The best running trails in Blount County

Blount County offers a diverse range of running routes, from extensive greenway systems like the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway to challenging mountain trails in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You'll find options suitable for various fitness levels, including easy paved paths and routes with significant elevation gain.

Yes, Blount County has several easy jogging routes. The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway provides a mostly paved, relatively flat experience connecting Springbrook Park in Alcoa with parks in Maryville. For a shorter, easy loop, consider the Tucker Springs loop from Pearson Springs Park, which is 2.7 miles (4.4 km) and leads through local parkland.

Absolutely. The southern part of Blount County is within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering majestic mountain views, including Thunderhead Mountain. Routes like the challenging Russell Field and Anthony Creek Trail Loop provide views of Cades Cove. You can also explore areas with waterfalls such as Abrams Falls, Spruce Flats Falls, and Lynn Camp Cascades.

Many of the greenway sections and park trails in Blount County are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash and you follow local park rules. Always check specific trail regulations before heading out, especially within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where rules can be stricter.

The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway is an excellent choice for families, offering paved, well-maintained paths suitable for strollers and younger runners. Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cades Cove area features easy, family-friendly routes like the Cades Cove Nature Trail, perfect for wildlife spotting. The Greenbelt Lake loop from Alcoa is another moderate option that is relatively flat and suitable for a steady family run.

Yes, many running routes in Blount County are designed as loops. Popular options include the Greenbelt Lake loop from Alcoa, the Tucker Springs loop from Pearson Springs Park, and the more challenging Russell Field and Anthony Creek Trail Loop. The Springbrook Park in Alcoa also features its own 1.5-mile circular trail.

Many parks along the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway, such as Springbrook Park and Pearson Springs Park, offer dedicated parking. For routes within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, designated parking areas are available at trailheads. While public transport options directly to all trailheads might be limited, the greenway system is designed to be accessible from various points within Maryville and Alcoa.

Blount County offers good running conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains. Summer can be warm and humid, so early morning or late evening runs are often preferred. Winter running is possible, but some higher elevation trails in the national park may have seasonal closures or require appropriate gear due to snow and ice.

Blount County has an active running community. The annual Healthy Blount Triple Crown of Running features three races: the Spring Sprint, Scholars Run, and Reindeer Run. Additionally, the Run 4 Fun Running Program offers training and group runs for various skill levels, from beginners to intermediate runners.

For experienced runners seeking a challenge, the Russell Field and Anthony Creek Trail Loop is a difficult 10.2-mile (16.4 km) route with significant elevation gain. Another longer option is the Greenbelt Lake (Dry Riverbed) – Greenbelt Lake loop from Clayton Homes, which spans over 13 miles (21 km).

Beyond the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, you might encounter historical sites like the John Oliver Cabin in Cades Cove. The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway itself connects various parks, offering different points of interest along its path. The Foothills Parkway also provides stunning mountain vistas for those seeking a challenging, scenic run.