Redbud and zig-zag fence along Natchez Trace Parkway
Stretching 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway follows the path of a centuries-old foot trail. Moccasins and boots trod this path for centuries, and it later became one of our
first national scenic parkways. In the depths of the Great Depression, Congress authorized the parkway as a public works project. The National Park Service later became the agency in charge of the road, and they’ve done a fine job of maintaining one of the most beautiful roads in America.
The Redbuds in this photo essay burnish the Tennessee portion of the parkway. Here the road curves gracefully through the hills, as if destined to be there. During my brief mid-April visit, spring was at its peak; emerging oak leaves mingled with the Redbuds and Flowering Dogwoods to create a lovely pastel landscape … that would be described as “eye candy” by those who think themselves too sophisticated to enjoy the splendors of nature. As for me, I never tire of such sights.
Redbud at the edge of the forest
Traditional split rail fences zig-zag along the parkway
Redbud and Flowering Dogwood intermingle in a haze of blossoms
Is anything more beautiful than a Redbud in spring?
Backlit by the morning sun
Redbud is in the pea family, and is inconspicuous the rest of the year
Redbud is my favorite flowering tree, in case you hadn’t guessed!
For more information about driving the Natchez Trace Parkway, start with the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm.
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