Carol M. Highsmith (1946–) · Public domain
Natchez Trace Parkway
A scenic drive past oaks, hickories, sweetgums, and maples.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Natchez Trace Parkway
Peak fall color is predicted around November 1. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 27 to November 6.
- Predicted peak
- November 1
- Best window
- October 27 – November 6
- Confidence range
- ±5 days
The prediction comes from 24 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Gravelly Springs and across Alabama.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 27): the six weeks to October 22 ran 5.4°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
See all Alabama scenic drives.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Natchez Trace Parkway
30 to 60 minutes
2 to 3 hours
- Cullman County92 mi · 2 hr 1 minPeak: Nov 4Status: Moderate color
- Trace State Park81 mi · 2 hr 10 minMississippiPeak: Nov 5Status: Moderate color
- Bankhead National Forest83 mi · 2 hr 14 minPeak: Nov 3Status: Moderate color
- Monte Sano State Park (Huntsville)101 mi · 2 hr 20 minPeak: Nov 6Status: Early color
- Nashville Area (Radnor Lake, Percy Warner Park, Harpeth River)128 mi · 2 hr 45 minTennesseePeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Radnor Lake State Park130 mi · 2 hr 53 minTennesseePeak: Nov 7Status: Moderate color