The Best Hiking Trails Near Knoxville, TN for Amazing Views
10 Best Hiking Trails Near Knoxville, Tennessee
The city of Knoxville, Tennessee, is a dream for every outdoor enthusiast. The city is tucked halfway between the Cumberland Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, and it has miles of hiking trails around it to explore.
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Whether you’re a local looking to explore your backyard or a visitor craving a taste of Tennessee’s natural wonders, Knoxville has a little something for everyone. From challenging climbs that’ll get your heart pumping to serene strolls through picturesque forests, this area is a hiker’s dream come true.
So, grab your water bottle, lace up those hiking boots, and let’s hit the trail to discover the best hiking trails near Knoxville, TN!
1. Ijams Nature Center
Ijams (pronounced eye-ams) Nature Center is one of Knoxville’s best spots for hiking. The wildlife sanctuary and natural area is part of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness and is situated just a few minutes from the heart of the city.
It features 10 miles of natural surface trails and a stretch of paved Greenway that cater to hikers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to stretch your legs on the trail, Ijams Nature Center trails have something with your name on it.
One of the most popular trails in the nature center is the River Boardwalk. The beautiful trail offers unique views of the Tennessee River.
Related: The Most Phenomenal Hiking Trails in Tennessee for Every Hiker
Another popular option is Tharp Trace. While this trail is only a mile long, plan on breaking a sweat when you tackle it. It starts with a steep incline that ends with amazing views of Mead’s Quarry Lake. The trail also goes through diverse woodlands and passes a historic cemetery.
Keep in mind that thanks to a partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club, around 9 miles of trails in the Mead’s Quarry and Ross Marble Natural Area of the nature center also are open to mountain bikers. Make sure you brush up on the trail etiquette rules so you remember who should yield if you happen to encounter mountain bikers on the trails.
Other popular activities in the nature center include rock climbing, paddling, swimming, and a nature playscape designed just for kids.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Downtown Knoxville is located about 45 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so there’s just no way we could put together a list of the best hiking trails near Knoxville and not include this iconic park.
Related: The Best Alternatives to Crowded National Parks
With amazing hiking opportunities that include everything from 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail and the rich history at Cades Cove to the amazing views at Newfound Gap and Alum Cave Bluffs, it might be really hard to decide where to hike in the park.
If you’re having trouble coming up with a plan, be sure to check out this guide on the best hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has everything from quick and easy day hikes to more strenuous backpacking hikes, so you’ll be sure to find something to suit your needs.
3. House Mountain State Natural Area
House Mountain State Natural Area is located about 20 minutes northeast of the Knoxville area. It’s also home to House Mountain. At 2,064 feet above sea level, House Mountain is the highest point in Knox County.
The most exceptional views on the summit are from the Crest Trail, which stretches the length of the mountain from the West End Overlook to the East Overlook.
The West End Overlook offers views of the Cumberland Mountains to the north, the Smoky Mountains to the south, and a glimpse of downtown Knoxville. The views from the East End Overlook include the Clinch Mountain range, which runs all the way into Southwest Virginia.
Related: 10 Hiking Trails You Absolutely Have to Explore in Virginia
There are two ways to get to the Crest Trail. The 0.8-mile West Overlook Trail takes you straight to the West Overlook. You can also traverse the 1-mile Mountain Trail, which puts you directly in the center of the Crest Trail. From there, you can decide whether you want to head left to the West Overlook or right to the East End Overlook.
It’s important to note that part of House Mountain is privately owned, so be sure to stay on the trails while you’re hiking here. Also, be aware that the mountain receives numerous lightning strikes during thunderstorms. If you see bad weather approaching, be sure to get off the mountain as quickly as possible.
4. Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park
If you’re looking for some of the best and most unique views of downtown Knoxville, check out the hiking trails at Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park. Situated just north of the city, the park has a variety of unpaved walking and hiking trails, including 4.7 miles of multi-use trails.
The trails can be accessed from several trailheads throughout the park. One of the highlights of hiking at Sharp’s Ridge is the breathtaking vistas you’ll encounter along the way. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to multiple scenic overlooks that offer panoramic views of Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and the surrounding mountains.
The main trail is a relatively easy 2.7-mile loop that winds through the woods and along the ridge. It’s a great option for a leisurely afternoon hike. There’s also a 1.2-mile adaptive, all-access nature trail that’s ideal if you’re just starting hiking with young children.
If you’re looking for a bit more challenge, there are a few spur trails that add some extra mileage and elevation gain to your adventure.
Keep in mind that Sharp’s Ridge Memorial Park also has a 0.6-mile downhill-only trail for mountain bikers where no foot traffic is allowed.
5. Frozen Head State Park
If you’re up for some serious outdoor escapades, Frozen Head State Park is your golden ticket to a wild and wonderful hiking experience. The park is named for a 3,324-foot peak that’s often covered in ice or snow in the winter months.
Related: Want to Do Some Winter Hiking? These Are the Tips You Need to Know
It’s located about an hour’s drive from Knoxville, making it the perfect destination for a day trip filled with exploration. It offers over 50 miles of trails that wind through the rugged terrain of the Cumberland Mountains.
There are several trails that will take you to the summit of Frozen Head, including Chimney Tops Trail, South Old Mac Trail, North Old Mac Trail, West Lookout Tower Trail, and East Lookout Tower Trail. Once you reach the top, you can climb the lookout tower for amazing views of the surrounding area.
Frozen Head State Park caters to hikers of all levels, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not up for a summit hike. There are shorter, more moderate hikes available. For example, you can combine Panther Branch Trail and Emory Gap Trail to see Debord Falls and Emory Gap Falls.
