The following feature on Knoxville, Tennessee was provided by Caleb Wilson and the team at Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. This city on the Tennessee River will host the 12th annual US Trail Running Conference October 23-25, 2024.
Being located close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the east and the rugged Cumberland Plateau to the West, Knoxville has always been a great place for trail runners. The area has evolved into a notable trail town over the last couple of decades. Today Knoxville has embraced recreation, and visitors and residents alike, don’t have to look further than a couple miles from the city center to find miles of multi-use trail.
On the trails in Ijams Nature Center.
Urban Wilderness
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness encompasses over 60 miles of connected trails and greenways across public parks, a TWRA Wildlife Management Area, a nature center, historic civil war sites, quarries, and private land. There are 13 trailhead locations to access the system with the closest being less than 2 miles from downtown. On the North side of Knoxville is Sharp’s Ridge Memorial Park with 9 miles of trails which is also the City’s go to during wet weather. Neighboring county parks that are favorites for trail running include I.C King and Concord Park (16 miles). Within an hour of Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains, Loyston Point, Haw Ridge, and Norris Watershed all offer additional miles of trail opportunities. Maps available here.
Parking and Transit
KAT route 40 does have a stop at Sevier Ave + Sevierville Pike, just 2 blocks from Baker Creek/Gateway Park. The Chapman Highway route stops at Ft Dickerson Park. There is no fee to park at trailheads.
Community
There has always been a very grass roots feel to the trail community in Knoxville. Collaboration between mountain bikers, runners, and hikers has been a strength to the area. That common vision has really helped create a vibrant outdoor community in the area. Connectivity from trails to the residents of the area has and will continue to be an important aspect of continued community building. Many neighborhoods are located within a 10 minute walk or ride from a local trailhead, offering the opportunity for thousands of local residents to get outside.
Culture
We pride ourselves on our unique mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and cultural attractions. In other words, we’re a-nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda-town. And we can’t wait to welcome you.
Knoxville is one of the region’s most accessible cities for authentic outdoor adventure. Whether on a greenway through a historic park or on a natural trail through the woods, you will observe historic relics and beautiful wildflowers among the dogwood trees. Pedal your way along the colorful dogwood trails on family friendly bike rides through scenic neighborhoods and on local greenways.
Knoxville’s varied and inspiring landscapes offer the perfect spot for any type of outdoor adventure. You won’t have to venture far to find a river for paddling, a forest for hiking, or trail for watching native wildlife. From exciting downhill single-track trails to serene quarry lakes, bubbling mountain streams, or impressive rock outcrops, Knoxville’s varied and inspiring landscapes offer the perfect spot for any type of outdoor adventure.
Coffee
K Brew: K Brew is one of the best coffee shops in Knoxville, with four locations featuring single origin coffees, signature blends, delicious espresso, and handmade bagels. We roast our coffee to perfection, then brew it using the finest equipment in the industry. K Brew combines our amazing coffee with handmade bagels, with over 8 varieties prepared every morning at our Knoxville bakery.
Mahalo: Based on Hawaiian culture, the name “Mahalo” was chosen as a reminder to be thankful for support of friends and community. With the spirit of gratitude and a dedication to improving the coffee experience, Mahalo Coffee Roasters is poised to create a lasting impact on the coffee culture of Knoxville and beyond. Through their ongoing commitment to learning, sharing, and drinking coffee, they’re promising to continue delivering exceptional experiences, one cup at a time.
Honeybee: With four locations in Knoxville and beyond, Honeybee coffee is another excellent coffee shop just minutes from Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness Trail System. They also serve beer at their South Knoxville location.
Beer
Alliance: Alliance Brewing Company is a thriving craft brewery in Knoxville, TN. We are driven by our passion to brew quality beer, consistently, to give you the best experience with each visit. At the heart of Alliance is community; our beer is the catalyst for unifying people. We are dedicated to building and nurturing our community. From exploring the outdoors on foot, bike or boat, to giving back through trail building and stream cleanups. THIS defines Active Beer Culture.
