Places to Play
Knoxville has an abundance of parks, greenways and trails, lakes and rivers for you to get out and play. Offering over 200 parks and more than 160 miles of greenways and trails just in the Knoxville area, there’s so much to do and see here. Add to that our bountiful regional parks and endless adventures await you! Search by activity or location to find detailed information about all the places to hike, bike, paddle, climb, fish and play within an hours drive of Knoxville.
Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Disc Golf
Disc Golf
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing
Running / Walking
Running / Walking
Skateboarding
Skateboarding
Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Events Calendar
Events Calendar
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
5 events,
Sunday Morning Runners
Sunday Morning Runners
Sunday morning run on the Third Creek Greenway. Your distance, your pace. Occasionally switches to 7 a.m. Check Facebook for confirmation of time & meetup.
Paddle Trips
Paddle Trips
River Sports Outfitters will be offering paddle trips by reservation & weather permitting. There are 3 time slots on each Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. Meet at the TAKE […]
Tracks and Scat at Norris Dam SP
Tracks and Scat at Norris Dam SP
Join Ranger Rachel to try your hand at tracking and identifying local animals by their footprints and scat. Meet at the playground in the West Campground to learn and test […]
8 events,
Nature Hike at Norris Dam State Park
Nature Hike at Norris Dam State Park
Join Ranger Rachel for a short-guided hike along the Harmon Trail to look for local wildlife and interesting plant species. Meet at the Harmon Trailhead. Free. Register online.
Animal Adaptations at Norris Dam SP
Animal Adaptations at Norris Dam SP
Come learn about animal adaptations with Seasonal Ranger Rachel and explore how animals change to survive. Meet at the Gristmill for this hour-long program. Free. Register online.
Hike Sinkhole Trail at Norris Dam SP
Hike Sinkhole Trail at Norris Dam SP
Meet at the Canteen for an easy to moderate 1 mile-long hike to the Sinkhole trail. Hike winds through sinkholes and forest features. Free. Register online.
9 events,
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Intermediate, social-paced group rides every Tuesday and Thursday. Route length 35 to 45 miles at a 15 to 17 mph average pace with regrouping along the route. Riders should have skills […]
The Long Run
The Long Run
All paces, all experience levels run on Tuesday nights. Meet at the store and run together to Tom Black Track on the UT campus. Continue to run easy or do […]
AMBC Joy Ride Summer Sessions
AMBC Joy Ride Summer Sessions
Summer Sessions are geared towards new and beginner riders who want to explore the different riding areas in the Urban Wilderness. The ride will be an an easy pace that […]
9 events,
Cycling Cades Cove Loop
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to enjoy the Cades Cove Loop Road on vehicle-free Wednesdays beginning May 4 through September 28. Participants are encouraged to visit […]
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park is held every Wednesday in June and July from 10 am-1 pm and will be at a different location each week. Come make crafts, […]
Kid A’ Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’ Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’ Riffic Fun in the Park offers free family activities geared toward children age 2-10 every Wednesdays in June and July from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at a different […]
Wednesday Evening Greenway Ride
Wednesday Evening Greenway Ride
Casual pace rides, no one left behind. Ride 5, 10, 15 miles or whatever the group wants to ride. Afterwards, enjoy good food and drinks. Questions: email Rhonda at rhonda@cycologybicycles.com. Details […]
10 events,
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Intermediate, social-paced group rides every Tuesday and Thursday. Route length 35 to 45 miles at a 15 to 17 mph average pace with regrouping along the route. Riders should have skills […]
Thursday Night North Knox Run
Thursday Night North Knox Run
Meet us at Central Flats and Taps EVERY Thursday night at 6pm for a fun and easy run. Details online.
SUP 101 at Fort Dickerson Quarry
SUP 101 at Fort Dickerson Quarry
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday for our Intro to Standup Paddleboarding. The course will provide you with basic equipment and knowledge of SUP and paddle techniques taught […]
13 events,
Skyway Cycling Fest – June 3-4
Skyway Cycling Fest – June 3-4
The Inaugural Skyway Cycling Festival kicks off on Friday night with pre-registration package pick-up, music, and food vendors at Mecca Camp Resort in Tellico Plains from 4 p.m. to 8 […]
National Trails Day Weekend – June 3-5
National Trails Day Weekend – June 3-5
We’ll join the Big South Fork Mountain Biking Club to celebrate National Trails Day. Work projects, mountain biking and camping out. Details online.
Tennessee State Disc Golf Championships – June 3-5
Tennessee State Disc Golf Championships – June 3-5
The State Championships are held annually the first weekend in June in Morristown Tennessee. A PDGA A-tier for Pro and Amateur Divisions. One Round a day with tee times. Details […]
Elkins Trail Hike at Norris Dam SP
Elkins Trail Hike at Norris Dam SP
Meet Ranger Rachel at the Elkins Trailhead for a strenuous 2.25-mile morning hike. Meet at the Canteen. Free. Register online.
