Spring has finally arrived and Knox County plans to usher in the season by highlighting the area's dogwood trees. The Knox County Visitors Bureau is continuing the traditional drive-it-yourself dogwood tours that have been popular since the early '60s.

The Mount Vernon and Knox County area has long been known for its abundance of dogwood trees. The flowering trees grow wild throughout most of the county, particularly in the hills of eastern Knox County where the trees are plentiful and noted for their extra large blooms. Entire hillsides can be found engulfed in a sea of white in early spring. Pink dogwoods are also prominent in this area and local residents report the "pink is more vibrant than any other you'll ever find."

This year's tour is set for May 1st through the 20th and will once again encompass Knox County and feature a route connecting the two Dogwood Trails in the eastern part of the county and the Dogwood Trail in Mount Vernon. The printed drive-it-yourself tour maps are available from the Visitors Bureau or via download from our website.