Fort Dickerson Park

(38 reviews)

4.5 mi

Lakeshore is a wonderful public park situated along the Tennessee River and offering some…read morespectacular views of the Smoky Mountains. I finally got a chance to come here with my neighbor and her toddler on a weekday and I was surprised how many kids were at the playground. However, we never felt crowded here and there are several playgrounds in the park, with one being in a slightly wooded section. Besides children's playgrounds, the park offers extensive greenways, sports facilities, and even, event spaces. Sports facilities include: baseball/softball fields, soccer field and an outdoor fitness center. On my next visit, I'm going to explore even more of the greenways and try to find the steel sculpture in the park called the "Quantum Embrace." Know before you go: 1) Lakeshore is open daily: 6 am - 10 pm 2) Plenty of parking spaces 3) There are public restrooms onsite 4) Events at the park hosted by the Roots & Revelry Group. Some events coming up are Paint & Sip (April 28th) and Mahjong in Garden (May 12th)

Gorgeous park! They have all kinds of sports courts including pickleball. Perfect place to take a…read morewalk, work out, or just chill by the lake.

A beautiful slide and playground for kids.

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Carl Cowan Park

(11 reviews)

11.3 mi

Love this park. There is a trial in the back that leads out to the water. We love exploring this…read morewooded area. If you go all the way it leads to the disc golf park as well. Brody and I love catching the sunset in the water. They also have a basketball court, tennis courts and a paved walking trail as well.

Very large park with multiple places to swim. Clean with many walking trails, a splash park, a…read moredock, and picnic tables.

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Ten Mile Creek

4.3

9.1 mi

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!

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The Sinks

(39 reviews)

23.9 mi

I never met a waterfall that I didn't like. We did a driving tour along Little River in Great Smoky…read moreMountains National Park to see if we could spot some wildlife. The Sinks is a lovely waterfall along the river. There is a small parking lot with about a dozen spaces where we found parking. An observation area is a short walk from parking. A sign describes the area and that the falls were manmade. During the late 1800's the river was used to transport logs/timber to the nearby town of Elkmont. After a storm, flood waters caused a jam in the river. Dynamite was used to restore water flow. The blast resulted in a twist in the river and creation of the waterfall. A set of stone steps leads up a hill, offering lovey views of the falls. There are dozens of waterfalls in the Park. Sinks is one of the few that is drivable, which is great for people that cannot hike. I picked up a Waterfalls map at the visitor center that I found interesting and informative. Parking passes are required to park in the lot. There are no amenities at the falls. Plan 15-30 minutes for a stop and photos.

We found a prime parking spot at The Sinks and looked at the area from above the bridge. People…read morewere cliff jumping from the cliffs using ropes, and just free jumping into the water below. Saw the waterfall, but we did not venture into the water. Very small parking lot, but worth a quick stop if you can find a spot to park the car.

View from path to the platform.

Observation patio

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Tommy Schumpert Park

(6 reviews)

6.9 mi

This park is great. I love taking a walk through there! There's always critters running around!read more

This park is very beautiful and the disc golf course is a nice challenge the down side theirs a dog…read moreportion of this park on the side of the beginning of the course and some nasty people let their dogs roam free and let them poop all over the practice course makes it uncomfortable for others who don't even own a dog please pick up your family pets mess and not on my shoe

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Nice.dog park

Ijams Nature Center

(119 reviews)

2.9 mi

Ijams Nature Center is decent. There is a $5 parking fee. They allow leashed pets on the property…read morehowever they are not allowed in the nature center. There are trails to walk. They were okay. I got bored with them and didn't stay long. They do have a a high ropes course that looked neat if you are into that. I would have been okay to pay the parking fee if I would have stayed there longer.

I happened to be in the area on vacation looking for a good place to hike. I definitely found what…read moreI came for. This place has it all. Paved roads, for those who want to take it more easy. Dirt roads. Some way off the beaten path, for those who wanna make it a little hard, climb up some rock stairs. It was really fun. It was quite an adventure. More than I have had in a nature center in a while. I stopped at the gift center, which was very quaint. I love the little stones they had. It was a bag of them for six dollars I believe. The quality of the tumbled stones seemed very nice as well for such a price. I would definitely go back to this area and visit once more if I happen to be here on vacation!

