Natchez Trace Parkway

Will be just starting good on the southern end. Could be snow at the upper end.

Depends on which flowers you are looking for. Doubt it will be the ones you see from the car while driving, but the early spring forest flowers are my favorite. To see them you have to get out of the car and look around, usually in the sunnier spots near the edge of the trees. Jack in the Pulpit, maidenhair ferns, trillium, Solomon's seal, bloodroot, trout lily, dutchman's breaches, dogwoods, as well as the young tree leaves budding.

We drove that direction at that time last year, and there wasn't a lot going on. Dogwood trees were blooming, but not a lot of wildflowers. I assume it varies somewhat year to year. Still a very enjoyable ride, however.

I would start at the south end in late March. If you take about 2 weeks (which could easily be done, and would be fun) you will hit TN about peak time for spring wildflowers. April 7 is our average last frost date. But there is the occasional fluke--a few years ago we had snow that lasted 1 day in early April. It only stayed on the ground 1 day and temps never got below 32. 2 days later we were in upper 60s.

Of course if you want it warmer, wait until later. But IMHO early spring is the most beautiful season in the South.

coolmom42 wrote:
But IMHO early spring is the most beautiful season in the South.

Double ditto. We really enjoy the dogwoods in bloom.

A few years ago we spent about 10 days wandering up the Natchez Trace in late March-early April. LOTS of dogwood blooms, no-so-much other things. But it was a relaxing and pleasant trip. Pictures and comments on our trip can be found here.

Have a great trip!

WxToad

Enjoy!

We love running the Trace in the Spring. We have been there later in the year and that is when it is like driving in a tunnel of trees. Before the trees fill out and if you are north of Jackson (~mp100) you can seen the actual Trace where it is near and crosses the roadway. Buy a guide book as soon as you see it. A stop at Mt Locust is good thing even if you already have the book and map.

We may to this again this spring, that will be a third spring on the Trace and the 4th or 5th on parts.

Matt