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
8 events,
Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) – Naturalist Skills – Sept 24-26
Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) – Naturalist Skills – Sept 24-26
Naturalist Skills is one of 8 core courses in full program. The naturalist learns from nature first-hand. Becoming a naturalist is a lifelong process of noticing, exploring, discovering, and experiencing […]
Bridges to Bluffs 10K Swim
Bridges to Bluffs 10K Swim
This course is a point to point swim which will take swimmers 6.2 miles downstream in the TN River. Swimmers will enter the water with a time trial start and […]
Kayak 101 at the Cove
Kayak 101 at the Cove
Kayaking 101 will prepare participants to confidently explore our region’s many waterways. Learn about boat dynamics, appropriate gear and basic skills such as the forward stroke, sweep stroke, and ferrying. […]
Hike Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole
Hike Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole
Join a Ranger at the Gentlemen's Swimming Hole trailhead for an informative and relaxing stroll through time. Visit the site where the men of the Rugby Colony would gather to […]
4 events,
Island Kayak Paddle at Fort Loudoun SHP
Island Kayak Paddle at Fort Loudoun SHP
As we paddle around the island we will enjoy beautiful scenery of Unicoi Mountains and touch on the history of Fort Loudoun, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and the importance of […]
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 […]
South Knox Fun Run
South Knox Fun Run
Bring a friend or come make new ones at this Monday night fun run at Alliance Brewing Co. in South Knoxville. We meet every Monday at 6:30pm! Come back and […]
8 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Tuesday Greenway Lunch Ride
Tuesday Greenway Lunch Ride
Join us every Tuesday from March 16 - October 26th at Pearson Park for a casual pace beginner-friendly greenway ride. These rides are designed to get you comfortable on your […]
SUP 101 at Ft. Dickerson Quarry
SUP 101 at Ft. Dickerson Quarry
Join us every other Tuesday evening for our Intro to Standup Paddleboarding. The course will provide you with basic equipment and knowledge of SUP and paddle techniques taught by certified […]
3 events,
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
Wednesday evening social pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Please abide by social distancing guidelines during our group runs. Meet in the Western Plaza parking lot in […]
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Join us every Wednesday evening for a social mountain bike ride. Self-supported with no drop. Weather permitting. Start locations will vary, check Facebook for where to meet and updates. Free. […]
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
Weekly ride is a no-drop, fun, social-pace road ride averaging 15 mph. Meet in the last parking area on the left on Cherokee Blvd. Weather permitting. Keep updated on Facebook.
11 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
After School Laps at Windrock Bike Park
After School Laps at Windrock Bike Park
After School Laps is a group ride setting led by one of our coaches where we will ride laps, session features, and practice fundamentals in a casual and fun setting […]
After Hours at Windrock Bike Park
After Hours at Windrock Bike Park
Starting September 16th our shuttle will be running on Thursday Nights through the fall from September 16th to November 4th. Take advantage of this opportunity to get some after hours […]
1 event,
Ijams Night Hike
Ijams Night Hike
Join an Ijams naturalist and use your senses to explore the night at Ijams. Each walk includes night games and activities as well as exploration for nocturnal creatures. Bring a […]
13 events,
2021 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
2021 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
Something for everyone: Marathon, Half marathon, 2 Person Relay, 4-Person Relay, 5K, and Covenant Kids Run. We will offer an in-person race experience and a Virtual Option. Details and registration […]
Bald River Gorge Wilderness Backpack – Oct. 2-3
Bald River Gorge Wilderness Backpack – Oct. 2-3
The 90-foot Bald River Falls on the Tellico River in Tellico Plains is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Southeast. A 5.6-mile trail follows the river through the gorge […]
Hill of Truth Festival
Hill of Truth Festival
Hill of Truth Festival on October 2nd and 3rd will be at the Haw Ridge Campground just down from the CVTA HQ on Old Edgemoor Road. Saturday: 12-hour Mountain Bike […]
West Bikes Saturday Shop Ride
West Bikes Saturday Shop Ride
Join us Saturday mornings for our social shop ride. Choose your route and pace: 14, 22, 0r 36 mile rides with paces from 13-20 mph. Safe roads. No drop. Roll […]
Foothills Fondo
Foothills Fondo
The classic 33, Half-century, Metric Century, and 80-mile routes will lead you through exciting roads in Knox and Jefferson Counties. Routes fully supported. Mass start at 8:30 am with single […]
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! Free. Details and registration online. Please register before attending your first […]
8 events,
2021 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
Bald River Gorge Wilderness Backpack – Oct. 2-3
Hill of Truth Festival
Fall Migration Bird Banding
Fall Migration Bird Banding
Banding sessions provide fascinating opportunities to get up close and personal with wild birds. Banding session led by master bander, Mark Armstrong, Seven Islands staff, and a group of dedicated KTOS […]