Junior Ranger Program at Seven Islands SBP
Junior Ranger Program at Seven Islands SBP
To earn the Junior Ranger Badge and Certificate kids must complete several activity topics in the Adventure Guide. Junior Ranger Programs will be offered on different topics throughout the month of […]
All Things Tremont Open House
All Things Tremont Open House
Meet the staff and learn about the many ways we connect people with nature – and see how you can get involved. For youth planning to attend summer camps, this […]
31 events,
Cycology Saturday Road Ride
Cycology Saturday Road Ride
Intermediate pace no-drop rides of 2 - 2.5 hours. Please have, at minimum, a beginner comfort level with riding safely in a group at flat road speeds of 18 - […]
Cherohala Challenge
Cherohala Challenge
The Cherohala Challenge returns for it’s 20th run to test your might and endurance on the famed Tail of the Dragon and the beautiful Cherohala Skyway with three world class […]
Catch the Cure Annual Fly Fishing Tournament
Catch the Cure Annual Fly Fishing Tournament
From beginner to expert, our guides are selected to put you on fish and provide a satisfying day on the water. The annual tournament raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and […]
12 events,
National Trails Day Weekend – June 3-5
Tennessee State Disc Golf Championships – June 3-5
Sunday Morning Runners
Sunday Morning Runners
Sunday morning run on the Third Creek Greenway. Your distance, your pace. Occasionally switches to 7 a.m. Check Facebook for confirmation of time & meetup.
Bird Banding at Seven Islands SBP
Bird Banding at Seven Islands SBP
Banding sessions provide fascinating opportunities to get up close and personal with wild birds. This banding session is led by master bander, Mark Armstrong, Seven Islands staff, and a group of […]
Motus Knoxville Triathlon
Motus Knoxville Triathlon
Winding through the Urban Wilderness, participants will encounter plenty of rocks, roots, and climbing to test their grit. Motus Knoxville will take participants through five parks, featuring the old quarries […]
6 events,
Outdoor Bouldering with a Ranger
Outdoor Bouldering with a Ranger
Join a park ranger for an introductory program on outdoor bouldering. The program will include an orientation to the Lilly Boulder Field, a discussion of safety considerations and equipment, and […]
Weekly Gentlemen’s Ride
Weekly Gentlemen’s Ride
Join the gentlemen of CVTA every Monday for a no-drop group MTB ride. Plan for a 1-2 hour ride of 7 to 8 miles. Please check each week's Facebook event for location and […]
Yoga at Ijams
Yoga at Ijams
Ijams has partnered with Hope Irwin to bring you a weekly yoga class on Monday evenings from 6-7 p.m. at the Visitor Center. This class may be outdoors on the […]
12 events,
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Intermediate, social-paced group rides every Tuesday and Thursday. Route length 35 to 45 miles at a 15 to 17 mph average pace with regrouping along the route. Riders should have skills […]
The Long Run
The Long Run
All paces, all experience levels run on Tuesday nights. Meet at the store and run together to Tom Black Track on the UT campus. Continue to run easy or do […]
FCP Tuesday Advanced Ride
FCP Tuesday Advanced Ride
Intermediate/Advanced evening mtb rides at various locations. We'll ride pavement and gravel when the trails are wet. This is a year round weekly ride on Tuesday evenings. Our group rides […]
8 events,
Cycling Cades Cove Loop
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to enjoy the Cades Cove Loop Road on vehicle-free Wednesdays beginning May 4 through September 28. Participants are encouraged to visit […]
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park is held every Wednesday in June and July from 10 am-1 pm and will be at a different location each week. Come make crafts, […]
Knox Bike Racing Wednesday MTB Series
Knox Bike Racing Wednesday MTB Series
Series runs from April - August and consists of 11 races using multiple trail systems. Cross country mountain bike races with categories spaced 1 minute between the next. All levels […]
Wednesday Evening Greenway Ride
Wednesday Evening Greenway Ride
Casual pace rides, no one left behind. Ride 5, 10, 15 miles or whatever the group wants to ride. Afterwards, enjoy good food and drinks. Questions: email Rhonda at rhonda@cycologybicycles.com. Details […]
13 events,
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Intermediate, social-paced group rides every Tuesday and Thursday. Route length 35 to 45 miles at a 15 to 17 mph average pace with regrouping along the route. Riders should have skills […]
Fire Tower Hike at Frozen Head SP
Fire Tower Hike at Frozen Head SP
Join Interpretive Ranger Jacob for a moderately difficult, 8-mile round trip hike to the fire lookout tower. Meet at the Old Mac Trailhead. Details and registration online.
