The best walks and hikes in Knox County

The Jean Teague Greenway offers an easy hiking experience, spanning 2.4 miles (3.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 49 feet (15 metres). You can expect to complete this paved route in about 1 hour, making it ideal for a relaxed outing. As you hike, you'll find yourself amidst a pleasant blend of urban and natural scenery, winding through open green spaces. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and ornamental trees that line the path, and enjoy the sounds of Mockingbird Creek as it accompanies you for part of your journey. The trail often feels lively, with many people enjoying the park's amenities.

Planning your visit to the Jean Teague Greenway is straightforward, as the route is easily accessible. You will find ample parking available directly at West Hills/John Bynon Park, which serves as a convenient trailhead. The park also provides useful amenities such as restrooms, gazebos, and playgrounds, making it simple to prepare for your hike or relax afterward. This well-maintained greenway is suitable for year-round enjoyment, though mornings or late afternoons might offer a more peaceful experience.

This greenway is a notable feature within Knoxville's West Hills Park, providing a valuable recreational space for the community. The path directly integrates with the park's facilities, including sports fields and picnic areas, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly destination. Its design allows you to experience both developed parkland and natural creek-side environments, offering a diverse yet gentle outdoor experience within the city.

Embark on an easy hike along the Lakeshore Park Greenway, a pleasant route spanning 2.7 miles (4.4 km). You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 168 feet (51 metres), typically completing the trail in about 1 hour and 9 minutes. The path guides you through diverse scenery, including a shaded boardwalk winding through natural marsh and woods. Keep an eye out for expansive views overlooking the Tennessee River, particularly from the notable HGTV Overlook, and you might even catch distant glimpses of the Smoky Mountains.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is readily available at Lakeshore Park, which welcomes visitors from sunrise to sunset. The greenway is fully lighted, making it a great option for early morning or evening strolls. You will find accessible features, restrooms, drinking fountains, and dog waste stations conveniently located along the route. This makes the trail a welcoming choice for families and those hiking with their dogs.

The Lakeshore Park Greenway stands out for its combination of natural beauty and urban convenience, offering a peaceful escape without venturing far. Its unique blend of riverside vistas and tranquil wooded sections provides a refreshing outdoor experience. The trail's amenities and accessibility make it a popular local gem, perfect for a quick nature fix or a leisurely walk with loved ones.

Embark on a difficult hiking adventure along the Third Creek Greenway, a challenging route spanning 11.9 miles (19.2 km). You will gain 488 feet (149 metres) in elevation, requiring approximately 5 hours and 1 minutes to complete. As you hike, you will journey through a beautiful wooded riparian corridor, enjoying views of Third Creek itself and passing through landmarks like Tyson Park.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the greenway is open from dawn until dusk daily. If you bring your dog, please ensure it remains on a leash throughout the hike. The trail's paved surface and generally flat sections make it accessible for many users, including those with mobility devices. Consider starting your hike in the morning to make the most of the day.

This greenway offers a versatile experience, connecting various parks and natural areas across Knoxville. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, such as songbirds and deer, especially among the older, incredible trees that provide ample shade. The route effectively blends natural beauty with urban green spaces, showcasing the city's commitment to outdoor recreation.

Embark on an easy hike along the Campbell Station Park Loop, a short route perfect for a quick escape into nature. This tranquil 0.9-mile (1.5 km) path offers picturesque views as you follow North Turkey Creek, with only 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain. You can comfortably complete the entire loop in about 23 minutes, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

When planning your visit, you will find this well-maintained trail highly accessible for various activities, including walking, dog walking, and even pushing a stroller. The park is conveniently located right next to the Farragut branch library, making it easy to find. If you are looking for a longer outing, the route also connects directly with the Grigsby Chapel Greenway, offering you extended walking opportunities.

What makes this trail particularly unique is its artistic ambiance, featuring a collection of bronze sculptures scattered throughout the park. As you hike, you can also explore the Community Heritage Trail, which includes eleven interpretive signs detailing Farragut's rich history. The scenery is especially beautiful during the fall months, adding another layer of charm to your experience.

Embark on an easy hike along the Sterchi Hill Park Loop, a pleasant route spanning 3.8 miles (6.2 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 110 feet (33 metres). You can expect to complete this loop in about 1 hour and 35 minutes, making it ideal for a quick escape into nature. As you follow the path, you will find yourself surrounded by trees, offering a scenic and quiet environment. Look for the gently rolling hills, particularly in the middle section where the trail runs parallel to a power line cut, providing varied views and welcome shade on warmer days.