Ijams Nature Center Pond

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World's Fair Park

(40 reviews)

1.1 mi

The World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville is a historic and active public space built for the…read more1982 World's Fair. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Sunsphere, a 266-foot gold-domed observation tower, and the Tennessee Amphitheater. Today, the park serves as a hub for major festivals, community gatherings, and recreation. Very welcoming space, lots to enjoy, always busy! The sphere is a focal point, when you go through Knoxville on I-40.

The historic World's Fair Park in Knoxville is lovely in the Spring. Dogwoods and other flowering…read moretrees were in bloom during my visit. The Park was at the center of the 1982 World's Fair. Today, the park is a beautiful green space for residents and visitors. The Sunsphere and the Amphitheater are the only remaining structures from the World's Fair in the park. The Sunsphere is opened to visitors. The Amphitheater was shuttered for the winter and in need of a facelift. Several interesting architectural features (posts and statue) are located throughout the park. A colorful bridge passes over the park and waterway. The Park is filled with accessible walkways, a water feature/fountain. A rail trail passes through the park for walkers and runners. We found free parking at the south side of the park. I did not see restroom facilities. Dogs on leases are allowed everywhere except in the fountain area.

World's Fair Park map with downtown

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The park is gorgeous in the spring.

Sequoyah Hills Park

(5 reviews)

2.4 mi

Great park for a picnic and enjoy the beautiful view! Lots of benches to sit on by the man made…read moretrail. Great for dogs! The park itself is in a high class neighborhood and it seems like everyone knows each other by the way the stopped and chatted with each other. Friendly environment, trash cans available and parking.

Cool place to have a picnic. BEAUTIFUL VIEW. I don't live in Knoxville but will definitely be back…read morefor this park!

Spring.

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Concord Park

4.7

(32 reviews)

13.6 mi

Concord Park might have my favorite bench in Knoxville. It overlooks the water, feels super…read morepeaceful, and is the perfect spot to just sit, tan, and read for a bit. Bonus: there's a taco truck nearby if you get hungry, which honestly makes it even better. Low-key one of my favorite places to unwind.

Great dog park. They have walking trails, ball, throwing areas, grassy areas and even a dog…read moreswimming area complete with a dog dock.

This is the most amazing dog park I've ever been to and I've been to them all over the United States. Tommy is having the time of his life

The bench

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Anchor Park

5.0

(3 reviews)

14.8 mi

What a lovely park! We've been making our rounds to all of the parks in the area and this one was…read moreperfect to explore in the morning before it gets lava hot. Many mature trees and the surrounding pond cool down the playground area. There is ample parking and a large restroom facility which are both convenient. Pavilion area that you can rent and a few docks jutting out into the water are nice touches, as is the extensive walking trail that goes around the park and surrounding neighborhoods. As for the play area, it is well-maintained and there is a large sandbox that is clearly very popular (hence, why I didn't take a photo with so many littles enjoying it). The playset has lots of stationary toys on it as well as an abundance of slides. The swing area is separated from the playground and has some unique swing options. Note that the sandbox and playground is directly next to the pond, so if you get high anxiety with young kiddos around bodies of water or have runners, you may want to forgo this park (or at least ensure you have an extra set of eyes/hands with you).

Great parking spot for the bike and walking trail here, also there is a soccer field and a pond to…read morefish in. Our kids have lots of luck catching sunfish, or during the Bob Watt Fishing rodeo once a year here CATFISH! The playground is well maintained and there are plenty of picnic tables and benches to sit and rest at. We are so glad to have this park in Farragut!

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Soaky Mountain Waterpark

3.5

(91 reviews)

18.8 mi

This place is awesome! Park was clean, lines weren't super long for any waterside, the wave pool…read morewas cool. It had bigger waves than I expected was was awesome. The lazy river was relaxing but also had waves come through which was really cool. I highly recommend this Waterpark!!!

