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The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in and near Knoxville, Tennessee White Pine, TN. 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. Access: All sites are drive-up. During the summer months youll also be treated to fields of blossoming sun flowers. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. Our Club members are passionate about hiking! The park is most famous for its waterfall which is a 125-foot-wide cascade of water, roaring off a 60-foot drop. Safari tents starting at $194 per night (4 person max)Safari with 3 twin beds starting at $194 per night (3 person max Overview Despite the massive wildfire that destroyed over 10,000 acres inside the park last year, the Great Smoky Mountains are still alive and kicking! The best times to visit this trail are March . Knoxville's Nariah Mullins Is Tennessee's Distinguished Young Woman Looking for more Knoxville travel inspiration? 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. The best hike near Knoxville is Ramsey Cascades, a 7.9 mile out and back trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So it can get pretty buggy but at least it's mostly shaded. Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade, this picnic pavilion creates a peaceful and secluded environment for visit Overview Snowshoeing is a great, If youre one of those hikers or backpackers who puts away your outdoor gear for the winter, you really are missing out on one of the most, A backpacking trip takes a little more planning during the winter. One Story Got it Wrong. The trail is a steady climb with an average gain of 700 ft. every mile. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. Try to spot various birds and other wildlife while on your hike. Parking available off of Little River Gorge Road (State Hwy. The parking lot is very large and can accommodate 15-20 cars. -Obey all signs. Activities onsite are kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird/wildlife watching. There is a lot of wildlife at this park. Begin your adventure by arriving at the Newfound Gap parking lot - before first light. Climbers have mapped out dozens of routes on the craggy walls and rafters flock to take on the 45-miles of class II-IV rapids. This counterpart to the East Lakeshore National Recreation Area is small but well worth a visit. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. 18 Best Hikes In Tennessee: Top-Rated Hiking Trails To Visit I live near downtown and can get to House Mtn in about 30 minutes from my house! We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Knoxville. Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee. Top backpacking spots in and near Knoxville, Tennessee Andersonville, Tennessee I think we missed it, I say as we continue onward. 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. The park is only a few minutes from downtown Knoxville. Hiking the Gabes Mountain/Maddron Bald/Snake Den Ridge Trail loop is a lesson on the reasons the Smokies are preserved. 47,487 Reviews Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Tennessee with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. Top 10 Waterfalls Near Knoxville, Tennessee - Tennessee Travel Blog These are a couple of suggested trail loops to make your Urban Wilderness experience an adventure! This park is east of Knoxville only about 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. There are a lot of trails in Ijams, but the most popular is probably the River Trail Loop. 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! There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. The River Trail Loop is easy to moderate. This is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). 14.6 mi / 2310 ft gain Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. With so many segments and options for hiking, making sense of it all can be a bit of a challenge. There are also lots of opportunities for wildlife sightings and a wide variety of plant life and wildflowers. It is the highest lodge in the eastern United States. The quarry is right off of Island Home rd and has a large parking lot. 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 parking lot here is quite large and in the busy season it has an overflow lot too. There is one entrance near Fontana, Walland, Wears Valley, and Cosby. This greenway starts at the Island Home Park and goes through Ijams Nature Center and the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. All Rights Reserved. 1. The trail starts at . The trail has only Gregory Bald via Twentymile is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Robbinsville, North Carolina. Moderate 4.5 (936) #2 - Tharp Trace at Meade's Quarry Meades Quarry Length: 1.3 mi Est. Abram's Creek Campground is located in a relatively remote area of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. This park is located in east Knoxville and is one only 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. This hike can be started at the Alum Cave trailhead or the Boulevard Trailhead. The best Hiking in and near Knoxville, Tennessee - The Outbound Scenic Attractions. The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and begins at the parking lot between mile 8 and 9 up an old dirt road. Youre in luck! This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. LeConte Lodge via Alum Cave, Appalachian Trail: Charlie's Bunion and Kephart Loop, Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, North Carolina, Southern Smokies: Fontana Lake to Clingman's Dome. When its time to come back down to earth, give yourself some different scenery by taking the 1-mile, moderately-rated Mountain Trail (blue blazes) back to the parking lot. 3. The road that leads you into the CNF is known as Halls Top Road just a few miles off of Interstate I-40. There are a few options for getting to Citico Creek, you can either go up the windy gravel road from US 411 or get off of the Cherohala Skyway and go down the mountain past the Indian Boundary campground. We did it as a 3-day, 2-night camping at sites 53 and 61. Get ready to swap out, Its September, and the coming of fall equals an abundance of autumnal harvestin the woods. Most hiking trails are never crowded during the colder months. Pretty challenging, not for the novice backpacker. The park is small but there is plenty of beauty and lots of hiking trails in the area. The park has many hiking/biking trails through the park. Plus, if youre a fan of wildlife, youre sure to see some here furred, feathered, and scaley. This park is also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furriest hiking buddy as long as you keep them on a leash. Most of the hiking trails here would be considered easy, but if youre looking to get your heart pumping, you can. For this particular adventure, the starting point is Alum Cave. 