SOUTH KNOX

Stir-crazy? Escape is nearby on these trails and greenways

Ali James
Shopper News

Not everything is closed. Why not let the kids burn off some restless energy and keep the quarantine pounds off by hitting these greenways and trails this spring?

Ride along the Tennessee River to Marine Park   

Anyone can take advantage of this relatively flat, 2.2-mile greenway. Located just south of the University of Tennessee, the paved path is the perfect place for a stroll, jog, dog walk or cycle, while taking in the familiar and dear sights of Knoxville. The path down to the flat and spacious greenway was relatively steep, but not too challenging. There’s plenty of space to let the kids ride confidently.

Despite the glorious spring and almost summer-like temperatures last week, it was not too crowded.

The route effectively starts at the south end of the Buck Karnes Bridge, where the Knox Blount Greenway meets the pedestrian bridge connector with the Neyland greenway. Follow the river past UT Research Park, the UT practice golf course and head south to Marine Park. You may know it as Cherokee Farm Innovation Campus, but it was recently reimagined as UT Research Park.

The wildflowers in the UT Research Park make a picturesque backdrop for a family photo. March 28, 2020.

The Marine Park is recommended for convenient parking (easily recognized when heading south on I-129 – take the next exit after the UT Medical Center).

The park is popular with local bird watchers. Download a flower or plant identification app before you visit, or just make the most of the wildflowers for an Instagram-worthy backdrop.

Nearly 85 acres is dedicated to an archaeological preserve of Native American settlements dating as early as 12,000 years ago until about AD 1600. 

This greenway is just the first phase; eventually, the plan is to provide a pedestrian connection from Knoxville south through Knox and Blount counties to the Great Smoky Mountains.

A smooth, wide greenway makes for an easy bike ride, walk or jog from the Marine Park past the UT Research Park. March 28, 2020.

Explore the Ijams Quarry Trails

Ijams Nature Center and playgrounds have been closed for the time being to keep crowds at a minimum, but continue south of Ijams’ more populated trails and follow the railroad track past Mead’s Quarry. This is the trailhead for 9.6 miles of quarry trails.

Overlook at the Turnbuckle Trail, part of the network of Quarry Trails south of Ijams.

Capture everyone in the family’s imagination with the Ross Marble Trail, which also connects to the Burnett Ridge and Turnbuckle trails. There are no water views; instead, there is a dry ravine that runs along the quarry vein and it is lined with cliffs.

A man-made rock bridge was built around 70 years ago to save time moving men and machinery from one side of the pit to the other. Let the children climb among the huge pile blocks and pass through an 8-foot-tall entrance known as the ‘Keyhole’.

Let the children climb among the huge pile blocks and pass through an 8-foot-tall entrance known as the "Keyhole" on the Ross Marble Trail, Nov. 22, 2017

The trails are made up of shale, soil, rock, and limestone remnants, rated easy to moderate, but can be slightly muddy after a heavy rainfall. The trails wander around the old Mead's and Ross Marble Quarries.

Hike the Will Skelton Greenway

This trail is 3.57 miles, starting from Island Home Park, and winds along the banks of the Tennessee River, through the woods, has the option to take the Discovery Trail and pick up the trail leading to the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. It runs along the outside of Ijams Nature Center and ends at the Wildlife Management Area.

View from the Will Skelton Greenway on March 29, 2020.

Access is recommended via 3003 McClure Lane and 3140 McClure Lane are Island Home Park (don’t forget playgrounds are currently closed). “The greenway was very safe, plenty of people, but wide and paved, so ample room for bikers and hikers, as well as proper social distancing,” said Melissa Mancini, who explored the greenway for the first time with her family on March 29.

For the less enthusiastic hikers, Mancini said it is possible to opt to pick up the Discovery Trail, cut through the Ijams Nature Center and retrace steps via the overflow parking lot.

South loop trail maps for the Urban Wilderness can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/2WWp402

For an overview of the greenway next to UT Research Park: 

https://bit.ly/2UzqCeH

All greenways are listed here: http://knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/parks_and_recreation/greenways_trails.