Planning your visit to Sterchi Hill Park is straightforward, as parking is generally available, ensuring convenient access to the trailhead. This accessible route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor activity. You will find the park well-equipped with amenities, including restrooms, which adds to the comfort of your hiking experience.

Beyond the hiking trail itself, Sterchi Hill Park, located within Tommy Schumpert Park, offers a variety of recreational facilities. You can enjoy soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, a playground for children, and dedicated picnic areas. This makes the park a versatile destination where you can combine your hike with other activities, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings after your walk.

Embark on an easy hike along the Concord Greenway, a pleasant 2.0 miles (3.2 km) route that offers serene views of the Tennessee River. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of just 26 feet (8 metres) as the path winds through wooded areas and past well-kept docks. This accessible trail provides a peaceful setting, perfect for a quick outdoor escape that takes approximately 48 minutes to complete, with the unique sight of a train trellis adding to the scenery.

Accessing the Concord Greenway is straightforward, with ample parking available at Concord Park. The route is well-maintained and suitable for families, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely outing. If you plan to bring your furry friend, leashed pets are welcome on the trail. Consider visiting during the autumn months to enjoy the vibrant foliage, which enhances the natural beauty of your hiking experience.

The Concord Greenway stands out for its picturesque location alongside the Tennessee River, offering glimpses of passing sailboats and a tranquil waterside atmosphere. It is a notable local gem that provides a refreshing connection to nature within Concord Park. This trail is an excellent option if you are looking for a short, easy walk that combines natural beauty with convenient access, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

The Native Fruit Orchard Loop offers a gentle hiking experience through natural forest. This easy route covers 1.5 miles (2.4 km) with a modest elevation gain of 106 feet (32 metres), taking approximately 38 minutes to complete. As you hike, you will pass through fruit orchards and dedicated wildlife viewing areas, providing a pleasant atmosphere. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the surrounding mountains, including Lookout and Signal, adding to the scenic views.

You can find parking for the Native Fruit Orchard Loop within Enterprise South Nature Park, where the trail is located. The park offers convenient amenities such as picnic facilities and restrooms, making your visit more comfortable. Many paths throughout the wider park, including parts of the Still Hollow Loop, are either paved or mulched. This ensures accessible hiking options for a variety of visitors.

This loop is a great spot to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. While exploring, you might spot turkey, deer, and various reptiles. The presence of specific fruit orchards and dedicated viewing areas makes this trail a unique destination within the Enterprise South Nature Park for nature enthusiasts.

Embark on an easy hike along the Ten Mile Creek Greenway, a pleasant route that stretches for 4.6 miles (7.4 km). You will experience a gentle elevation gain of just 123 feet (37 metres), making it accessible for most. The trail winds alongside the peaceful Ten Mile Creek, offering a mix of shaded, wooded sections and more open areas, including a distinctive 130-foot bridge that crosses the water. Expect to spend around 1 hour and 54 minutes enjoying this tranquil path, perfect for a relaxed outdoor escape.

This greenway is primarily a paved, hard-surface path, which makes it suitable for a wide range of visitors, including those pushing strollers or using wheelchairs. You can find parking generally available at various access points along the route, making it convenient to start your journey. The Ten Mile Creek Greenway also connects seamlessly into Knoxville's broader greenway system, offering options for longer excursions if you wish. There are no specific permits or fees required to access this trail, so you can enjoy it freely.

As you explore the Ten Mile Creek Greenway, keep an eye out for local birds and other wildlife that inhabit the creek area and surrounding woods. The trail also features unique artwork integrated into one of its underpasses, adding an unexpected cultural element to your outdoor experience. This route stands out as a well-maintained and easily accessible option for a refreshing walk or jog within the city's natural spaces.

Embark on an easy hike along the West Loop, a refreshing escape into the natural surroundings of Concord Park. This 2.2-mile (3.5 km) route offers a pleasant journey, gaining 117 feet (36 metres) in elevation. You can expect mostly fast, tight singletrack underfoot, with some root sections adding to the natural terrain. It's a perfect choice for a quick outdoor adventure, taking approximately 55 minutes to complete.

Accessing the West Loop is straightforward, as Concord Park provides ample parking for visitors. Given the park's popularity, arriving earlier in the day is a good idea to secure a convenient spot. You won't need to worry about specific warnings regarding snow conditions, road closures, or permits for this particular trail. This makes planning your visit simple and hassle-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your hike.

The West Loop stands out as an excellent option if you are seeking easy hiking trails within the Concord Park area. Its well-maintained path and gentle elevation make it accessible for many, providing a consistent and enjoyable experience. This trail offers a great way to connect with nature without requiring extensive preparation or advanced hiking skills.