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Mead's Quarry Park. If you still have gas in the tank after your climb up, take the 1.5-mile Crest Trail (marked with red blazes). Best Outdoor Gear in Knoxville, TN - Mast General Store, River Sports Outfitters, Outdoor Gear Revival, DICK'S House of Sport, Little River Trading Company, Bass Pro Shops, REI, Knoxville Tactical, 5.11 Tactical, Smoky Mountain Knife Works . In addition, we proudly maintain 102 miles of Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and Nantahala National Forest. Once you get to the island paddle around and seethe wildlife. Phil Hartman / Shutterstock. Trails range from easy to moderate for hiking, but be alert as some trails are shared with mountain bikers. Ijams Nature Center (pronounced eye-ams) is a great place to start if youre new to hiking or if youre looking for an easy trail. Access: All sites are drive-up. It tends to be slippery and muddy after a good rain. 3. Contact: Appalachian Trail Conference, (304) 535-6331; www.atconf.org. This is a strenuous (though not technical)hike that really showcases the forests, creeks, and (eventually)the highest point of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This mountain gets a lot of lightning strikes in thunderstorms, so if you encounter bad weather, end your hike and get off the mountain as soon as possible. In Autumn and Winter, youll have less obstructed views of the city and Smoky Mountains in the distance. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Knoxville. A-frames near Knoxville, Tennessee with hiking - Hipcamp Tip: Be aware that part of House Mountain is privately owned, so its important to stay on the trail while youre hiking here. Its a popular destination in the park that juts out over the Tennessee River with caves, shoreline birds, and lovely views of the river. It is said that a hiker will never get overly warm hiking the Boulevard to Leconte due 8:30 a.m. and were winding our way down Highway 129 near Robbinsville, NC. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Outside these groves, the summer sun beats down, but beneath the trees, its cool, serene, and alive with every imaginable shade of green. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Smokies, and this is an extremely popular hike, so arrive early to get a parking spot and beat the crowds. Download the app. Outdoor Gear Hiking Used, Vintage . There is a lot of wildlife at this park. Hiking Knoxville's Urban Wilderness | Trail Guidelines & Ratings Already more than 210 miles of trails are accessible, stretching from Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga to the state line with Kentucky in the Cumberland Plateau. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Knoxville has population 172474.0. This 416-acre park serves as a wildlife refuge with plenty of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and, of course, bird watching. gear, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy gear, Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities near you, Off-road riding in your area, plus instruction, rentals, and Its brimming with so much nature and so many things to do it can be a bit overwhelmingfrom trekking the depths of the Great Smoky Mountains to learning the ins and outs at Ijams Nature Center in town. 2023 Visit Knoxville. Be advised that permits are required by the NPS for all overnight stays in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The quarry is a gorgeous place for swimming and kayaking. Tip: The Rangers at Seven Islands State Birding Park host tons of guided hikes and educational activities. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Tennessee Hiking and Backpacking Trails | Explore Tennessee Hikes and It can be done as an ambitious day hike. Plenty of restaurants, shops, and you would have time to check out East TN History museum or the Knoxville Museum of Art. The Alum Cave trailhead is on Newfound Gap Road, 8 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. As a bonus, a good, 4 Easy Ways To Enjoy Mountain Biking On Your Vacation, 10 (Modern) Essentials Every Hiker Should Carry, 10 Tips For Going Ultralight on the Trail, Antler HikesA Fun, New Way to Day Hike with Kids, Snowshoeing: Get Your Family Started The Easy Way. Starting from the parking lot the trail gently wind Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cherokee, North Carolina. There are more than one trail that you can take to get to the quarry from the trail Look Rock tower has spectacular views and is a great hike to enjoy year round. The parking lot is very large and can accommodate 15-20 cars. For one of the best views of Knoxville, the distant Smoky Mountains, and a popular bird-watching spot, check out Sharps Ridge Veterans Memorial Park just a 10-minute drive from downtown. The parking lot is very large and can accommodate 15-20 cars. OR. Grotto Falls Grotto Falls is one of the only waterfalls in East Tennessee that you can safely stand behind. 