The first time we went to this park was to check out the historical Friendship Bell and have a…read morepicnic. The trails and stream are on flat terrain easy to navigate with littles, strollers, wagons, wheelchairs, etc. we searched for the playground but couldn't find it. Doh! If you are looking for the same, park at the rear of the library lot or in the OR Rec Center lot, as the playground is right behind. The Friendship Bell commemorates the workers of the Manhattan Project and it's a good thing to check off your list once. I don't know that we need to go back until/unless our kids learn about it in school. The park has a great amphitheater which frequently hosts live music, concerts, and festivals. The playground next to it is great for kids 2-5. Low to the ground, slides aren't as steep, and some developmental equipment for those of the younger age. Baby swings available and a nearby pavilion. Tons of shaded benches to keep an eye on your kiddos. The playground is a stone's throw from the library and the pretty courtyard with a fountain.

This park is quite nice. There are some beautiful of trees as well as a few newer trees that have…read morebeen planted. I would hope they plant even more to give better coverage to the trail that goes around the park. I walked here every morning on my recent visit. Most mornings there were a few joggers and people walking their dogs. The trail is gravel for the most part. A few short sections are sidewalk. It would be nice to have some trail markers that show distance on the trail. There is some signage about the park near the bell. Farther down the trail behind the senior center is a large playground and a place that appears to host live music. Overall this park is pretty amazing. I plan on coming back on my next visit

Such a pretty and peaceful place to walk. We stumbled across this place. Really fell in love with…read morethe views and I even learned a little history about Knoxville. If your ever downtown walk over and take a journey down the river.

Whether you ride, walk or drive here, this is an excellent park for people of all ages and…read moremobilities. We like to ride in, maybe snack at Calhoun's, then stop to play at the splash pad on our way back. This paved and cemented path ties into the Knoxville greenway system. The splash pad has upward jets of varying height, a waterfall feature kids can run under, and two waterfalls into shallow pools. The waterfalls into pools are supposed to be decorative only. At the very least they are filled with small to large dangling feet, and at the most, it is filled with little kids, regardless of signage. There is a grassy area and a pet waste station with bags. Some benches and porch like swings are dispersed on the area. I wish there was a shade structure over the benches by the splash pad. One of my favorite features are the stone monuments referencing Knoxville's wild and bohemian past. See photos attached to this review for details. This is a great destination for anyone with kids, or a love of being in the outdoors.

I tried coming here during summertime and it was a mad house and not one parking spot left. So I…read morewent by to check it out. There was a sign I forgot to take a picture of a ton of rules and regulations. Unsure if you could even bring a floatie because literally says no to everything else. They do have a dock you can walk on but the water is dark and murky. Just looks creepy and I don't think I would want to swim here in the summertime.

If you want to bring your own paddle board without having to spend money.. dont. Ive always seen…read morepeople with their own paddle boards/kayaks (i have asked) and i thought it was allowed. Some of my friends have even done it there as well. I went there for my first time paddleboarding and was kicked out because it was "prohibited" even tho people were walking past us with their own paddle boards. Just a money grab. I wont lie they have pretty views so if you just want to float or relax there with your kids it is a great place, but if your wanting to paddle board or kayak with your own stuff, they will kick you out.

Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park Trails are located in the heart of north Knoxville and run along Sharps…read moreRidge Memorial Park Drive. Just a hop, a skip and a jump from the Broadway exit off I-40 is the road that leads you up Sharp's Ridge. Beneath the radio/television towers located on the ridge are 4.7 miles of trails, a picnic area and breath taking views of the Knoxville skyline. The trails are nicely maintained and good for beginners. I highly recommend checking out this local treasure one any warm sunny day.

Great hike in a wonderful location that still keeps you close to civilization. Many other places…read morethroughout the park offer incredible experiences but if you are looking for a short trek that full of beauty and history this is a hike worth taking.

This is a very remote property located along the Little Brier Gap Trail, about 1.5 miles from the…read moreLittle Greenbrier School. It is only accessible by foot. The site contains a house, corn crib or barn and springhouse built in the mid-1800s. The buildings are the last remnants of the Little Greenbrier Community and were occupied by the Walker Sisters until the 1960s. Although the hike to the property is fairly easy, this spot does not attract as many visitors as others in the park and as a pleasant result you can find more solitude and tranquility here than other places you may visit. It is hard to imagine what life must have been like for the women who lived here. A tour of the interior of the house will leave those of us used to creature comforts thankful for all we take for granted. The grounds provide ample spots for taking a break, stretching out and relaxing. There are no restrooms, water stations or amenities of any kind available here. The hike to the Walker Sisters Place for the most part follows an old road and is easy to navigate. Just before the turn to the property, a narrow footbridge allows you to cross the stream. The sounds of running water, scurrying critters and the leaves rustling in the wind can make you forget that just a few miles away there is a park road teeming with traffic and other visitors. We hiked after lunch and it made for a perfect afternoon. We met a few people on the trail as we hiked in, but there were only three or four other people at the house when we arrived. This is a great family hike. We managed well with a 3 and 5 year old, although some piggy back rides were needed on the return trip.

