Writing about hiking used to be a pretty big chunk of this blog. Not so much lately, as I fell off the fitness wagon. But fall is a great time for walking–it’s beautiful as well as cool. So to inspire myself, and as a resource to any Knoxvillians or visitors, I’ve collected all my walking posts right here along with a brief description and picture for each.
Walking in East Knoxville: Welcoming Spring at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum
It’s not Spring as I am writing this but I am absolutely sure that this unsung gem will have fall foliage and flowers to delight you. Don’t wait for Spring!
This was my introductory post of many about the 40 miles of trails in the Urban Wilderness.

View from the Ijams River Trail
Walking in South Knoxville II: The William Hastie Natural Area
One trailhead for this section of the Urban Wilderness is in the Lake Forest neighborhood where we used to live. We were curious and went walking back here when it wasn’t even a thing.
Walking in South Knoxville III: Forks of the River WMA
These are hands-down my favorite trails in the system.
Walking in South Knoxville IV: Anderson School Trails
These fancifully named trails that wind along an easement through private land are Emily’s favorite.
Walking in South Knoxville V: Ross Marble Natural Area
This area features the remains of a quarrying operation, almost like exploring exotic ruins.
Walking in South Knoxville VI: Fort Dickerson Quarry
This place is amazing. You will forget you are in Knoxville.
Walking in South Knoxville VII: In the Homestretch
Fall wildflowers along the Ross Marble Quarry trails and other autumn delights.
Walking in South Knoxville VIII: Another One Bites the Dust
It’s back to the William Hastie trails with their shady hills and wildflowers.
Walking in South Knoxville IX: Forks of the River
There is something for everyone in this section of trails, whether you like woods or meadows, hilly or flat, dirt or pavement.
Walking in South Knoxville X: A Quiet Walk at the Quarry
The Mead’s Quarry trail is challenging, but it will reward you with beautiful views.
Walking in South Knoxville XI: A Belated Fall Roundup
A collection of pictures from a variety of trails.
Walking in South Knoxville: Success
Another roundup of trails and pictures, including some great views.
Walking in Knoxville: North, South, and Further South
This one is a bit further afield with walks in Norris and the Smokies included.
Walking in West Knoxville
This is a collection of several great places to walk in West Knoxville, suitable to all skill levels.
A May Stroll You Must Take
If you love the smell of honeysuckle, you’ll want to do this in the Spring, but if you are an architecture fan you will enjoy it any time of year.
Short West Knoxville Walks
These aren’t pretty (comparatively) but they are good for exercise!
Walking in West Knoxville: The Jean Teague Greenway
This trail has the advantage of running right through a playground, where you can abandon your kids for awhile as you walk.
This showcases the Pellissippi Greenway, which is at its best when the daffodils are in bloom.
Two Walks
Finally, this is my very first walking post, laying out a nice hike that hits the high points of downtown Knoxville.
I’ll continue to update this post with new hikes as I write them–I have a backlog which includes Baker Creek, House Mountain, and Haw Ridge, among others.
Wow, I think I need to plan a trip soon. The hiking and scenery look absolutely breathtaking in Knoxville!
We are becoming a vacation destination for people who enjoy the outdoors!