12 Short Walk Waterfalls - Everything Knoxville The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and begins at the parking lot between mile 8 and 9 up an old dirt road. The park is most famous for its waterfall which is a 125-foot-wide cascade of water, roaring off a 60-foot drop. Dogs are welcome here, as long as they are on a leash. Mt. 1. We may earn from affiliate links to help run this free blog (at no additional cost to you), which means we may earn from qualifying purchases. Looking for the best hiking trails in Knoxville? Thanks so much for your support! -Plan ahead, know your ability and hike within your limits. There are a lot of trails in Ijams, but the most popular is probably the River Trail Loop. The trail is very wide and is a great place for taking kids and riding your bike. But are you spring hiking, Taking your family on an antler hike puts a new twist on spring day hikes and sharpens everyones abilities to observe whats around them, Bummed that the summer hiking trails will soon be covered in white? With so many segments and options for hiking, making sense of it all can be a bit of a challenge. Looking for the best camping in Knoxville? However, the trail is very steep all the way up. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. This park is located in east Knoxville and is one only 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. Ijams Nature Center is only 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville and is a great place to escape city life and enjoy the outdoors. Fortunately the founders have put together a handy guide, broken down by sections. The rolling, 50-mile section of the trail in Big South Fork passes massive sandstone bluffs, cascading streams, and precipice-edge views into the 500-foot-deep gorge, as well as remnants of long-abandoned settlements. This trail is located at the Ijams Nature Center. The best Backpacking in and near Knoxville, Tennessee Top 10 Best Outdoor Gear Near Knoxville, Tennessee - Yelp The trails and natural areas on this list arent necessarily overlookedplenty of locals know about them and make use of the trailsbut are less trafficked and often offer a more secluded and new experience, from easy treks into wilderness areas to 300-mile thru-hikes. This Urban park is located in North Knoxville. But River Sports' stellar reputation is earned by its staff. As you continue, be sure to lo Huckleberry Knob is the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District at 5,560 feet, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forest. Lake Trail, Radnor Lake State Park. One Story Got it Wrong. There is a lot of wildlife at this park. The 1-mile Tharp Trace hike may be short but plan on breaking a sweat and taking about 40-minutes to complete it. 2023 Take Me To Tennessee | All Rights Reserved, Where to Stay in Knoxville: 11 Best Hotels in The Marble City, 9 Perfect Spots for the Best Brunch in Knoxville. As you continue, be sure to lo Huckleberry Knob is the highest point in the Cheoah Ranger District at 5,560 feet, and it offers expansive views of the surrounding Cherokee and Natahala National Forest. You can view a map of all the Sharps Ridge hiking trails here. Explore the best hikes near Nashville with these top picks: Mossy Ridge Trail Loop, Harpeth Woods Trail, and Stones River Greenway of Nashville Trail. I think we missed it, I say as we continue onward. Read more Knoxville, Tennessee High Ground Park 1 mi / 50 ft gain This park is located in south Knoxville right off of Cherokee trail road. Begin your adventure by arriving at the Newfound Gap parking lot - before first light. Complete Guide: Best Hikes in Knoxville, TN (Easy-Difficult) So grab your hiking boots, and your ten hiking essentials, and hit the trail! Girl Scout Troop #20793. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We're Bri & Laurin, sisters who call Johnson City home and love to explore East Tennessee & beyond! This trail is located at the Ijams Nature Center. There are plenty of places to explore in the Urban Wilderness. Concord Park is a mega recreational destination in Knoxville offering everything from inline hockey, a skate park, a golf course, tennis courts, sporting fields for softball and soccer, a marina, and a dog park. Smoky Mountains' Distinguished Young Woman Nariah Mullins became the first Knoxville resident in 20 years to receive the Tennessee silver medallion at the conclusion of the 2024 state program on . . The parking lot has about 30 spaces and about 50 spaces in overflow parking. Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Ijams Nature Center (pronounced eye-ams) is a great place to start if you're new to hiking or if you're looking for an easy trail. Over 50 miles of natural surface trails within Knoxvilles Urban Wilderness provide unparalleled hiking experience for adventurers of all skill levels. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 47 min to complete. My favorite is the Big Fat Gap trail on the North Carolina side at an elevation of 3,060'. A variety of terrain and destinations creates great views, great adventures and the chance to return again and again for a new experience. Part of Knoxvilles growing Urban Wilderness corridor, more than eight miles of trails meander through the park, cutting through old-growth forest to open fields and bluffs overlooking the Tennessee River. 5 Amazing Weekend Fall Hikes Across the U.S. 10 Essential Pieces of Summer Gear for Beginning Hikers, Get Back Into The Wilderness With An eBike, Some Images Courtesy of Polaris Adventures. Get ready to swap out, Its September, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvestin the woods. 2023 Best 10 Walking Trails in Knoxville | AllTrails 5. That means taking only pictures and leaving only footprints. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The next part of the loop takes you across the River Boardwalk one of Ijamss key attractions. The parking at the trailhead is right off of the Oak Ridge turnpike so its very easy to park and there are plenty of spots to park. The hallmark 5-mile Hall Bend trail routes around the west banks of Tellico Reservoir, forming a loop with excellent views of the lake and wildlife. Butduring the winter months from December 1 through March 31, the 7-mile Clingmans Dome Road that branches off Highway 441 at Newfound Gap, stays closed. Most trails are loops, but you can do an out and back to shorten the . Some terrain is harder to navigate than others, sometimes keeping, Theres nothing quite like a good hike to get your heart pumping while you take in the sights and sounds of Mother Nature. Explore hiking trails around Knoxville, Tennessee. The fog is still thick over the Little Tennessee River as we slow down crossing the bridge into Graham County. Best Hiking Trails near Knoxville, Tennessee - Gaia GPS THE BEST Knoxville Hiking Trails (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. Ah, the road trip. Most of the hiking trails here would be considered easy, but if youre looking to get your heart pumping, you can. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites . 73) at The Sinks/Meigs Creek Trailhead. Top camping spots in and near Knoxville, Tennessee Andersonville, Tennessee Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail 14.6 mi / 2310 ft gain The Will Skelton Greenway connects to area with the popular Ijams Nature Center nearby, making it a great option on summer weekends when locals pack into Ijams. If you're lucky enough to stay the night at the backcountry shelter on top of Mt. Within minutes the Tapoco Lodge comes into view. Several miles of hiking, foot traffic only trails can be found at Ijams Nature Center and Meads Quarry. Connect with Facebook. Welcome to our blog dedicated to Johnson City and East Tennessee. There are multiple access points along the Greenway. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Knoxville. RiverSportsOutfitters You can view a map of all the Seven Islands State Birding Park here. Smoky Mountains Hiking Club - Home It can be done as an ambitious day hike. Accessible only by hiking one of the five trails to the summit, Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cherokee, North Carolina. Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee. The fog is still thick over the Little Tennessee River as we slow down crossing the bridge into Graham County. I think we missed it, I say as we continue onward. There is never a better time to plan your epic leaf-chasing adventure. The Blue Ridge Mountains boast some of the most beautiful fall colors you will ever see and being just hours away from major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville, they are super accessible. Alvin C. York State Historic Park Hiking Trails, Best Hiking Trails near Knoxville, Tennessee. The Citico Creek campground has about 5 or 6 spots but is rarely full because it is very sec 8:30 a.m. and were winding our way down Highway 129 near Robbinsville, NC. Why? ranges, and retailers, When the third edition of the classic book Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills was released back in 1974, it quickly became a must-read for any, One of the hottest trends in hiking and backpacking over the past few years has been the shift toward going ultralight on the trail. There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. The majority of these trails are multi-use natural surface, either packed dirt or crushed rock, but some short connections are on paved greenway or streets. Colder weather calls for more specialized gear (gloves, ice axe, etc.) The trail is mostly mowed grass but is a dirt path in some places. Not every hike in Tennessee has to consist of climbing up to the top of a rocky mountain. There are a few parking spots right at the trailhead, but note that the picnic area closes at dusk (a gate clos Cade's Cove is a valley located smack in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 1. This is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Knoxville Trails Archives - Backpacker Ijams Nature Center. Day hikes near Knoxville - Knoxville Forum - Tripadvisor Sewanee, TN. Be sure to check out Meads Quarry, an old abandoned limestone quarry thats now a beautiful pond that allows swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. But as you conquer these well-worn paths, many turn an eye to new adventures. Nature Centers. The trail starts at the Seven Islands Birding Park parking lot that has a beautiful garden with lots of wildflowers. Friends of Warner Parks. There are multiple trails to take from here, and all are dog friendly. The main attraction of the park is the greenway and the disc golf course. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. You need a sure foot, but the waterfall is worth it! This 1.3-mile loop starts at the Visitors Center and takes about half an hour to finish (unless youre a shutterbug plan on taking a lot longer because this one has lots of wildlife viewing opportunities and great views of the Tennessee River). The first day of the hike is either 12.3miles or 10.5miles (depending on the campsite) almost all downhill, and the second half of the loop is 13.3miles or 11.5miles, again depending on the campsite, almost exclusively uphill. 