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02-01-2009, 09:00 AM
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Good hiking trails in/near Knoxville
Good morning,
Being new to the area, we've only ventured out on a few nature trails/hikes. We have been to Ijams, Seven Islands and Cades Cove so far. Anyone have any suggestions for additional good trails? They don't have to be paved and we both enjoy seeing birds and wildlife so if there are places that are more "known" for these do tell!  ps-Anyone been to Forks of the River park? Thanks!!! |
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02-01-2009, 02:05 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Knoxville, TN
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There are lots of places around. In East Knox County, try House Mountain.
http://www.knoxcounty.org/parks/pdfs/housemtn.pdf
Knoxville is blessed with miles of greenways. Explore those and the city.
City of Knoxville - Greenways
UT Arboretum near Oak Ridge has some wonderful trails and is scenic at any time of the year.
The University of Tennessee - Forest Resources Research and Education Center
Tennessee state parks offer many miles of hiking trails, from well traveled to primitive.
TN State Parks: Find A Park: Hiking Trails
And of course there are miles and miles of trails in the Smokies.
Great Smoky Mountains Trails - Detailed hiking trail information
If you haven't been to Cumberland Gap, it's a great place to explore. Lots of history along with some gorgeous views. Hike in the footsteps of Davy Crocket and Daniel Boone.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Outdoor Activities (U.S. National Park Service)
And if you're feeling really energetic, take on the Cumberland Trail.
http://www.cumberlandtrail.org/
Happy hiking!
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02-01-2009, 02:15 PM
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Location: Kingsport, TN
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02-02-2009, 08:40 AM
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Thanks so much for the suggestions! I hope this coming weekend will be like the past one so we can get out and explore!
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02-02-2009, 09:08 AM
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Had to edit my post- saw that you've already done Seven Islands. Definitely my favorite. Also check out the Will Skelton Greenway - this may be what you are referring to as Forks of the River. Get off the greenway and follow the old gravel paths for miles into the woods/fields.
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02-02-2009, 01:55 PM
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Location: Knoxville, TN
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Meant to mention the Smoky Mountain Field School run by the University of Tennessee Community Outreach program.
It offers everything from short hikes to overnights to lectures and workshops. A great way to fellow hikers and learn about the area and the flora and fauna. Their spring wildflower hikes are wonderful.
Smoky Mountain Field School |
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02-03-2009, 02:59 PM
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As kamoshika posted, House Mountain is a good one. You can just see downtown Knoxville from the west side on a clear day, not so much on normal/hazy days. I'd rate it a moderate-difficult hike.
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02-03-2009, 03:03 PM
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Location: Chattanooga, TN
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I'll also throw Mount LeConte out there. Great hike with great views and challanging too.
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02-03-2009, 03:14 PM
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Location: Chattanooga, TN
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If you plan on consistantly hiking the area, you got to pick up a Brown Book:
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02-04-2009, 07:50 PM
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Thank you for the suggestions VolDude, especially the book. Any ideas of where you can buy locally?
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