Knoxville's Urban Wilderness has more than 50 miles of trails and greenways in South Knoxville. Here are the big parks, quarries, greenways and dog parks.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts come from the Legacy Parks Foundation’s Outdoor Knoxville Guide, Knox County Parks and Recreation and Nourish Knoxville. Most parks inside the city are run by the City of Knoxville’s Parks and Recreation department.

Knoxville’s signature outdoor space is the Urban Wilderness in South Knoxville: more than 50 miles of trails and greenways connecting Ijams Nature Center, old marble quarries, Civil War sites, five city parks, a bike park and a 500-acre wildlife area, all within a few miles of downtown. Across the river, Lakeshore Park, World’s Fair Park and a web of greenways cover the rest of the city.

Who to call

Urban Wilderness (South Knoxville)

Place What is there Address
Urban Wilderness trailhead A start point for the trail network 1250 Tilson St.
Ijams Nature Center 315-acre wildlife sanctuary, 10 miles of multi-use trails through the old Meads and Ross marble quarries, a 25-acre quarry lake for fishing, paddling and swimming, Navitat zip line, Ijams Crag with 33 climbing routes 2915 Island Home Ave.
Fort Dickerson Park and Quarry 4 miles of natural trail around a 350-foot-deep quarry, an overlook and a Civil War earthen fort Fort Dickerson Road
Will Skelton Greenway Riverside greenway from Island Home Park through Ijams to the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area Island Home Avenue

Fort Dickerson Quarry is a summer cool-down spot for swimmers and paddlers; only nonmotorized boats are allowed. River Sports Outfitters rents bikes, paddleboards, canoes and kayaks at Ijams in season. Ijams River Landing has an accessible dock for paddlers on the Tennessee River.

Big parks around the city

Park Highlights Address
Lakeshore Park 4-mile greenway loop with river and Smoky Mountain views, nine sports fields, four playgrounds including the Hank Rappe accessible playground, a fishing pier, a marsh boardwalk and the HGTV Overlook 5930 Lyons View Pike
World’s Fair Park The Sunsphere and Tennessee Amphitheater from the 1982 World’s Fair, festival and performance lawns, a lake, splash pads and fountains (March through October) 1060 World’s Fair Park Drive
Tyson Park Tennis, pickleball, sports fields, playground, shelters and the Knoxville Skatepark, on the Third Creek Greenway 2351 Kingston Pike
Sequoyah Hills Park Riverside greenway, fishing, paddling, playground, sports fields 1400 Cherokee Blvd.
Victor Ashe Park 2.3 miles of paved trail and a 1.5-mile natural loop 4901 Bradshaw Road
New Harvest Park (Knox County) Splash pad (May 15 to Sept. 15), dog park, paved and woodland trails, farmers market April to September 4775 New Harvest Lane

Greenways

Knoxville’s greenways link many of these parks:

  • Third Creek Greenway: from Kingston Pike through Tyson Park, connecting to the Neyland Greenway along the river by the University of Tennessee, Sequoyah Hills and the Bearden Village Greenway.
  • Second Creek Greenway: connects to the paved paths of World’s Fair Park.
  • Will Skelton Greenway: the river route into the Urban Wilderness.
  • Lakeshore Park loop: 4 miles of rolling hills.

Dog parks

The Legacy Parks guide lists PetSafe dog parks at Charter E. Doyle Park and I.C. King Park in South Knoxville, and Knox County’s New Harvest Park has separate areas for large and small dogs.

Splash pads

World’s Fair Park has splash pads and fountains that run March through October. New Harvest Park’s splash pad is open May 15 to Sept. 15, so it has closed for 2026.

What this means for you

  • Fall is the best trail season: cooler days and leaf color in the Urban Wilderness. Start at Ijams or the Tilson Street gateway.
  • Check the Legacy Parks map before you go; many trails connect, so you can park at one park and hike to another.

Related: things to do this month, fall festivals and pumpkin patches and getting around Knoxville.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Urban Wilderness in Knoxville?

A network of parks and natural areas in South Knoxville with more than 50 miles of trails and greenways, linking Ijams Nature Center, quarries, historic sites, five city parks, a bike park and a 500-acre wildlife area.

Can you swim at Fort Dickerson Quarry?

Swimmers and paddlers use the 350-foot-deep quarry in summer. Only nonmotorized boats are allowed. Swim at your own risk.

Where is the best greenway in Knoxville?

Lakeshore Park’s 4-mile loop looks over the Tennessee River toward the Smoky Mountains, and the Will Skelton Greenway follows the river from Island Home Park to Ijams Nature Center.

Where can I reserve a park shelter in Knoxville?

Knox County park shelters are reserved online through Knox County Parks and Recreation. For City of Knoxville park shelters, call Knoxville 311 at 865-215-4311.