In Knoxville, we are blessed to be surrounded by the Great Smokey Mountains, and many choose to venture into these mountains on different trails and hikes, but what most do not know, is that there is an abundance of beautiful trails to hike right here in Knoxville. Ranging from mountains to lakes, to bird sanctuaries, Knoxville has the perfect place for you to experience and enjoy the beauty that Tennessee has to offer.
1. Concord Park Hiking Trails
Laid out in South West Knoxville, Concord Park has several paved trails and has about 9.4 miles of single track trails. The chief trail segment contains 7.3 miles, while the other 2.1 miles lie on the west side of the parking area. When you hit the kiosk trailhead, the trail begins to ascend upward. The Shoreline trails go along Springs Creek, a small inlet of Fort Loudoun Lake. A warning, as you make your way inland, the trails become tighter and are sometimes overgrown. The trail has both flat and hilly sections and varies in smooth to uneven terrain. This is not a good trail system for those looking to mountain bike but is a beautiful hike for those looking to walk the trail.
2. Tharp Trace
Tharp Trace is a beautiful hike that is accessible from the Mead's Quarry parking lot. It consists of a tight path that leads up the cliff behind the quarry lake and back down the other side, for a full 1.1-mile steep trek. Once to the top, hikers can look out at Mead's Quarry Lake, for a breath taking view.
3. Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
Forks of the River, just 5.4 miles south of the city of Knoxville, contains 8.4 miles of trails that takes approximately 1 to 3 hours to complete. It is great for all seasons but is especially well known for its summer sunflower display. The trails are great for both hikers and mountain bikers. Most of the trails at Forks of the River are beginner to intermediate trails, but there are a few short black diamond trail sections for those looking for more of a challenge. Forewarning, this area does sometimes have seasonal closing because the area is maintained with legal hunting seasons for hiker's safety.
4. Seven Islands State Birding Park
Seven Islands is known as a great paddling destination, being bordered by the French Broad River, but the park also has some beautiful trails. There are over 190 different species of birds residing within the park. It contains 8 miles of natural trails and 1.2 miles of a paved one-way trail. The hike through Seven Islands is more like a nature walk than an actual hike, but the scenery is beautiful and you can get some amazing pictures.
5. House Mountain
House Mountain is one of the best hiking spots in all of Knox County, containing immersive forests and views from the mountain, House Mountain is just 10 miles northwest of Knoxville, towering above nearby town, Corryton. House Mountain is the highest point in the county. The main path, takes you up the steep Mountain trail and then shifts southwest onto the Crest trail, with a steep decent onto the West Overlook trail, looping you back around to the beginning. But before you start your decent, at the end of the Mountain trail, take a right down the northeast side of the Crest trail, before going down the southwest side. The northeast side of the Crest trail has absolutely, the best view in Knox County.