Kayak 101 at the Cove
Kayak 101 at the Cove
Kayaking 101 will prepare participants to confidently explore our region’s many waterways. Learn about boat dynamics, appropriate gear and basic skills such as the forward stroke, sweep stroke, and ferrying. […]
2 events,
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 […]
South Knox Fun Run
South Knox Fun Run
Bring a friend or come make new ones at this Monday night fun run at Alliance Brewing Co. in South Knoxville. We meet every Monday at 6:30pm! Come back and […]
9 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Tuesday Greenway Lunch Ride
Tuesday Greenway Lunch Ride
Join us every Tuesday from March 16 - October 26th at Pearson Park for a casual pace beginner-friendly greenway ride. These rides are designed to get you comfortable on your […]
Intro to Climbing Class
Intro to Climbing Class
Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills […]
4 events,
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
Wednesday evening social pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Please abide by social distancing guidelines during our group runs. Meet in the Western Plaza parking lot in […]
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Join us every Wednesday evening for a social mountain bike ride. Self-supported with no drop. Weather permitting. Start locations will vary, check Facebook for where to meet and updates. Free. […]
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
Weekly ride is a no-drop, fun, social-pace road ride averaging 15 mph. Meet in the last parking area on the left on Cherokee Blvd. Weather permitting. Keep updated on Facebook.
11 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
After Hours at Windrock Bike Park
After Hours at Windrock Bike Park
Starting September 16th our shuttle will be running on Thursday Nights through the fall from September 16th to November 4th. Take advantage of this opportunity to get some after hours […]
After School Laps at Windrock Bike Park
After School Laps at Windrock Bike Park
After School Laps is a group ride setting led by one of our coaches where we will ride laps, session features, and practice fundamentals in a casual and fun setting […]
2 events,
Fall Sunset Hike at Seven Islands SBP
Fall Sunset Hike at Seven Islands SBP
Join Ranger Clare for a short hike down to the Linda and Pete Clausen Bridge to enjoy the sun as it takes its rest over the horizon. Along the way we will […]
Friday Fun Run
Friday Fun Run
Join us every Friday for a social run from Pour Taproom. We'll run 3 miles through downtown, World's Fair Park, and the river walk. Then we'll come back for drinks […]
12 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace no-drop rides of 2 - 2.5 hours. Must have, at minimum, a beginner comfort level with riding safely in a group at flat road speeds of 15 - […]
West Bikes Saturday Shop Ride
West Bikes Saturday Shop Ride
Join us Saturday mornings for our social shop ride. Choose your route and pace: 14, 22, 0r 36 mile rides with paces from 13-20 mph. Safe roads. No drop. Roll […]
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! Free. Details and registration online. Please register before attending your first […]
2 events,
Intro to Climbing Class
Intro to Climbing Class
Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills […]
Butterfly Foray and Monarch Tagging at Seven Islands SBP
Butterfly Foray and Monarch Tagging at Seven Islands SBP
To help scientists understand the monarch migration, we’ll put tracking tags on the monarchs we’re able to catch. Kids of all ages are welcome. We’ll take a 1-2 mile hike […]
3 events,
Outdoor Bouldering with a Ranger
Outdoor Bouldering with a Ranger
Join a park ranger for an introductory program on outdoor bouldering. After discussing the basics we'll take a short walk down to the Lilly Boulder Field to practice bouldering techniques. Details […]
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 […]
South Knox Fun Run
South Knox Fun Run
Bring a friend or come make new ones at this Monday night fun run at Alliance Brewing Co. in South Knoxville. We meet every Monday at 6:30pm! Come back and […]
12 events,
Classic Hikes of the Smokies – March 9-Dec 14
Classic Hikes of the Smokies – March 9-Dec 14
Classic Hikes of the Smokies benefits Trails Forever and monthly hikes focusing on interpretation of the history, flora and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty and location within […]
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Tuesday Greenway Lunch Ride
Tuesday Greenway Lunch Ride
Join us every Tuesday from March 16 - October 26th at Pearson Park for a casual pace beginner-friendly greenway ride. These rides are designed to get you comfortable on your […]
3 events,
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
Wednesday evening social pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Please abide by social distancing guidelines during our group runs. Meet in the Western Plaza parking lot in […]
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Join us every Wednesday evening for a social mountain bike ride. Self-supported with no drop. Weather permitting. Start locations will vary, check Facebook for where to meet and updates. Free. […]
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
Weekly ride is a no-drop, fun, social-pace road ride averaging 15 mph. Meet in the last parking area on the left on Cherokee Blvd. Weather permitting. Keep updated on Facebook.
12 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
After Hours at Windrock Bike Park
After Hours at Windrock Bike Park
Starting September 16th our shuttle will be running on Thursday Nights through the fall from September 16th to November 4th. Take advantage of this opportunity to get some after hours […]
After School Laps at Windrock Bike Park
After School Laps at Windrock Bike Park
After School Laps is a group ride setting led by one of our coaches where we will ride laps, session features, and practice fundamentals in a casual and fun setting […]
4 events,
Science at Sugarlands
Science at Sugarlands
Join us from 1-3 for our Science at Sugarlands virtual courses. Free, open to anyone. Links to join zoom on our Facebook page. May 21: Science at Sugarlands-Butterflies of Cades Cove […]
Living History in Walker Valley
Living History in Walker Valley
Join local Smoky Mountain guide, Kathy Gwinn, and Tremont naturalists for a special day of learning and exploring the history of Walker Valley. Free and open to the public. Details and registration online.
Pawsitively Spooky 5K/ 1 Mile Fun Run
Pawsitively Spooky 5K/ 1 Mile Fun Run
Wear your craziest costumes and Halloween outfits to show your spooky spirit! All proceeds benefit The Arc Knox County, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive. The 1 Mile fun […]
18 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace no-drop rides of 2 - 2.5 hours. Must have, at minimum, a beginner comfort level with riding safely in a group at flat road speeds of 15 - […]
Saturday Spruce Up
Saturday Spruce Up
Join us on the third Saturday of each month for a Saturday Spruce Up. Each month's location and activity will change. Volunteer activities include litter pickups, graffiti removal, plantings, and […]
Night Hike at Panther Creek SP
Night Hike at Panther Creek SP
Join us for a nice hike along Ore Mine Trail, a moderatly difficult 1.5 mile loop trail featuring a series of short, steep hills. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Cost $7. Register online.
6 events,
Sierra Club: Autumn Glory in the Smokies – Oct. 17-22
Sierra Club: Autumn Glory in the Smokies – Oct. 17-22
Come hike with fellow outdoor enthusiasts through the hiking club founded by John Muir in 1892. Beginner and experienced hikers are welcome. Each day we travel to our trail location for […]
Fall Migration Bird Banding
Fall Migration Bird Banding
Banding sessions provide fascinating opportunities to get up close and personal with wild birds. Banding session led by master bander, Mark Armstrong, Seven Islands staff, and a group of dedicated KTOS […]
Fort Dickerson Frantic Frolic
Fort Dickerson Frantic Frolic
Both 5k and 10k courses will start near the Fort Dickerson Quarry off Augusta Avenue. Nearly every foot of trail within the park will be utilized and the 10k will […]
Intro to Climbing Class
Intro to Climbing Class
Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills […]
3 events,
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 […]
South Knox Fun Run
South Knox Fun Run
Bring a friend or come make new ones at this Monday night fun run at Alliance Brewing Co. in South Knoxville. We meet every Monday at 6:30pm! Come back and […]
11 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Tuesdays Greenway Lunch Ride
Tuesdays Greenway Lunch Ride
Join us every Tuesday from March 16 - October 26th at Pearson Park for a casual pace beginner-friendly greenway ride. These rides are designed to get you comfortable on your […]
Intro to Climbing Class
Intro to Climbing Class
Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills […]
4 events,
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
Wednesday evening social pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Please abide by social distancing guidelines during our group runs. Meet in the Western Plaza parking lot in […]
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Join us every Wednesday evening for a social mountain bike ride. Self-supported with no drop. Weather permitting. Start locations will vary, check Facebook for where to meet and updates. Free. […]
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
CBC Wednesday Road Ride
Weekly ride is a no-drop, fun, social-pace road ride averaging 15 mph. Meet in the last parking area on the left on Cherokee Blvd. Weather permitting. Keep updated on Facebook.
