Knox: Trails, Birdlife and History

More than 60 miles of trails with different surfaces define the Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop Trail. The trail network connects 1,000 acres of parks and protected areas. For trip planning, both the size of the trail network and its changing surfaces are worth considering. So when choosing a trail, it’s not just the distance that matters, but also the type of trail you prefer.

Trails, Landscapes and Birdlife

The Ijams Nature Center covers more than 320 acres of forests, meadows, wetlands and streams. It also has more than 14 miles of natural-surface trails. Compared with the Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop, the focus here is on the varied landscape within the nature center and trails with natural surfaces. This makes it possible to distinguish the two destinations by their scenery and trail surfaces.

Seven Islands State Birding Park covers 416 acres in Knox County. More than 222 bird species have been sighted there, giving the park a strong connection to birdlife. Two small docks for canoes and kayaks provide access to the French Broad River. Birdwatching and river access are two different reasons to visit.

House Mountain State Natural Area is also in Knox County. It covers 527 acres; its 2,100-foot summit offers sweeping views.

Views and Landscaped Outdoor Spaces

World's Fair Park combines lawns and flower beds with waterfalls and streams. The park also has space for festivals and performances. Landscaped green spaces and event venues sit side by side here—a different focus from the hiking and natural areas described above.

The observation deck on the fourth floor of the Sunsphere offers a different perspective. From there, the 360-degree view takes in downtown, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee River and the University of Tennessee campus. Check current information about the observation deck before your visit.

History You Can Experience

James White's Fort is a house museum featuring the original residence of James White, Knoxville's founder, built in 1786. Hands-on demonstrations such as cooking over an open hearth, blacksmithing and spinning bring frontier life to life. These activities give the historical presentation a concrete, hands-on focus.

Fort Dickerson Park is home to one of the best-preserved earthworks from the American Civil War era. Here, the focus is on a structure from that period, while James White's Fort explores frontier life through hands-on demonstrations. Blount Mansion, built around 1792, was the home of William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. As governor of the Southwest Territory, Blount helped Tennessee on its path to becoming the sixteenth state.

The Museum of East Tennessee History presents award-winning exhibits about the people, places and events that have shaped the region. The exhibit Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee features interactive displays, original artifacts and firsthand accounts. History Headquarters also offers interactive activities that introduce families to the history and culture of East Tennessee. The approaches differ—from historical objects and personal accounts to activities for families.

Music on Your Itinerary

The WDVX Blue Plate Special® is a live performance radio show held at the Knoxville Visitor Center at noon Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays. Check current dates before visiting. Along with the museums, historic sites and nature destinations, the show adds a musical event to the offerings.

Discover more destinations: Farragut, Powell, Heiskell, Knoxville, Strawberry Plains, Cumberland County, Shelby, Montgomery.

Go to the broader travel overview: Tennessee.