1. BY ERIC HARRISON Try to spot various birds and other wildlife while on your hike. This is an overnight loop hike that is built around one night in the back country. This route to Clingmans Dome is available throughoutthe year. Dogs are allowed on leash and there's actually a dog park where you park and . Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visit Overview Mossy Ridge Trail Loop. This is a 2.2-mile loop that takes about an hour to finish. Top 10 Best Outdoor Gear Near Knoxville, Tennessee. The quarry is right off of Island Home rd and has a large parking lot. The trailhead is a large gravel lot on the side of the road. For an easy hike with a great chance of spotting deer, rabbits, and too many interesting birds to name, try the Upland Trail Outer Loop. Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. Mount Sterling Loop via Baxter Creek and Big Creek Trails, Deep Creek Picnic Area via Deep Creek Horse Trail and Deep Creek Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hiking Trails, Daniel Boone National Forest Hiking Trails, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area Hiking Trails, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Hiking Trails, Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park Hiking Trails, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park Hiking Trails, Cumberland Mountain State Park Hiking Trails, Fort Loudon State Historic Park Hiking Trails, Sgt. This is a great and easy hike through the Seven Islands Birding State Park. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cades Cove campground. At the summit of Mt. The trailhead parking area is large but if no spaces are available additional parking can be had at the Jake's Creek trailhead at the top of the hill and to the right of the Little River trail parking lot. Powered by . Knoxville Trails Knoxville, TN: Holston & Tennessee River Canoe Trail Float under a peregrine falcon nest and paddle past several islands to the Tennessee River on this 4.5-mile trip through the heart of downtown. Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. You will have to scramble over and around some rocks but this trail offers some truly dramatic views, especially in winter. You can view a map of all the House Mountain hiking trails here. Within minutes the Tapoco Lodge comes into view. From start to finish it is 8 miles long. Parking Lot Co Gregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina. as well as, When temperatures fall and conditions become snowy and icy, going out for a day hike can be a bit more challenging. Begin your adventure by arriving at the Newfound Gap parking lot - before first light. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse. To start the hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook begin from the Noland Divide Trailhead in Deep Creek. Education, permits, regulations and where to hunt in your area, Local archery ranges, tips for beginners, and advice on the proper This is a great and easy hike through the Seven Islands Birding State Park. From there, youll have sweeping views of the Cumberland Mountains to the north, Knoxville and Sharps Ridge to the west, and the Smoky Mountains to the south. Parks. The best Camping in and near Knoxville, Tennessee Re: Day hikes near Knoxville. All Rights Reserved. 12 Best Hikes To Experience In Tennessee - TravelAwaits Which trail will you hike first? The park has many hiking/biking trails through the park. The footpaths are a favorite among bird watchers and seasonal hunters, as theyre abundant with wildlife and offer picturesque views of the lake throughout. 5 Camping Destinations Near Knoxville - Tennessee State Parks dealers, Get started right with local safety education, training, LeConte. Ijams is located in South Knoxville, less than 10 min from downtown. Best Backpacking In Tennessee - Backpacker Magazine Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. This place is located right in the middle of Halls Crossroads. waterfalls in our area that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. After the crest it starts descending towards Meigs Creek. The best Backpacking in and near Knoxville, Tennessee It is the highest lodge in the eastern United States. Accommodations: Going at different times of year can be a treat due tothe unique beauty of each season addingsome spice to this quick trip. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. Restaurant picks from me would be Bistro at the Bijou, Oliver Royale, Stock & Barrel, or . Just across the Tennessee River from downtown, you'll find fantastic views of fall colors from Pappy's Peak at Baker Creek Preserve. Why? OR. About 19 miles east of Knoxville running along the French Broad River is Seven Islands State Birding Park. The park is only a few minutes from downtown Knoxville. As it is a loop it could easily be done in reverse. To start the hike to Lonesome Pine Overlook begin from the Noland Divide Trailhead in Deep Creek. Mt. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. And, of course, dont forget your camera! The scenery along the John Muir Trail will make you wonder why Muir bothered to go west after walking across Tennessee on his way to the Gulf of Mexico. It combines the 2.1-mile West Loop with well-marked sections of the Mainline Loop, Middle East Loop, Orient Loop, and Lake Shore Loop to form a fun 4.3-mile loop. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The parking lot is very large and can accommodate 15-20 cars. Knoxville Hiking Trails Parking Lot Co To get to this hike the easiest way is to go up Petros hwy near the closed Brushy Mountain State prison. The park offers many activities and amazing views. This greenway starts at the Island Home Park and goes through Ijams Nature Center and the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. Hiking Clubs and Organizations in Tennessee - Hiking Project Built in 1863 on the other side of what was then called the Holston River, Fort Dickerson was one of several forts built along the ridge to keep Confederate soldiers from bombarding the Federal army. The main attraction of the park is the greenway and the disc golf course. Also, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. There are plenty of places to explore in the Urban Wilderness. Tip: Ijams is a popular spot, so if you like to have the trails to yourself, go on a weekday. Over 50 miles of natural surface trails within Knoxville's Urban Wilderness provide unparalleled hiking experience for adventurers of all skill levels. Concord Park Trail Moderate 4.3 (499) Concord Park Photos (466) Directions Print/PDF map Length 4.4 miElevation gain 501 ftRoute type Loop Check out this 4.4-mile loop trail near Knoxville, Tennessee. Start your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation1,800 ft), in the Cades Cove area. Looking for the best backpacking in Knoxville? The road that leads you into the CNF is known as Halls Top Road just a few miles off of Interstate I-40. Sign Up or Log In. PO Box 51592. 44 Likes, TikTok video from Joy | Tennessee Travel (@ajauntwithjoy): "If you're looking for a quick easy hiking trail near Knoxville, Tennessee you should try Concord Lake Shore Loop. Sharps Ridge Loop Trail: 747 Reviews, Map - AllTrails The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. The park is also a popular spot for photographers, due to its sweeping fields of wildflowers, mountain views, and picturesque old barns. The park is home to the historic Fort Higley which was a Civil War fort built by the Union to protect Knoxville. Making It Happen: Finding passion in seasons of dispassionate work. The best times to visit this trail are March . Read more . Good hotel choices would be The Oliver, The Embassy Suites on Gay St., or the Hampton Inn & Suites on Gay St. The dramatic 80-foot waterfall is beautifully divided by a walkway at the base of its upper and lower sections and can be accessed by making a 2.6-mile roundtrip hike along a paved trail. Check their calendar to see if there are any that interest you, but sign up early they fill up fast! What Are the Most Dangerous National Parks? Starting from the Ijams Visitors Center, hikers can take the North Cove trail down to the River Trail proper, where they'll eventually hop onto the boardwalk and pass Maude's Cave on the Tennessee River. 5 of the Best Overlooked Hikes near Knoxville - Little River Trading Co. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. This park is located in east Knoxville and is one only 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. Thanks for your support! The park has many hiking/biking trails through the park. Youre in luck! There is the Halls Community Center which is where the GPS of this adventure will lead you or there is a small parking area next to the Halls Food City. White Pine, TN. Anything you take on a trail with you, bring it back out. The best hike near Knoxville is Ramsey Cascades, a 7.9 mile out and back trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here, some recommended, and maybe new-to-you Knoxville-area hikes to add to the mix. That said, theres no shortage of difficulty at Ijams if youre looking for a challenge. Safari tents starting at $194 per night (4 person max)Safari with 3 twin beds starting at $194 per night (3 person max Overview Just 15 miles from downtown Knoxville is House Mountain State Natural Area a great spot for a day hike to the highest peak in Knox County. It is 38.6 miles in total with the longest section at 33.0 miles. This park is east of Knoxville only about 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. This is an amazing gem in south Knoxville only 7 minutes away from Gay Street. Smoky Mountains Hiking Club. While f Drive the Foothills Parkway National Scenic Byway. The quarry is a gorgeous place for swimming and kayaking. One of the best things to do in Knoxville is visit the Ijams Nature Center because it offers fun for all ages! Start your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation1,800 ft), in the Cades Cove area. Knoxville is full of incredible outdoor activities including hiking trails and multi-use paths. Knoxville has population 172474.0. This trail is located in the Seven Islands Birding State Park. -Obey all signs. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. The trail is a steady climb with an average gain of 700 ft. every mile. This counterpart to the East Lakeshore National Recreation Area is small but well worth a visit. Approaching the top you'll walk along a rocky ridge line where you are able to see the overlook. Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee. The parking lot here is quite large and in the busy season it has an overflow lot too. Five trailheads with plentiful parking make this close getaway a great spot for family day trips to splash in the lake or pack in some long-distance trail running. This route to Clingmans Dome is available throughoutthe year. This hike proves that you can find great views on a relatively flat, short loop.