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. Dogs on leashes are welcome here and you can take them to the dog park when youre done hiking! If youve thought about hiking, you should know, Mountain biking has always been a sport that is both thrilling and great exercise. The tower is an old fire tower used for spotting smoke in the valley. This hike can be started at the Alum Cave trailhead or the Boulevard Trailhead. The park has almost 5 miles of unpaved trails that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. 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. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. From start to finish it is 8 miles long. Directions Backpacking Difficulty Length Suitability More filters Top trails ( 239) Hard 4.8 (9977) This area offers many activities including biking, hiking and photography. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we might receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. THE BEST Knoxville Hiking Trails (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Knoxville is full of incredible outdoor activities including hiking trails and multi-use paths. Welcome to our blog dedicated to Johnson City and East Tennessee. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. 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. Hiking Knoxville's Urban Wilderness | Trail Guidelines & Ratings The parking lot has about 30 spaces and about 50 spaces in overflow parking. 12 Short Walk Waterfalls - Everything Knoxville Botanical Gardens. The park is home to the historic Fort Higley which was a Civil War fort built by the Union to protect Knoxville. After the crest it starts descending towards Meigs Creek. Directions: 2915 Island Home Ave., Knoxville Hours: 8 am until dusk. Top 10 Most Historic Hikes Around Knoxville | Visit Knoxville 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. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. This Urban park is located in North Knoxville. The foothills parkway runs parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lodge sits at a elevation of 6400 feet. The trail is almost 4 miles one way so it makes for a great half day trip. You will have to scramble over and around some rocks but this trail offers some truly dramatic views, especially in winter. 1. Notable features along this hike include a set of steps with a sign that says Geologic Fold. If youre a fan of geology and history, or just want to see something really cool, be sure to climb that staircase and take a look. Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Everything You Need to Know. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. There is a lot activities to do at the quarry. The foothills parkway runs parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains. Friends of Warner Parks. 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. It's a 1.8 mile loop that runs along a lake and through the woods. 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 2023 Visit Knoxville. 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. Fortunately the founders have put together a handy guide, broken down by sections. The nice thing about this hike, besides the lovely lake view, is that you have lots of options to bail out early if you need to. The park is home to the historic Fort Higley which was a Civil War fort built by the Union to protect Knoxville. Sign Up or Log In. At the time of writing this post, the north end of the River Boardwalk was closed for repair, so you cant complete the loop and will need to U-turn on the boardwalk instead. While the natural area does contain about 20 miles of mostly easy hiking trails, the main attractions here are the rocks and river. Spruce Flats Falls Trial: I've done this one and recommend carrying the younger ones in backpack carriers. The best Backpacking in and near Knoxville, Tennessee This park is located just 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville. The trail is mostly paved with only a small bi High Ground Park (Fort Higley) is an out-and-backtrail that takes you through a nice forest and park located near Knoxville, Tennessee. Connect with Facebook. Ah, the road trip. Typically, this, After a long winter, youre no doubt itching to get back on your favorite trails, and inspired to explore new ones. The trail is almost 4 miles one way so it makes for a great half day trip. Powered by . 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? Mt. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete. Top 10 Beautiful Waterfalls to Visit Near Knoxville, Gatlinburg With Pets: 10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels, Activities, & More. There is never a better time to plan your epic leaf-chasing adventure. Alvin C. York State Historic Park Hiking Trails, Best Hiking Trails near Knoxville, Tennessee. This is a great and easy hike through the Seven Islands Birding State Park. How to Pack Your Day Pack for Winter Hiking, 7 Picturesque Snowshoeing Trails to Try This Winter. Education, permits, regulations and where to hunt in your area, Local archery ranges, tips for beginners, and advice on the proper The fog is still thick over the Little Tennessee River as we slow down crossing the bridge into Graham County. There are over 8 miles of wide, mowed trails that wind their way through Seven Islands, making their way through the grass fields that run along the French Broad River, past the wetlands, and up through the woods. 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. Andersonville, Tennessee. Knoxville, TN. Foraging is currently all the rage at top, The warm days and crisp, cool nights of autumn make the perfect conditions for a weekend hiking and camping excursion. But River Sports' stellar reputation is earned by its staff. 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. If you're lucky enough to stay the night at the backcountry shelter on top of Mt. 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. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. There is a lot of wildlife at this park. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Image via River Sports. 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. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Knoxville. This fan-favorite trail starts out with a steep, continuous incline, fantastic views of the quarry and the city from the top, an old cemetery for a fun, historical stop, and then a quick, steep decline. In addition, we proudly maintain 102 miles of Appalachian Trail in the Smokies and Nantahala National Forest. 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. The next part of the loop takes you across the River Boardwalk one of Ijamss key attractions. Nashville, TN. This trail is located in the Seven Islands Birding State Park. FORKS OF THE RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA Just minutes south of downtown, you'll likely be surprised at the diversity inside the 331-acre Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. Set out from the parking area on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail down the Trillium Gap Trail into a beautiful hemlock grove. Looking for a great hiking trail to explore in the Knoxville area? This is an overnight loop hike that is built around one night in the back country. 