Absolutely legendary place, I ride here more than I ride at any other bike parks. It's the best…read moreplace I've ever found, dirt is pristine and pump track jumpline is my personal favorite especially firedrill. Insta-varjoaquin_mtb

Having bike around downtown Knoxville before, I was excited to try out this trail. This one. A…read morelittle more outdoors and rustic. Turns out it might just be a Greenway/nice road bike girly. Area currently has a lot of construction going on but it's pretty well marked. I parked at a church, which turned out to be a delightful little restaurant and brewery. What an amazing way to end a bike ride. Maybe not the best way to start it. But hey, no judgment here. There are also if you porter potties, which were medium level clean and I appreciate them. I went on a Sunday and they were definitely people, but it wasn't overly busy. Lots of children trying out tricks. The problem I have with this trail is that it is short little burst of fun challenges. When I run and bike, I prefer to just get on the bike and go for hours. Just because it's not my jam doesn't mean it doesn't serve a purpose though. And I definitely appreciate it being in the area. There are wood, bridges and stumps, ramps, and other fun little woodsy elements. I definitely think it could be for all ages trying out their tricks. Even had some people walking. If I had more time, I would have explored whether it goes to the road or Greenway. I did a tiny few detours, but they always ended at the road with busy traffic and not a lot of bike lane action. Definitely recommend the spot If you wanna try a little tricks and are in the area. It was beautiful greenery with tons of wildflowers all around. Very nice people.

Bring a friend/partner here, I wouldn't come alone. (the first time I moved here to knox they…read morewarned me something bad had happened to this female that was running alone). It's a very neat park, lots of routes to take, some parts are thick in the woods area and then some routes take you out by the city by cedar bluff area. I love how you can rent bikes at the parking lot area. If you want a good long run/bike I would recommend this park.

I am so glad I discovered this! It connects to downtown and cedar bluff! I love finding new…read moregreenways. It's not as populated so great for people that want to go for a run dressing like a bum. The scenery is similar to the third creek greenway but this has so many routes so you can go somewhere else for each run!

The Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is wide, mostly level, and…read morestunning. Flanked by forest and the river, the trail is lushly green with the sound of water flowing over rocks as you meander. When we were there, there in April we passed by several people on the trail so it doesn't feel too remote. If it's your first day at the park, this trail is a great way to begin your adventures. It will take you to the national park visitor's center where you can get more info (and souvenirs). We didn't take the full trail but what we did, we loved. Get to it!

Today was our 3rd time walking the Gatlinburg Trail (April, 2025; Sept, 2023; and some earlier…read moredate!) It's a wide, two-mile trail along the Pigeon River, that connects the Great Smokies Sugarland Visitors Center with the town of Gatlinburg. In each case, we walked both directions to make it about a 4.0 mile "hike." It's more-or-less flat, with a total elevation change of about 180', with one hill in the middle. The trail is mostly, but not completely, shaded. The trail is very popular, so you'll see quite a few people, which also makes it impossible to get lost. There are families with strollers and young kids; people walking dogs on leashes; older couples (like us)! It seems that we see something new every time. In Sept, 2023, we saw a bear on the riverbank on the side across the river near the footbridge. Today, we saw an eastern garten snake (nonvenomous) on the trail. We also discovered an old cemetery that was in plain sight but we had somehow missed during earlier visits. Two recommendations to make the trail even better: (1) more benches. There is one bench that was relatively close to the Gatlinburg entrance, but only rocks or tree stumps to sit on until you reach the Visitors Center. (2) more mileage marker signs. And, a TIP. Parking can be a challenge. You can park at the large lot at the National Park Service (NPS) Sugarland Visitors Center or in one of the few parking spaces near the Gatlinburg entrance to the trail. In either case, you need to display a NPS parking pass ($5). Most recently, in April 2025, when we arrived around 11 am on a Monday, these areas were packed with dozens of cars circling and looking for a spot. We ended up parking in an expensive private lot near the Gatlinburg entrance to the trail -- $20 for parking until 2 am. Shorter durations were not available.