Thursday Night North Knox Run
Thursday Night North Knox Run
Meet us at Central Flats and Taps EVERY Thursday night at 6pm for a fun and easy run. Details online.
10 events,
Lake Shore Trash Pick-up at Big Ridge SP
Lake Shore Trash Pick-up at Big Ridge SP
Join Interpreter Isabelle on a lake shore trash pick-up. Meet at the Lake Trail bulletin board and will walk around majority of Big Ridge Lake. Details.
Junior Ranger Program at Seven Islands SBP
Junior Ranger Program at Seven Islands SBP
To earn the Junior Ranger Badge and Certificate kids must complete several activity topics in the Adventure Guide. Junior Ranger Programs will be offered on different topics throughout the month of […]
Waterfront Ride with Missy Kane
Waterfront Ride with Missy Kane
LeMond Bikes will join the group as we go for a group bike ride. Beginners are welcome as this will be an easy ride with nice views. Cost $10. Details […]
26 events,
Cycology Saturday Road Ride
Cycology Saturday Road Ride
Intermediate pace no-drop rides of 2 - 2.5 hours. Please have, at minimum, a beginner comfort level with riding safely in a group at flat road speeds of 18 - […]
Third Creek Greenway Parkrun
Third Creek Greenway Parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Afterwards join us for a post parkrun coffee at Panera […]
Sharp’s Ridge Runner
Sharp’s Ridge Runner
Courses will start with a very short stretch on a paved road before heading into the park trails. Trails are moderately technical and flowing as they gradually climb and descend […]
8 events,
Wildlife Hike at Big Ridge SP
Wildlife Hike at Big Ridge SP
Join Interpreter Isabelle on an early morning 3.5 mile hike to explore the trails and wildlife here at the park. We'll meet at the Lake trailhead. Free. Details online.
Dirty South 4 & 8 Hour Adventure Races
Dirty South 4 & 8 Hour Adventure Races
Rev3Endurance Dirty South 8 Hour Adventure Race: intermediate level adventure race course for you to run, bike, paddle, and navigate your way around South Knoxville. Estimated distance for the 8 […]
Sunday Morning Runners
Sunday Morning Runners
Sunday morning run on the Third Creek Greenway. Your distance, your pace. Occasionally switches to 7 a.m. Check Facebook for confirmation of time & meetup.
8 events,
Discovery Camp I at Tremont – June 13-18
Discovery Camp I at Tremont – June 13-18
Each day will be full of exciting discoveries in the great outdoors. This week-long camp is an opportunity for campers to get down and dirty with the forests, rivers, and […]
Girls in Science Camp at Tremont – June 13-18
Girls in Science Camp at Tremont – June 13-18
During this week-long camp, you’ll work with scientists to search for salamanders and catch songbirds to support research in the park. You’ll also build friendships with other girls as you […]
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Camping! Climbing! Creek Crawling are just a few of the things Junior Rangers will get to experience at camp this year. Thursday will be our night session and camp time […]
Weekly Gentlemen’s Ride
Weekly Gentlemen’s Ride
Join the gentlemen of CVTA every Monday for a no-drop group MTB ride. Plan for a 1-2 hour ride of 7 to 8 miles. Please check each week's Facebook event for location and […]
OHB Run Club
OHB Run Club
Walkers to sprinters, all ability levels, join us for a greenway or trail run every Monday evening. An out-and-back 5k distance will be marked. Afterwards, enjoy $1 off beers in […]
18 events,
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Camping! Climbing! Creek Crawling are just a few of the things Junior Rangers will get to experience at camp this year. Thursday will be our night session and camp time […]
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Cycology Intermediate Road Ride
Intermediate, social-paced group rides every Tuesday and Thursday. Route length 35 to 45 miles at a 15 to 17 mph average pace with regrouping along the route. Riders should have skills […]
Ranger Storytime at Seven Islands SBP
Ranger Storytime at Seven Islands SBP
Join Ranger Stephanie as she reads several fun stories about birds and other wildlife. Stories change each week and some sessions may have a craft component afterwards. Meet at the […]
11 events,
Cycling Cades Cove Loop
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park invites the public to enjoy the Cades Cove Loop Road on vehicle-free Wednesdays beginning May 4 through September 28. Participants are encouraged to visit […]
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Camping! Climbing! Creek Crawling are just a few of the things Junior Rangers will get to experience at camp this year. Thursday will be our night session and camp time […]
Hike-Ooh Walk with Sue Wasserman
Hike-Ooh Walk with Sue Wasserman
Join GSMA writer-in-residence Sue Wasserman for her Hike-Ooh Walk on the Gatlinburg Trail. Sue fell in love with Haiku after being asked by the Penland School of Craft to teach it […]
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park
Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park is held every Wednesday in June and July from 10 am-1 pm and will be at a different location each week. Come make crafts, […]