Explore Knox and encounter nature in many different ways: on extensive trail networks, along a river, and from a summit. Museums and historic sites also bring to life different chapters of East Tennessee history. You can shape your trip around your own interests rather than focusing on just one theme.
Discover Trail Networks and Nature
The Knoxville Urban Wilderness South Loop Trail connects more than 60 miles of trails with different surfaces and links 1,000 acres of parks and protected areas. Ijams Nature Center adds more than 14 miles of natural-surface trails. When deciding between the two, length isn’t the only factor: the South Loop’s network features a variety of surfaces, while Ijams stands out for its natural-surface trails.
The landscapes also offer different highlights. Seven Islands State Birding Park covers 416 acres in Knox County and lies along the French Broad River. More than 222 bird species have been sighted there. Two small launch sites for canoes and kayaks provide access to the river. House Mountain State Natural Area is also in Knox County: the area covers 527 acres, and its 2,100-foot summit offers sweeping views. Together, they offer very different experiences: a natural area combining birdwatching and river access, and a summit with panoramic views.
History to See and Experience
James White’s Fort is a house museum featuring the original residence of James White, Knoxville’s founder, built in 1786. Engaging, hands-on activities bring frontier life to life, including cooking over an open hearth, blacksmithing, and spinning. The historic buildings and practical demonstrations offer different ways to explore the same subject.
The Museum of East Tennessee History features award-winning exhibits dedicated to the people, places, and events that shaped the region. In the exhibit Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee, interactive displays combine original artifacts with firsthand accounts. History Headquarters also takes an interactive approach: its activities are designed for families and introduce them to the history and culture of East Tennessee.
Other historic sites offer insights into different eras and people. Built around 1792, Blount Mansion was home to William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and governor of the Southwest Territory. Blount helped Tennessee become the sixteenth state admitted to the Union. Marble Springs State Historic Site covers more than 35 acres in southern Knox County. Fort Dickerson Park is home to one of the best-preserved earthworks from the American Civil War.
City Views and Everyday Culture
World’s Fair Park, once the site of the 1982 World’s Fair, combines lawns, flower beds, waterfalls, and streams. Its grounds offer space for festivals and performances as well as a quieter moment. For a different perspective, head to the observation deck on the fourth floor of the Sunsphere: from there, 360-degree views take in downtown, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee campus. Check the latest visitor information for the deck before your visit.
Music is another discovery to enjoy: WDVX Blue Plate Special is a live performance radio show held at noon Monday through Thursday and Saturday at the Knoxville Visitor Center. Since attending depends on the schedule, it’s a good idea to check current dates before making plans. Knoxville Area Transit provides bus and paratransit services in Knoxville; current service information can also help you plan your trip.
Whether you prefer to spend your time on trails, by the river, or exploring culture and history, you can tailor your trip to the topics that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Knoxville, Strawberry Plains, Farragut, Powell, Heiskell, Dyer, Jackson County, Haywood County.
For the statewide travel overview: Tennessee.
