessee from milepost 420 north to the terminus. Trees are about 35 % of their maximum color at this time. The sumacs and dogwoods are showing brilliant reds, while the redbuds are a vibrant yellow. 

From Colbert Ferry (milepost 327.3) north into Tennessee, the trees are about 20% color. The dogwoods are starting to show bright red. From Tupelo, Mississippi (milepost 266) north to Colbert Ferry, the colors are just beginning to change with only about 5% color in Northern Mississippi. 

Please remember that colors change on a daily basis and driving the Natchez Trace Parkway provides an opportunity to see something different at each milepost.  

Color Report for October 28, 2009

The northern end of the Parkway from Meriwether Lewis (milepost 385.9) to the Northern Terminus are at, or near peak. 

From Colbert Ferry (milepost 327.3) north to Meriwether Lewis, color change can vary from 40% to 70% color.

From Tupelo, Mississippi (milepost 266) north to Colbert Ferry, colors are currently at 30% to 45% of the maximum color. The vibrant reds and oranges of the maples are most notable in the Tupelo area. 

Please note, due to recent heavy rains, some leaves have already dropped. Colors can change daily along the Natchez Trace Parkway, and something different can be seen at each location. 

Color Report for November 12, 2009

As we move into late fall, most of the trees along the Natchez Trace Parkway have already changed colors and leaves have fallen to the ground.  Visitors  may still have a chance to see fall colors near Ridgeland, Mississippi (milepost 100) where colors are at, or just past peak.  The Ross Barnett Reservoir (milepost 105-114), or the Parkway Information Cabin (milepost 102.4) provide opportunities to see the last of fall colors along the Parkway for 2009.  From this point south, the trees are predominantly evergreen, and little or no color change is experienced.