Schulz Brau: Established in 2016, Schulz Brau Brewing contains Knoxville’s first German Biergarten (voted one of the best in the South). Craft beer made from German-imported grain provides a delicious, malty drinking experience. Enjoy these specially crafted lagers in the Biergarten and don’t forget to end your night with a “Prost!” in celebration.
Yee Haw: Our newest taproom includes an in-house brewery, 62 taps, delicious food offerings, a jumbotron, and a beer garden featuring an outdoor bar, shaded outdoor space, firepits, and an outdoor amphitheater equipped for large concerts. From a large watch party to your everyday hangout spot, we have plenty of space for good times!
Food
SoKno Taco: SoKno Taco Cantina is a locally owned taco restaurant located in beautiful South Knoxville, Tennessee. We provide a SoCal/Street Style taco menu with 24 beers and house margaritas on tap. Close to Ijams Nature Center and AMBC biking trails.
Cruze Farm Ice Cream: Cruze Farm is a family dairy farm in Knoxville, Tennessee. We milk Jersey cows and make fresh churned ice cream with milk from our herd. We pasteurize and bottle real churned buttermilk, whole milk, light milk, chocolate milk, coffee milk, and seasonal flavored milks. Our cows are on pasture 365 days a year and are never given hormones. Our milk is not homogenized so the cream rises to the top. Find our milk mostly in Knoxville at Three Rivers Market, Whole Foods, and locally owned shops. We sell milk, ice cream and pizza—and we make sure it is delicious—but our main goal is to connect with people and build community through our dairy farm.
Yassin’s Falafel House: This family-owned restaurant takes great pride in delivering fresh and healthy dishes in a fast-casual dining experience. Yassin Terou and his staff are here to make sure every detail of your visit is as best as it can be. Yassin’s opened its doors in 2014. Located in the central downtown Knoxville area, their restaurant occupies the corner of Walnut St. and W. Church Ave., convenient walking distance from Gay Street and Market Square and many other downtown landmarks.
Pete’s Restaurant: Pete’s Restaurant is a family-owned, family-operated diner in downtown Knoxville. We pride ourselves on serving the best breakfast and lunch in Knoxville. Customer satisfaction is our #1 priority. Many celebrities have been known to pop by this local spot!
Local Knowledge
Knoxville has miles of great multi-use trails. To have the best experience, stay up-to-date on trail conditions by checking the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC) website. Use Trailforks for accurate mapping and report any issues to [email protected] to keep the trails clear of deadfall and enjoyable for everyone.
Have some extra time and looking for an adventure? The Big South Fork is a hidden gem that straddles the Tennessee and Kentucky boarder, offering scenic trails, runners can explore sandstone bluffs, natural arches, and waterfalls. It also hosts the No Business 100 each October that begins and ends at Picket State Park.
Local Shops: The Long Run, Runners Market, Fleet Feet
Outdoor Specialty Shop: RiverSports Outfitters
Trail Sharing and Competition
One of the things visitors will find when in the Knoxville area is the local grass roots feel while talking to locals. Over the years numerous organizations have contributed and many thousands of individual volunteer hours have been spent realizing the vision that is now Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.
The Knoxville community has firmly embraced outdoor recreation as part of its identity. There is a local coalition, the Urban Wilderness Alliance consisting of several non-profit and public entities that have worked through the years to help shape what we have today. You might find 60 volunteers on a weekend workday with local trail advocacy group AMBC who provides ongoing trail advocacy, maintenance, and trail building in the area.
Knoxville Track Club
Knoxville Track Club (KTC) is a non-profit committed to serving and being the voice for our local running community. KTC is proud to offer opportunities for all runners, whether you’re just starting out or are a veteran, to train, race, socialize, and volunteer. Check out the KTC trail series, it is one of the best in the area.
