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
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W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
7 events,
Thursday Night North Knox Run
Meet us at Central Flats and Taps EVERY Thursday night at 6pm for a fun and easy run. Find details on our Facebook Page.
Women’s Intro to Backpacking Trip
Women’s Intro to Backpacking Trip
Join us for a fun, female-only Spring backpacking trip at Frozen Head State Park on May 30-31. Learn the essentials of backpacking and experience Frozen Head’s backcountry beauty at night. […]
Morning Canoe Float at Panther Creek SP
Morning Canoe Float at Panther Creek SP
Join Seasonal Ranger Cade as we enjoy a relaxing canoe float on our beautiful Cherokee Lake. This is a great way to start your day! Please bring sun protection and […]
Hiking 101 at Big Ridge SP
Hiking 101 at Big Ridge SP
Meet Recreator Hannah at the Visitor Center where she'll explain everything from what to wear, what to pack, and where to begin your adventure! Free.
The Trees Among Me at Big Ridge SP
The Trees Among Me at Big Ridge SP
Join Recreator Hannah at the visitor center where we will go for a nice stroll and learn about some of the amazing trees among us. Free.
6 events,
Foothills Super Sprint Triathlon
Foothills Super Sprint Triathlon
Shortened distances from the previous format, with a 250 meter swim, 10k bike, & 4k run on the docket Overall/age group awards, as well as relay divisions & awards. Register […]
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 […]
Gypsy Circus Pint Night and Ride
Gypsy Circus Pint Night and Ride
Two Bikes will be leading a casual ride from Barrelhouse each Monday in May. Expect to ride 5-10 miles at an 8-12 mph pace. $1 from each pint of cider […]
9 events,
Hike-a-thon – June 2021
Hike-a-thon – June 2021
Throughout the month of June, participants will hike, paddle, cycle, trail run, or just get outside. Individuals and teams have the opportunity to win fabulous prizes in a variety of […]
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 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 […]
West Bicycles Tuesday Shop Ride
West Bicycles Tuesday Shop Ride
Join us on Tuesday evenings for our social, no drop, 14-22 mile bike ride. Pace 13+ mph. Weather permitting. For more information visit our website or Facebook page.
12 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 5 through September 1. 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 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 […]
Cicada Walk and Talk
Cicada Walk and Talk
This hour long walk will provide you with all of the cicada info to impress your friends and family. We will catch cicadas, identify the 3 species in Brood X, […]
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 […]
11 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Cicada Walk and Talk
Cicada Walk and Talk
This hour long walk will provide you with all of the cicada info to impress your friends and family. We will catch cicadas, identify the 3 species in Brood X, […]
Thursday Evening Greenway Ride
Thursday Evening Greenway Ride
Join Cycology Bicycles every Thursday evening for a casual pace, beginner-friendly, greenway ride meandering thru Maryville. No Vehicles Allowed. Rides are 5-10 miles depending on the group; 20 miles if the […]
7 events,
National Trails Day Campout June 4-6
National Trails Day Campout June 4-6
We’ll join the Big South Fork Mountain Biking Club to celebrate National Trails Day. Work projects, mountain biking and camping out. Details on Facebook.
Cicada Walk and Talk
Cicada Walk and Talk
This hour long walk will provide you with all of the cicada info to impress your friends and family. We will catch cicadas, identify the 3 species in Brood X, […]
Evening Canoe Float at Panther Creek SP
Evening Canoe Float at Panther Creek SP
Come out and enjoy our beautiful Cherokee lake on a relaxing evening canoe float. We will cover the basics for canoeing, all experience levels welcome. Lifejackets will be provided. Cost$10. […]
Night Kayak Float at Big Ridge SP
Night Kayak Float at Big Ridge SP
Come to our guided kayak float around the lake at sunset while your guide tells you about the local wildlife. Cost $5. Register online.