2023 Best 10 Walking Trails in Knoxville | AllTrails Start your hike at Anthony Creek Trailhead (elevation1,800 ft), in the Cades Cove area. The trailhead is a large gravel lot on the side of the road. 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. Just minutes south of downtown, youll likely be surprised at the diversity inside the 331-acre Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. 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. Park at Deep Creek campground in Bryson City, NC. . Why? Phil Hartman / Shutterstock. This Urban park is located in North Knoxville. The parking lot has about 30 spaces and about 50 spaces in overflow parking. 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. After parking, the trailhead itself will be to the left of the parking area. You can do this 10 mile loop from the comfort of your car! Looking for the best hiking in Knoxville? 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Hiking Clubs and Organizations in Tennessee - Hiking Project Knoxville, TN 37950-1592. The best Hiking in and near Oak Ridge, Tennessee - The Outbound This is an overnight loop hike that is built around one night in the back country. All of the greenway is paved and most of it is under tree cover so it is shaded most of the time. The trail is very wide and is a great place for taking kids and riding your bike. Ijams is located in South Knoxville, less than 10 min from downtown. Cades Cove Campground In Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Less than a mile from the parking lot, this view can be a quick trip, or you can add some of the other trails at the Preserve for a nice wander through . 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. Top backpacking spots in and near Knoxville. Please obey these guidelines for a safe activity and to help maintain the trails: -Natural trails have uneven surfaces and obstacles use at your own risk. The states most ambitious trail project in recent memory, the Cumberland Trail, will contain 300 miles (when complete) of backcountry trails perfect for day hikes or multi-day DIY adventures. The parking here is massive and has near 100 parking spots spread out over the park. 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. Ijams Nature Center is only 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville and is a great place to escape city life and enjoy the outdoors. Smoky Mountains Hiking Club - Home The trail is an old road so it is wide and well taken care of. A classic American adventure since the 1920s, when more people could afford to own automobiles and started seeing them as a, Difficulty: 1 Time To Complete: 2.0 days Distance: 0.0 miles Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter Dog Friendly: On Leash Only If you are looking, Theres nothing quite like sleeping out in the great outdoors with a campfire crackling nearby and the stars twinkling in the sky. Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky. On your journey you will have views of flower fields and rock walls. 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. Nestled about a half hour west of Knoxville along the banks of the Tellico Reservoir, the East Lakeshore National Recreation Area is home to nine interconnected trails stretching more than 30 miles along the east side of the lake. The greenway is 2.1 miles one way so it can make for a good run through the woods. The loop consists of the Tower Trail to River Trail to North Cove and ends up back at the Visitors Center where you started. You can view a map of all the House Mountain hiking trails here. The trailhead is located at the far end of the day-use picnic area near Cades Cove campground. The park is only a few minutes from downtown Knoxville. Sewanee, TN. Which trail will you hike first? A popular hike here is the Concord Park Trail. Dogs are welcome here, as long as theyre on a leash at all times. The best Backpacking in and near Knoxville, Tennessee 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. Just across the Tennessee River from downtown, you'll find fantastic views of fall colors from Pappy's Peak at Baker Creek Preserve. Thats okayits snowshoeing season! This place is located right in the middle of Halls Crossroads. The park has many hiking/biking trails through the park. This is an amazing gem in south Knoxville only 7 minutes away from Gay Street. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Knoxville. This is a ~36 mile loop that goes up Clingman's Dome (the tallest point in Tennessee). Knoxville has population 172474.0. The cold and potential for, If solitude is what youre after, winter hiking can be very enjoyable. 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. The parking here is massive and has near 100 parking spots spread out over the park. Lake Trail, Radnor Lake State Park. 16. Top Waterfalls Near Knoxville For The Perfect Day Trip This is a great and easy hike through the Seven Islands Birding State Park. 1. Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee. Anything you take on a trail with you, bring it back out. Youll want to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated, snacks to keep your energy up, and sunscreen to protect your skin. However Cosby is a smaller section a Norris Dam State Park Campground Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Rocky Top, Tennessee. Explore the best hikes near Nashville with these top picks: Mossy Ridge Trail Loop, Harpeth Woods Trail, and Stones River Greenway of Nashville Trail. RiverSportsOutfitters 16 Mountainous and Colorful Day Trips From Knoxville, Tennessee Be advised that permits are required by the NPS for all overnight stays in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Top 10 Best Outdoor Gear Near Knoxville, Tennessee - Yelp This is a short hike but is great for getting in a solid workout. This park is located in east Knoxville and is one only 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The trail is a steady climb with an average gain of 700 ft. every mile. We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Knoxville. 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 main attraction of the park is the greenway and the disc golf course. Come and discover the best activities and places to eat, drink, camp, and stay in the scenic Tennessee Highlands! From the quiet. At Big Hill Pond State Park, you can take in the views of West Tennessee by hiking the Turkey Call Trail. 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. Not every hike in Tennessee has to consist of climbing up to the top of a rocky mountain. The trail is mostly mowed grass but is a dirt path in some places. Dog Friendly Hikes Near Knoxville - Planes, Pints, & Paws Knoxville Hiking Trails 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.