Sunsphere Observation Tower – Third Creek Greenway loop from Parkridge

Bike touring routes & trails

Sunsphere Observation Tower – Third Creek Greenway loop from Parkridge

Moderate

4.8

(6236)

11,078

riders

Sunsphere Observation Tower – Third Creek Greenway loop from Parkridge

02:01

32.8km

220m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 17, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 5.01 km for 198 m

After 5.48 km for 64 m

After 27.8 km for 64 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.10 km

First Creek

Lake

5.14 km

Sunsphere Observation Tower

Highlight • Monument

The elevator takes you up to a height of approximately 80 meters. The glass sphere you enter is covered in 24-carat gold, hence its golden color.
This tower was designated a landmark of the 1982 World's Fair, and the surrounding park is very well preserved and clean.

Translated by Google •

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8.36 km

Grassy Mound on Third Creek Greenway

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

Third Creek Greenway is a paved path that runs along Third Creek for just over 5.3 miles. Third Creek Greenway meets the 3-mile-long Neyland Greenway at the mouth of Third Creek along the Tennessee River.

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9.79 km

Tyson Park

Highlight • Rest Area

This recreational area is a beautiful spot to walk by the river banks. There's also a picnic area as well as a playground and several tennis courts.

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13.4 km

Third Creek Greenway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Third Creek Greenway is a 5.3-mile paved path designated for foot and bike traffic. It connects to several other greenways and parks along the way.

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20.6 km

Sequoyah Hills entrance

Highlight • Monument

The entrance to the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood is a stoned gate surrounded by some bushes and shrubs. This gate marks the northern terminal of the crushed-cinder path of Cherokee Boulevard. Across Kingston Pike, one can gain access to the Third Creek Greenway, which is a paved path that travels for several miles both east and west.

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25.1 km

Third Creek Greenway & Neyland Greenway intersection

Highlight • Trail

This trail intersection marks the end of the Third Creek Greenway. Here, one has the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife with Third Creek being on one side of the path and the UT Gardens being on the other.

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26.0 km

View of Norfolk Southern railroad bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The construction of this bridge began before the Civil War, and nowadays it's a rather iconic spot in Knox County. Many greenways lead to this bridge.

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28.0 km

Waters of the World

Highlight • Structure

Runners can cool off mid-stride at the Waters of the World in Knoxville's World's Fair Park. The splash zone situated near the playground offers overheated joggers a rejuvenating dip, while keeping watch for kids dashing about. Laps around the fountains also provide views of the iconic Sunsphere tower perched at the park's edge. Waters of the World makes a refreshing, lively pit stop along Knoxville runs.

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