Local identity / Parks
Palestine Is Texas's Official Dogwood Trails Capital
The Texas Legislature named Palestine the Dogwood Trails Capital of Texas in 2023. The city has held an annual Dogwood Trails Celebration since 1938, centered on Davey Dogwood Park.
Palestine has celebrated its spring dogwood blooms since 1938. The first Dogwood Trails event drew an estimated 20,000 visitors to see the flowering trees among the area's pines and hardwoods. In May 2023, the Texas Legislature officially named Palestine the Dogwood Trails Capital of Texas.
Davey Dogwood Park is a 254-acre park in north Palestine and is the heart of the celebration. It has eight miles of gently rolling trails through the woods. Dogwood trees bloom white and pink in spring. That same season brings redbuds, azaleas, and bluebonnets across the county. The Dogwood Trails Celebration is usually held over three weekends from late March into early April.
The Piney Woods around Palestine also support many other native flowering trees and shrubs in spring. Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine covers the spring wildflower routes in the area.
Source to confirm: Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine — Palestine Dogwood Trails