The search when you walk in was so invasive. They had these young teenage girls rubbaging through…read moreour bags and pulling out private and personal items (I.e. underwear). It was very inappropriate and the girls gave a lot of disrespectful attitude. Then on the rides, the workers were shouting out our weights which was awful. For some, it was embarrassing and not nice. I've been at other places that require a weight check, but never were our weights shouted out. The rides were good but we will never go back.

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SafeSplash - Knoxville

4.0

9.4 mi

This is my toddler's 3rd class and he is not crying! The teachers are sweet and caring. They take…read moreyour temp to keep everyone safe during covid and genuinely seem to care about all of their students. The facility is clean and bright with tons of toys for the kids. Glad they opened in Cedar Bluff so the kiddo has an indoor pool to learn to swim during the winter. Keep up the great work SafeSplash!

Food was very good but personally disappointed that my two handicap friends had to walk such a long…read moreway. After we got to the Pearl they said they have a golf cart for this reason but no signs telling u that. And when my friends were carted back on the cart they remarked how difficult getting in and out of the cart was. Imagine a very long walk In the rain. Can't believe they don"t accommodate door drop"offs.

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Swim instructional pool

Lighthouse Pointe Marina

3.7

(6 reviews)

24.3 mi

The marina has two gangways leading up to various Bentley 20+ footer pontoons for rent. These…read morepontoons are not double deckers with slides. There are also jet ski. The bathrooms at the parking lot were clean. Everything here was very functional. There are push carts in the parking lot if you have gear you need to shuttle between your car and the boat, which is convenient. Douglas Lake wasn't overly crowded which was welcome. Had fun on tubing with the family and the water was very warm in July, which was expected. We had a perfect time on the lake. Good family fun to be had here.

We've rented a pontoon from Lighthouse Pointe Marina twice in the past couple months. Not only is…read morethe price very affordable & the pontoons extremely nice but the guys we've dealt with were wonderful. This is our "go to" marina when we want to enjoy this beautiful lake! My family 100% highly recommend this marina!!!

Pontoon Rental @ Douglas Lake, TN

She said yes!

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Brand new 24 premium Bentley Pontoon rental boat powered by a Mercury 115hp engine.

Sequoyah Marina

3.5

(11 reviews)

22.3 mi

Just spent an amazing two days on the lake. We rented the 30' Pontoon boat from Sequoyah for both…read morethe 3rd and the 4th. This is a wonderful boat for cruising and just hanging out on the water of Norris Lake. With room for 15 adults this boat provides the perfect platform for entertains friends and family. After a day on the lake, let someone else do the cooking with dinner inside the Marina restaurant, or on the outdoor patio. Follow me on Yelp for more fun stuff to do in and around Knoxville.

One of the bigger nicer marinas at Norris lake. The staff at all the marinas are just the nicest…read moremost helpful people. Love this lake. It's so peaceful. We usually rent a boat for a few days ... not expert boat drivers. When we drive the boat up to all the marinas to get out or refuel they all are quick to help get us tied up to the dock and secured. All the employees have been friendly and get attitude. We have rents boats here but this time we were staying near another marina. They all are good to rent from ... I'd suggest you rent from the one near where you stay. the lake is huge so distance is a big factor.

A day at the lake beats a day at the office any day.

The Party Barge, a 30' foot pontoon with upper deck and slide.

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Side of sausage

Hillbilly Golf

(326 reviews)

27.7 mi

What a cool putt-putt course!! Most mini-golf courses are basic hole after basic hole. But at…read moreHillbilly Golf, you first have to ride an... inclined rail trolley thing to the top of a very eclectic, well designed mini-golf course built into the side of a mountain. But we never felt cooped up, unsafe or too on-the-edge. These guys had fun, positive attitudes and worked hard to make sure we had a good time. If you need anything on the course, you just call them (number is posted left and right) and they'll come right to you! Thanks for a great afternoon!!