21 events,
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 […]
National Trails Day at Panther Creek SP
National Trails Day at Panther Creek SP
Join us as we celebrate National Trails Day at Panther Creek State Park by attending a guided hike along Ore Mine Trail. Ore Mine Trail is a moderatly difficult 1.5 […]
Two Bikes Presents: How to Wrap Handlebars
Two Bikes Presents: How to Wrap Handlebars
During this workshop we’ll be going over everything you need to know on handlebar wrapping. If you would like to wrap your own handlebars please bring your bike. You can […]
3 events,
Hike-a-thon – June 2021
National Trails Day Campout June 4-6
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 […]
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 […]
10 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 10:00 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 […]
10 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 5 through September 1. 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 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 […]
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 […]
PBR North Vs South Group Run
PBR North Vs South Group Run
Join PBR as we rally up the runners and take a tour of the North side vs the South Side of the river. This 4-week tour will take us from […]
10 events,
Hike Lake View to Highpoint
Hike Lake View to Highpoint
Join Ranger Clara for a difficult to strenuous 6-mile hike on some of the park's east trails. We will meet at the Norris Dam State Park Tea Room before hiking the […]
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Thursday Evening Greenway Ride
Thursday Evening Greenway Ride
Join Cycology Bicycles every Thursday evening for a casual pace, beginner-friendly, greenway ride meandering thru Maryville. No Vehicles Allowed. Rides are 5-10 miles depending on the group; 20 miles if the […]
6 events,
Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School – June 11-13
Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School – June 11-13
The 50th Annual Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School will be held June 11-13, 2021 at the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park in Delano, TN on the Hiwassee River. Due to […]
Birding By Ear
Birding By Ear
Curious about the chorus of bird songs that you hear all around you? Sometimes birds can be elusive and hard to find in the tall grasses or high in the […]
Tree ID Basics
Tree ID Basics
Join Ranger Clara at 2:30 p.m. to learn how to identify trees using their leaves, bark, and more. At 3:30 you can join us on a tree ID walk to […]
Night Kayak Float at Big Ridge SP
Night Kayak Float at Big Ridge SP
Come to our guided kayak float around the lake at sunset while your guide tells you about the local wildlife. Cost $5. Register online.
17 events,
Chota Flatwater Touring School – June 12-13
Chota Flatwater Touring School – June 12-13
The Chota Canoe Club’s Annual Paddle School is a great way to get started paddling and to advance your skills as a paddler. This year’s Flatwater School will take place […]
Birding Basics Hike at Seven Islands SBP
Birding Basics Hike at Seven Islands SBP
We will hike approximately 3 miles and learn the basics of birding, including tips for identification, bird songs, and the best tools and resources for beginning birders. Open to birders of […]
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 […]
Free Fishing Day
Free Fishing Day
TWRA's Free Fishing Day welcomes families, friends, and children to fish without a license for the day at various locations. Details online.
6 events,
Hike-a-thon – June 2021
Whitewater Canoe and Kayak School – June 11-13
Chota Flatwater Touring School – June 12-13
SwimRun Knoxville
SwimRun Knoxville
SwimRun racing is about getting from A to B in teams of two or individually along a pre-determined cross-country style course consisting of a number of runs and swims. Details […]
Morning Canoe Float
Morning Canoe Float
Join Seasonal Ranger Cade as we enjoy a relaxing canoe float on our beautiful Cherokee Lake. All skill levels. Lifejackets provided. Cost $10. Register online.
Best Dam Walking Tour
Best Dam Walking Tour
Join Ranger Clara for a scenic stroll across Norris Dam. Along the way we will discuss the history of the dam as well as life in the Tennessee Valley before […]
4 events,
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Junior Ranger Camp at Frozen Head SP
Camping! Climbing! Creek Crawling! These are just a few of the things Jr. Rangers will get to experience this year at Frozen Head's Jr. Ranger Camp. Camp week starts at […]
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,
Healthy Hike at Norris Dam SP
Healthy Hike at Norris Dam SP
Join Ranger Holly for a 4-mile hike on the Marine Railway Trail. Free. Register online.
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 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 […]
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 5 through September 1. Participants are encouraged to visit […]
Junior Ranger Camp at Cove Lake SP
Junior Ranger Camp at Cove Lake SP
Join Seasonal Ranger Mabry for a fun 3 day Junior Ranger Camp, ages 8-12 - June 16-18. Camp is not overnight, kids will need to be dropped off at 8:00 am and […]
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 […]
PBR North Vs South Group Run
PBR North Vs South Group Run
Join PBR as we rally up the runners and take a tour of the North side vs the South Side of the river. This 4-week tour will take us from […]
14 events,
USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships June 17-20
USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships June 17-20
The 2021 USA Cycling Professional Road, Time Trial & Criterium National Championships will be held in Knoxville on June 17-20. Schedule for this year’s competition: Thursday – Individual Time Trial in […]
Junior Ranger Camp at Cove Lake SP
Junior Ranger Camp at Cove Lake SP
Join Seasonal Ranger Mabry for a fun 3 day Junior Ranger Camp, ages 8-12 - June 16-18. Camp is not overnight, kids will need to be dropped off at 8:00 am and […]
Nature Nuggets: Cicada Days
Nature Nuggets: Cicada Days
Ages 2-4. Join us for an hour walking some of Ijams' most fun trails. This month we'll bug out over cicadas and other insects. We will catch insects, hold them, […]
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
9 events,
Two Bikes Presents: Swift Campout
Two Bikes Presents: Swift Campout
We'll ride from the shop to Brown Bike Farms (about 10 miles) and campout to celebrate the Solstice. The ride will be unsupported, so bring your own camping equipment and […]
Junior Ranger Camp at Cove Lake SP
Junior Ranger Camp at Cove Lake SP
Join Seasonal Ranger Mabry for a fun 3 day Junior Ranger Camp, ages 8-12 - June 16-18. Camp is not overnight, kids will need to be dropped off at 8:00 am and […]
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 […]
Night Kayak Float at Big Ridge SP
Night Kayak Float at Big Ridge SP
Come to our guided kayak float around the lake at sunset while your guide tells you about the local wildlife. Cost $5. Register online.
