Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
America's most visited national park, offering diverse wildlife including black bears and elk. Hiking trails and historic buildings add to the appeal.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to over 190 bird species and around 60 types of mammals.
- Historic Sites: Includes numerous historic buildings like Cades Cove and Sugarlands Visitor Center.
- Hiking Opportunities: Boasts over 800 miles of maintained trails for all skill levels.
2. Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo
A non-profit zoo with over 10 acres of natural habitat for endangered species such as red pandas and snow leopards.
- Endangered Species Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation and breeding of rare and endangered animals.
- Natural Habitat Exhibits: Provides expansive, naturalistic habitats for animals to roam freely.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and events focused on wildlife conservation.
3. Ijams Nature Center
A 275-acre nature center offering hiking trails, a rock climbing wall, and bird watching opportunities.
- Variety of Trails: Offers multiple trails catering to different skill levels and interests.
- Rock Climbing Wall: Features a man-made rock climbing wall for adventure seekers.
- Bird Watching Opportunities: Boasts over 180 species of birds, making it an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts.
4. Big Ridge State Park
A scenic state park offering hiking trails, camping facilities, and lake access.
- Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Smoky Mountains and Douglas Lake.
- Camping Facilities: Offers a variety of campsites for tents, RVs, and cabins.
- Hiking Trails: Includes multiple hiking trails varying in difficulty levels.
5. Knoxville Zoo
A family-friendly zoo with over 100 species of animals, including a popular giraffe feeding experience.
- Giraffe Feeding Experience: Allows visitors to feed the zoo's giraffes from a raised platform.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to conservation efforts for various species including the red panda and Komodo dragon.
- Variety of Exhibits: Offers multiple exhibits like Africa, Asia, and North America to explore.
6. Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area
A wildlife management area providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Hunting and Fishing Opportunities: Provides controlled hunting and fishing areas for various species.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
- Hiking Trails: Includes numerous hiking trails for exploring the diverse landscape.
7. Andersonville State Natural Area
A rugged and scenic area with a variety of plants and wildlife, offering hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities.
- Rugged Scenery: Features dramatic cliffs, caves, and waterfalls.
- Hiking Trails: Offers challenging hiking trails for experienced hikers.
- Rock Climbing Opportunities: Features numerous rock climbing routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels.
8. Mead's Quarry Nature Sanctuary
A nature sanctuary offering hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and a natural limestone quarry.
- Natural Limestone Quarry: Features a unique natural limestone quarry for exploration.
- Bird Watching Opportunities: Boasts diverse bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts.
- Hiking Trails: Includes multiple hiking trails catering to different skill levels and interests.
9. Chilhowee Wildlife Management Area
A wildlife management area offering hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities.
- Hunting and Fishing Opportunities: Provides controlled hunting and fishing areas for various species.
- Hiking Trails: Includes numerous hiking trails for exploring the diverse landscape.
- Camping Facilities: Offers campgrounds for tent and RV camping.
10. Pilot Mountain State Park
A scenic state park featuring a unique geological formation known as 'Big Pinnacle', hiking trails, and camping facilities.
- Geological Formation: Features the distinctive 'Big Pinnacle' rock formation.
- Hiking Trails: Includes multiple hiking trails catering to different skill levels.
- Camping Facilities: Offers campgrounds for tent and RV camping.
11. Tanasi Trails Nature Preserve
A nature preserve featuring hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and equestrian campsites.
- Hiking and Horseback Riding Trails: Offers multiple trails for hiking and horseback riding.
- Equestrian Campsites: Provides campsites specifically designed for horseback riders.
- Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Offers opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including deer and turkey.
12. Cumberland Trail State Park
A state park featuring the Cumberland Trail, offering hiking opportunities through diverse landscapes.
- Diverse Landscapes: Includes a variety of terrain types such as forests, canyons, and mountains.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers long-distance hiking opportunities along the Cumberland Trail.
- Backpacking Campsites: Provides backpacking campsites for overnight stays.
13. South Cumberland State Park
A state park featuring the Fiery Gizzard Trail and South Cumberland Trail, offering hiking opportunities through diverse landscapes.
- Diverse Landscapes: Includes a variety of terrain types such as forests, canyons, and mountains.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers long-distance hiking opportunities along the Fiery Gizzard Trail and South Cumberland Trail.
- Camping Facilities: Provides campgrounds for tent and RV camping.
14. Fall Creek Falls State Park
A scenic state park featuring the tallest waterfall in Tennessee, hiking trails, and camping facilities.
- Waterfall Viewing: Features the stunning Fall Creek Falls, the tallest waterfall in Tennessee.
- Hiking Trails: Includes multiple hiking trails catering to different skill levels.
- Camping Facilities: Offers campgrounds for tent and RV camping.
15. Obed Wild & Scenic River
A protected river offering whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping opportunities.
- Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking: Provides opportunities for thrilling whitewater adventures.
- Hiking Trails: Includes multiple hiking trails catering to different skill levels.
- Camping Facilities: Offers campgrounds for tent and RV camping along the river.