Fall is just around the corner. One of the best things about the season (aside from the slightly cooler temperatures, of course) is the beautiful foliage that comes along with it. Here in the Magnolia State, the leaves won’t begin to change for about a month or so. But that’s okay; it just means you still have a bit of time to make plans to do some leaf-peeping. Keep reading to find out when the bold colors of the season will be at their peak.
The website Smoky Mountain recently released its Fall Foliage Prediction Map for 2018. As you can see, it predicts that the foliage in northern Mississippi will hit its peak around November 12th.
smokymountains.com
The southern portion of the state will have to wait about a week longer (November 19th) to see the visible signs of fall.
Rob Westbrook/Flickr
Obviously, there’s no way to tell for certain when the foliage will change; however, the website analyzes a ton of data, including historical “leaf peak trends and peak observation trends,” to ensure its predictions are as accurate as possible.
Roger Smith/Flickr
And it has a pretty good record. For years, travelers, photographers, and even brides-to-be have relied on the website’s predictions.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
When it comes to places to view foliage in Mississippi, the options are virtually endless. State parks, reserves, hiking trails, and recreation areas are just a few of the places to take in the vibrant leaves.
Joey Wilder/Wilder Images Photography
The Natchez Trace Parkway is another great place for some leaf-peeping. So much so, the National Park Service provides a ton of info about when and where the foliage will be at its peak.
pumpkinatheart/Instagram
In line with the predictions of the Smoky Mountain website, Natchez Trace Travel states that the leaves in northeast Mississippi are “typically at or near peak foliage colors October 23rd - November 10th.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
According to Natchez Trace Travel, the leaves in central Mississippi are “typically at or near peak foliage colors November 1st - November 20th.” Colorful foliage can be found all along the parkway; however, there are a few spots known to offer some of the best views. Top leaf-peeping sites include Jeff Busby Park, Cypress Swamp Trail, Rocky Springs Trail, and Little Mountain Overlook.
Margaret McMullen/Flickr
So, where’s your favorite place for leaf-peeping in the Magnolia State? Ever visited the Trace in the fall? Have another favorite spot for taking in the colors of the season? Tell us in the comments section.
smokymountains.com
Rob Westbrook/Flickr
Roger Smith/Flickr
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Joey Wilder/Wilder Images Photography
pumpkinatheart/Instagram
Margaret McMullen/Flickr
Click here to read about an attraction that offers fall fun of a different kind.
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