13 events,
Secret City Sprint Triathlon
Secret City Sprint Triathlon
Join us for the timeless triathlon in the heart of Oak Ridge. The pool is a 100 Meter pool that features spring fed water and shallow depth for confidence building. Register […]
Cove Lake 5K
Cove Lake 5K
A course with a beautiful view of nature on paved trails through the woods and along the lake shore. Register online.
American Eagle Day
American Eagle Day
Meet a live bald eagle ambassador! Following the program, participants can take a hike with a Seven Islands Park Ranger accompanied by an Avian Care Specialist from American Eagle Foundation. […]
4 events,
Hike-a-thon – June 2021
USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships June 17-20
Morning Canoe Float
Morning Canoe Float
Join Seasonal Ranger Cade as we enjoy a relaxing canoe float on our beautiful Cherokee Lake. All skill levels. Lifejackets provided. Cost $10. Register online.
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 […]
10 events,
Junior Ranger Mini Camp at Seven Islands SBP – June 22-24
Junior Ranger Mini Camp at Seven Islands SBP – June 22-24
Ages 8-12 years old. Join the staff of Seven Islands for the first-ever junior ranger mini camp! We'll explore and learn about the birds and wildlife found in the grasslands, […]
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 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 […]
10 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 5 through September 1. Participants are encouraged to visit […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
13 events,
Nature Nuggets: Cicada Days
Nature Nuggets: Cicada Days
Ages 2-4. Join us for an hour walking some of Ijams' most fun trails. This month we'll bug out over cicadas and other insects. We will catch insects, hold them, […]
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]
Thursday Evening Greenway Ride
Thursday Evening Greenway Ride
Join Cycology Bicycles every Thursday evening for a casual pace, beginner-friendly, greenway ride meandering thru Maryville. No Vehicles Allowed. Rides are 5-10 miles depending on the group; 20 miles if the […]
9 events,
Healthy Hike
Healthy Hike
Join Ranger Holly for a 4-mile hike on the Marine Railway Trail. We will discuss Healthy Parks/Healthy Person, and how you can earn points to get free gear, overnight stays, […]
Morning Walking Tour Across The Dam
Morning Walking Tour Across The Dam
Come start your day with a morning walk across Norris Dam to learn about its rich history. Meet Ranger Jacob at the TVA visitors center. Free. Register online.
Ijams: Dragonfly Olympics
Ijams: Dragonfly Olympics
This is the inagural year of the Odolympics, a competition held across the western hemisphere to survey and catalog as many dragonflies as possible. This program allows you to join […]
17 events,
Baker Creek Adventure Race – June 26-27
Baker Creek Preserve will be the basecamp for Adventure June 26-27 hosting a 3&6 Hour Mountain Bike Race, a Baker Creek Half Day Adventure Race, and a Baker Creek Sprint […]
Birding Basics Hike at Seven Islands SBP
Birding Basics Hike at Seven Islands SBP
We will hike approximately 3 miles and learn the basics of birding, including tips for identification, bird songs, and the best tools and resources for beginning birders. Open to birders of […]
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 […]
Baker Creek Repeat 3&6 Hour Mountain Bike Race
Baker Creek Repeat 3&6 Hour Mountain Bike Race
This race utilizes the great trails at Bakers Creek Preserve. We have created a 4.2 mile loop for you to push your limits and complete as many laps as possible […]
5 events,
Hike-a-thon – June 2021
Baker Creek Adventure Race – June 26-27
Baker Creek Preserve will be the basecamp for Adventure June 26-27 hosting a 3&6 Hour Mountain Bike Race, a Baker Creek Half Day Adventure Race, and a Baker Creek Sprint […]
Baker Creek Repeat 3&6 Hour Mountain Bike Race
Baker Creek Repeat 3&6 Hour Mountain Bike Race
This race utilizes the great trails at Bakers Creek Preserve. We have created a 4.2 mile loop for you to push your limits and complete as many laps as possible […]
Guided Historic Hike
Guided Historic Hike
Meet Recreator Hannah at the Visitor Center where we'll go on a 2 mile hike that highlights some of the historical heritage of Big Ridge State Park. Free. Details online.
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,
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
Every fourth Monday of the month we gather to discuss trail conditions, the latest & greatest trail building progress, fundraising, local races and events, and partner efforts in outdoor recreation. It's […]
8 events,
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Cycology Bicycles Intermediate Group Road Ride
Intermediate pace group rides roll from the shop at 10:00 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The route and pace is determined by the leader and group. Route length is generally 30 […]