Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

1. Foothills Parkway

Scenic road and trail with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.

Panoramic Views: Offers stunning, unobstructed vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Length and Elevation: 13-mile road with a maximum elevation of 6,400 feet.
Accessibility: Easy access from Knoxville and other nearby cities.

A protected reserve with diverse wildlife, ancient forests, and waterfalls.

Biodiversity: Home to over 190 bird species, bears, wolves, and salamanders.
Historic Sites: Includes several historic buildings and structures dating back to the early 20th century.
Hiking Trails: More than 850 miles of maintained trails for hikers of all levels.

Urban nature preserve with trails, waterfalls, and rock climbing opportunities.

Urban Setting: Located in the heart of Knoxville, providing a unique blend of city and nature.
Variety of Activities: Offers hiking trails, rock climbing, kayaking, and educational programs.
Community Engagement: Hosts regular community events and volunteer opportunities.

Challenging trail in the highest point of Tennessee with stunning vistas.

High Elevation: Highest elevations in Tennessee, reaching up to 3,400 feet.
Scenic Views: Panoramic views of the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding valleys.
Difficulty Level: Rated as a challenging hike due to steep terrain and long distance.

Protected nature reserve with trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Waterfalls: Features four beautiful waterfalls along the trail system.
Wildlife Viewing: Home to deer, turkey, and various bird species.
Educational Programs: Offers guided hikes, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities.

River valley with cliffs, waterfalls, and trails for hiking and rock climbing.

Scenic River Valley: Beautiful river valley with towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Rock Climbing Opportunities: Numerous rock climbing routes suitable for all skill levels.
Camping and Picnicking: Provides campgrounds, picnic areas, and group shelters.

Park preserving the historic site where settlers first crossed the Appalachian Mountains.

Historical Significance: Site of significant events in early American history, including the Wilderness Road.
Hiking Trails: Offers trails that lead to the top of Cumberland Gap and beyond.
Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including elk, deer, and turkey.

Park with scenic views, hiking trails, and a historic house.

Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Historic House: Includes a beautifully preserved historic house, built in the early 19th century.
Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for all skill levels, including a challenging loop trail.

Urban park with trails, picnic areas, and a dog park.

Urban Setting: Located in the heart of Knoxville, providing a convenient escape from city life.
Dog Park: Features a designated off-leash area for dogs.
Community Engagement: Hosts regular community events and activities.

Visitor center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with information and hiking trails.

Informative Center: Provides information on park regulations, wildlife, and hiking trails.
Hiking Trails: Offers easy access to popular hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Shopping and Dining: Includes a gift shop, restaurant, and restrooms.

Towering peak in the Great Smoky Mountains with an observation deck.

Highest Point: Highest point in Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Observation Deck: Features a paved, accessible trail to an observation deck with stunning views.
Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including black bears and elk.

Lake with hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing opportunities.

Water Activities: Offers boating, swimming, and fishing.
Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for exploring the surrounding forest.
Camping Sites: Features campgrounds with electric hookups and primitive sites.

Limestone caverns with unique geological formations.

Geological Formations: Features stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique geological features.
Underground River: Includes an underground river flowing through the caverns.
Guided Tours: Provides guided tours with informative commentary on the cavern's history and geology.

Scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountains with several hiking trails.

Scenic Drive: Offers a picturesque drive through the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Hiking Trails: Features several hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Historic Buildings: Includes historic cabins, mills, and other structures dating back to the early 20th century.

Historic site with hiking trails and a reservoir.

Historical Significance: Site of the Battle of Fort Loudoun in the French and Indian War.
Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the historic site and surrounding forest.
Reservoir: Features a scenic reservoir with opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking.