Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is a spectacular outdoor adventure area where you can hike, bike, climb, paddle, or just wander in the woods – all within the heart of the city. Over 50 miles of trails and greenways connect you to a beautiful nature center, pristine lakes, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five city parks, world-class bike park and a 500-acre wildlife area. There’s an adventure for everyone! Be sure to check out the Outdoor Knoxville Insider Podcast on Soundcloud!
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness encompasses seven recreational areas connected by trails that offer a variety of outdoor activities. The signed 12.5-mile loop connects Anderson School Trails, Baker Creek Preserve and Baker Creek Play Forest, Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, Ijams Nature Center and Quarries, Marie Myers Trails, and William Hastie Natural Area. Combined, over 50 miles of multi-use, natural surface trails offer exciting opportunities for any outdoor activity.
Two additional destinations within the Urban Wilderness, connected to the system by road and sidewalk, offer unique recreational access to Civil War sites at Fort Dickerson Park and Quarry and Fort Higley at Highground Park.
Plan ahead, be prepared for your adventure and get out and play!
SOUTH LOOP ROUTE
To follow the 12.5-mile South Loop route follow the UW logo, tree blazes, and street stencils.
ANDERSON SCHOOL TRAILS
Printable Map
BAKER CREEK PRESERVE
Printable Map
FORKS OF THE RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Printable Map
FORT DICKERSON PARK
Printable Map
IJAMS NATURE CENTER / IJAMS QUARRIES
Printable Map
WILLIAM HASTIE NATURAL AREA / MARIE MYERS TRAILS
Printable Map
URBAN WILDERNESS MOBILE MAP APP
The mobile app allows you to pinpoint your exact location on the trails, measure distances by “drawing” a line on the map, record tracks and report how far you have traveled and give you an approximate estimate on the elevation gained or lost. Click here for instructions on adding The Urban Wilderness trail map onto your mobile device. Once the free app is downloaded, these simple step-by-step instructions will guide you through setup. After the map is downloaded to your mobile device, read the “Getting Started” section to learn about the various features available. This is a great resource for all who set out to explore Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness!
URBAN WILDERNESS PATCH
Hike 47 miles of trail with Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness and earn yourself an Urban Wilderness Patch! Start at one of the seven trailheads and hike your way through a variety of terrain -from rocky outcrops to rolling fields and farmland with trails that range from easy to more difficult. Enjoy the exceptional nature and views along the trail while keeping track of your miles trekked on the Trail Checklist Form. Once you’ve completed all the trails, submit the form along with a check or credit card payment of $10 to Legacy Parks Foundation to receive the Urban Wilderness Patch and a certificate. Enjoy your urban outdoor adventure!
