Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon

With over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees, Macon becomes the pinkest city in the world when the trees are in full bloom. With average peak bloom period happening the second week of March and lasting about 10 days, there is plenty to see and do during this beautiful time in Macon. The next International Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from March 17th to the 26th.

The Cherry Blossom Trail

During the festival we recommend driving through the Cherry Blossom Trail at your own time and in the comfort of your own vehicle. Consider taking the scenic route to view Macon's 350,000 plus Yoshino cherry blossom trees. The trail, which runs from Carolyn Crayton Park to Bass Road, provides the best view of the beautiful blossoms.

Click here for a downloadable version of the Cherry Blossom Driving Trail.

History Of The Trees

The Yoshino cherry trees have been a city staple for many years. Reaching peak bloom for only 10 days, it seems that the blossom leave as quickly as they arrive. Why is Macon home to so many of these amazing trees? It all started in 1949 when Macon native William A. Fickling discovered a unique and unrecognized tree blossoming in his yard. Later discovering it was a Yoshino cherry tree, Fickling and his family freely distributed the tree throughout the city. Nearly 40 years later, Carolyn Crayton, another Macon native, created the Cherry Blossom Festival as a way to celebrate the principles of “love, beauty, and international friendship.” To learn more about the Festival's history, click here.