15 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Trail Maintenance at Frozen Head SP
Trail Maintenance at Frozen Head SP
Tools provided. Volunteers should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Bring food, water, and a daypack. Some areas require hiking multiple miles in rugged terrain. Register online.
Nature Nuggets: Cool Carnivores
Nature Nuggets: Cool Carnivores
Ages 2-4. Join us for an hour walking some of Ijams' most fun trails. This month we are celebrating our spooky time of year by learning about carnivores. These animals […]
4 events,
Birding in the Wild Yards Gardens
Birding in the Wild Yards Gardens
Program is designed to meet the needs of visitors with accessibility needs. Meet at the picnic tables behind the bluebird barn to enjoy watching the birds that visit our feeders […]
Friday Fun Run
Friday Fun Run
Join us every Friday for a social run from Pour Taproom. We'll run 3 miles through downtown, World's Fair Park, and the river walk. Then we'll come back for drinks […]
5K Glow Run/Walk for Alzheimer’s Tennessee
5K Glow Run/Walk for Alzheimer’s Tennessee
5K or fun run/walk along the waterfront. We’ll light the course, but you’re invited to give yourself your own glow. Race starts and ends at Alliance Brewing and winds through […]
14 events,
Fall Colors Firetower Beginner’s Backpacking Trip at Frozen Head SP – Oct 23-24
Fall Colors Firetower Beginner’s Backpacking Trip at Frozen Head SP – Oct 23-24
Learn the essentials of backpacking and experience Frozen Head’s backcountry beauty at night. Moderate/hard rated hike (~7 miles roundtrip). Cost $75. Details and registration online.
ADA Trail Accessible Birding Tour at Seven Islands SBP
ADA Trail Accessible Birding Tour at Seven Islands SBP
Celebrate Birdbility Week with Ranger Clare for a leisurely birding tour along our paved ADA accessible trail. Wheelchairs and strollers welcome. We will pass through grassland habitats, stop near Wayne's pond, […]
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace no-drop rides of 2 - 2.5 hours. Must have, at minimum, a beginner comfort level with riding safely in a group at flat road speeds of 15 - […]
West Bikes Saturday Shop Ride
West Bikes Saturday Shop Ride
Join us Saturday mornings for our social shop ride. Choose your route and pace: 14, 22, 0r 36 mile rides with paces from 13-20 mph. Safe roads. No drop. Roll […]
3 events,
Fall Colors Firetower Beginner’s Backpacking Trip at Frozen Head SP – Oct 23-24
Birding with Vols
Birding with Vols
Come join the University of Tennessee Bird Club on a birding hike around Seven Islands. This is a great way for birders caught between the older and younger crowds to […]
Intro to Climbing Class
Intro to Climbing Class
Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills […]
3 events,
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 […]
South Knox Fun Run
South Knox Fun Run
Bring a friend or come make new ones at this Monday night fun run at Alliance Brewing Co. in South Knoxville. We meet every Monday at 6:30pm! Come back and […]
AMBC Monthly Meeting
AMBC Monthly Meeting
Join us the 4th Monday of the month to discuss trail conditions, the latest & greatest trail building progress, fundraising, local races and events, and partner efforts in outdoor recreation. Everyone […]
7 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Tuesdays Greenway Lunch Ride
Tuesdays Greenway Lunch Ride
Join us every Tuesday from March 16 - October 26th at Pearson Park for a casual pace beginner-friendly greenway ride. These rides are designed to get you comfortable on your […]
Intro to Climbing Class
Intro to Climbing Class
Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills […]
4 events,
Birding With Friends at Seven Islands SBP
Birding With Friends at Seven Islands SBP
Join KTOS and Friends of Seven Islands for a monthly birding hike on the 4th Wednesday of every month. No RSVP required, and you do not have to be a member […]
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
KTC Wednesday Night Group Run
Wednesday evening social pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Please abide by social distancing guidelines during our group runs. Meet in the Western Plaza parking lot in […]
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Easy Rider – Social Distancing Edition
Join us every Wednesday evening for a social mountain bike ride. Self-supported with no drop. Weather permitting. Start locations will vary, check Facebook for where to meet and updates. Free. […]
12 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Nature Nuggets: Cool Carnivores
Nature Nuggets: Cool Carnivores
Ages 2-4. Join us for an hour walking some of Ijams' most fun trails. This month we are celebrating our spooky time of year by learning about carnivores. These animals […]