The best running trails in Knox County

Knox County offers a wide variety of running experiences with over 49 routes available. These include more than 100 miles of paved greenways and over 94 miles of natural trails, catering to all preferences and fitness levels.

You'll find a diverse range of running trails in Knox County. The region boasts an extensive network of greenways, such as the Third Creek Greenway and Neyland Greenway, perfect for smooth, paved runs. For those seeking a more natural experience, the Knoxville Urban Wilderness offers over 50 miles of multi-use trails through forests and historic quarry sites. There are also scenic routes along the Tennessee and French Broad Rivers.

Yes, Knox County has several easy running routes ideal for beginners or families. For instance, the Clark Island Preserve loop is an easy 2.9-mile path with gentle terrain. Many of the county's greenways, like the Lakeshore Greenway and Volunteer Landing Greenway, also offer flat, accessible surfaces perfect for a relaxed run.

For a more challenging run, Knox County offers routes with notable elevation gains. The Mount Megunticook Loop is a difficult 5.6-mile trail with significant elevation, rewarding runners with expansive views. Similarly, the Round the Mountain Trail is a 9.5-mile difficult route with varied terrain and elevation changes. House Mountain also provides a challenging trail loop with substantial vertical gain.

Absolutely! Knox County is rich with scenic running routes along its rivers and waterfronts. The Neyland Greenway and Will Skelton Greenway offer beautiful views as they trace the Tennessee River. You can also find stunning riverside running experiences within Seven Islands State Birding Park along the French Broad River, providing picturesque backdrops for your run.

Many trails and greenways in Knox County are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park or trail regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash on most greenways and multi-use trails within the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, allowing you and your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors together.

Knox County's diverse natural landscapes offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. While running along river trails, especially parts of the Neyland and Will Skelton Greenways, you might spot various bird species, turtles, and even deer. The Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area and Seven Islands State Birding Park are particularly good for birdwatching, and sightings of foxes are also common in natural areas.

Yes, several running routes in Knox County incorporate historical sites and points of interest. The Knoxville Urban Wilderness includes historic Civil War sites like Fort Dickerson and High Ground Park, allowing you to combine exercise with historical exploration. Additionally, the Waters of the World installation from the 1982 World's Fair can be incorporated into a run via the Third Creek Greenway loop.

The running routes in Knox County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 190 runners have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the extensive greenway system and the diverse natural landscapes.

For panoramic views, consider routes that ascend to higher elevations. The Mount Megunticook and Ocean Lookout Loop offers stunning vistas. House Mountain, the highest point in Knox County, provides expansive views of the Appalachian Mountains. Similarly, trails in Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park offer sweeping views of the Knoxville skyline and distant Appalachian peaks.

Knox County has a good selection of moderate difficulty running trails. The Beech Hill Loop is a moderate 2.6-mile route. Another great option is the Maiden Cliff Trail Loop, a 1.8-mile trail also rated as moderate. These routes typically feature some elevation changes but are less strenuous than difficult trails.

Several parks in Knox County are renowned for their running trails. Ijams Nature Center serves as a central hub for the Urban Wilderness, providing access to diverse trails. Seven Islands State Birding Park is known for its wide, open trails through grasslands, offering easy and scenic runs. Other parks like Tyson Park and West Hills Park also feature well-maintained paths suitable for various fitness levels.