6. Norris Dam State Park
Norris Dam State Park is a hiking destination near Knoxville that combines natural beauty with a touch of history. The park surrounds the TVA’s Norris Dam, which is a marvel of engineering constructed during the Great Depression. Many of the facilities at the park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and are still in use today.
One of the great things about Norris Dam State Park is the variety of trails available. For an easy, family-friendly stroll, check out the Christmas Fern Trail. It’s a short, 0.5-mile loop that showcases a huge variety of plant species in the park, such as red maple, American holly, paw paw, white oak, American beech, flowering dogwood, and Christmas ferns.
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, the Lake View Trail is a moderate to difficult 4.75-mile trail that features beautiful views of the lake. You can also see a variety of plants and other historic features, such as the remnants of numerous old homesteads that were once in the area before the valley was flooded to build the dam.
Other activities you can enjoy in the park include mountain biking, boating, swimming, fishing, and camping. Also, be sure to make time to visit the Lenoir Museum Cultural Complex, which has exhibits on early life in the Appalachians and a look at the area before it was submerged by the lake.
7. Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
If you’re searching for a true outdoor escape without straying too far from the city, Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area is your ticket to a memorable hiking experience. Although it’s situated just a stone’s throw from downtown Knoxville, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from civilization when you set foot on the trails.
The trail system here offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging workout, you’ll find a trail that suits your fancy.
The Will Skelton Greenway is a nice trail for beginners or those seeking a casual walk. It’s a flat, paved trail that meanders alongside the Tennessee River, offering scenic river views and opportunities for birdwatching.
The Greenway also connects to Ijams Nature Center, so you can extend your hiking adventure even longer.
The Whaley Trail is also a great trail to explore. It follows the French Broad River before crossing Burnett Creek Road and connecting to the Helix Trails. Along the way, it offers great views of the scenic river.
8. Seven Islands State Birding Park
Located about 19 miles east of Knoxville, Seven Islands State Birding Park is a haven for hikers and wildlife lovers. If you’re looking for a hiking destination that combines breathtaking landscapes with abundant birdwatching opportunities, this park is a must-visit.
As the name suggests, Seven Islands State Birding Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 190 bird species spotted in the park, it’s a dream come true for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts alike. Grab those binoculars, and you might just spot some rare feathered friends while hiking the trails.
Of course, the park also has over 8 miles of scenic trails that provide everything from a short hike to a longer trek, so you can easily find something you’ll enjoy.
One popular option is the 1.2-mile paved greenway that stretches from the parking lot to the French Broad River. This flat trail is ideal for birdwatching since it’s tucked between open fields of wildflowers and farmland.
The Island Loop Trail and Seclusion Bend Trail are also great options since they offer beautiful scenery and lovely views of the river.
9. High Ground Park
High Ground Park might not be as famous as some of the larger natural areas, but it offers a special kind of hiking experience right in the heart of Knoxville. Situated near the historic Fort Higley Civil War earthworks, it’s a park that seamlessly weaves together history and nature.
The park is located in South Knoxville just off of Cherokee Trail Road. The trail head is directly off of the large parking area, so you won’t have any problems finding it.
The park features a one-mile trail leading up to the Fort Higley earthworks and an auxiliary trail that follows an old military road. These trails wind through hardwood forests filled with flowering bushes and wildflowers as well as past the remnants of defensive emplacements like a cannon redoubt and rifle trenches.
At the highest point in the park, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the iconic red chairs.
One of the cool things about hiking here is that it’s easily accessible. You don’t need a whole day to enjoy this urban oasis. It’s a great spot for a quick hike, a leisurely afternoon stroll, or even a picnic with a view.
10. Big Ridge State Park
Big Ridge State Park has some of the best hiking trails near Knoxville because it offers a mix of lush woodlands, serene lakes, and some fascinating history. The park is located about 30 miles north of Knoxville, and it has over 15 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels.
The heavily forested 3,687-acre park spoils you with trail variety. It has more than 15 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to very rugged.
The 1.5-mile Lake Trail is an easy to moderate trail that meanders around the 49-acre Big Ridge Lake. Along the way, you can make a stop at the Snodderly Cemetery, where many of the area’s earlier inhabitants are buried.
If you’re up for a challenge, the 2.6-mile Indian Rock Trail is very difficult and recommended for experienced hikers only. Although it’s a demanding trail, it offers a nice mix of summit hiking and shoreline hiking.
If you’re feeling brave, you can also tackle the 1.2-mile Ghost House Trail, which explores the history of some of the area’s earlier inhabitants. According to locals, eerie happenings occur on this trail. The trail also includes a stop at the Norton Cemetery and the sunken grave of Maston Hutchinson, who some think is responsible for the strange occurrences.
Exploring the Best Hiking Trails Around Knoxville
From the rugged beauty of Frozen Head State Park to the urban charm of High Ground Park, it’s easy to find a great place near Knoxville with excellent hiking trails worth exploring.
So, remember to pack light but pack smart, stay hydrated, and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep our trails pristine. And, of course, embrace every moment on the trail
Whether you’re a Knoxville local or a visitor exploring this beautiful part of Tennessee, use this guide to hit the trails, make memories, and keep that adventurous spirit alive. And don’t forget, the best trail is the one you haven’t hiked yet, so keep exploring, keep wandering, and keep hiking.
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Did you enjoy learning more about the best hiking trails near Knoxville? Are you interested in discovering additional tips that can help you get outside and enjoy hiking? Then please be sure to take a look at some of our other popular posts:
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