So fun! We love mini…read moregolf and this spot offers not only a fun course, but you take a ride up the mountain first. What a fun addition to an already good time. They're located right on the main parkway just a bit north of the hustle and bustle of downtown Gatlinburg. They have a parking lot which is handy. We parked, paid, took our ride up the mountain and then golfed 18 holes of mini golf. The course was well maintained with quirky decor and just plain fun. We had a great time and would 100% come here again! Get to it!

Trolley ride up

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Samantha M.

94

37

112

6 years ago

Fort Dickerson Park was one of the lesser known sites of the Battle of Knoxville, which was fought during the War Between the States. While there isn't much that's actually still standing from the small fort's original structure, there are some very nice views to be found here; there are also a handful of signs you can read to get information about the battle. Tip: There's free parking available here. Note that the primary entrance to this park is right off Chapman Highway. When you arrive you'll see a small lot on the left that's just for the quarry overlook; if you keep going on the turnoff you'll come to a larger parking lot that has access to the historical trail. Alternately, you can use the quarry parking lot to access the Pit Viper trail; if you take it all the way to the bottom the hike is fairly short and relatively easy. read more

Melanie S.

177

131

91

6 years ago

This is a drinking /drug party place where you don't want to take your family!!! The only sights you'll be able to see is a cloud of pot smoke and scantily clad girls with explicit music blaring everywhere!!! The city really needs to get in there and crack down on what's going on, because it could be a beautiful gem!!!! Sadly, two of my kids learned what marijuana was when we went, because someone was yelling out that they'd trade all their beer for some!! read more

Kent T.

0

4

1

2 years ago

Beautiful place for photography, lots of memorials and an amazing quarry lake next to it. Kept clean.

Fort Dickerson Park - parks - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Fort Dickerson Park also viewed

High Ground Park

4.3

High Ground is a nice little trail loop. It has a few elevation changes, but it is an easy stroll…read more The Civil War era location was home to a fort where Union and Confederate forces met in battle. There is a small, nature trail at stop #3 that ventures away from the main trail. It dead-ends abruptly and is very roughed in so just be aware that it doesn't reconnect to the other trail as we thought it would.

Somewhat remote, seems like it's new since the parking lot and stonework and fences around parking…read morelot in good shape, and nice loop walking trail.

Haw Ridge Park

5.0

Highly recommended for outdoor multi use adventures (Biking, Hiking, Running, Fishing, Kayaking)…read more Absolutely gem of an outdoor experience in East TN

What a beautiful spot right off Melton Hill Lake! We typically go on Sunday mornings and it is not…read morechaotic and there seems to be plenty of parking. Maps available as well as a pump and tools to get bikes ready to rock the trails. We have seen hardcore hikers, people casually walking dogs, mountain bikers, and people fishing. Trail options for any interests, time parameters,and abilities. There is a paved trail as well as many rocky dirt trails that branch off from the main paved. This morning it was a bit muddy off the beaten path, so please expect to get pleasantly dirty. Lake views, a creek, and the sounds of trees in the breeze. Heck yes!

Volunteer Landing

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.

Lenoir City Park

4.7

(3 reviews)

First time venturing out that way, decided to attend the craft festival being held at their…read morelocation. Beautiful park and surrounding neighborhood areas along Fort Loudon Lake. Park was clean, properly staffed and the grounds were maintained, uniformed police officers staffed near entrance/exit ensuring everyone's safety. There's a separate dog park, marina and restaurant nearby. Great location with vast views of the lake.

Beautiful spot for a picnic. My husband and I spent a few hours there while traveling in our…read moremotorhome. The park was shaded and had a great water view while we had our lunch.

House Mountain State Park

4.6

(14 reviews)

Very nice hike just a few minutes away from downtown Knoxville. It is a fairly challenging hike up…read morethe side of a ridge overlooking Knoxville and the surrounding area. The trail is well marked and crosses over a small stream and some rock outcroppings. The rocks and elevation make this more challenging than an "easy" hike. This is equivalent to hiking in the Smokies or Cumberland Mountains. But, our 9 and 11 year old were able to make the journey to the top and back. So, this trail should be doable for most people. The views at the top are well worth the journey. It is a very nice trail at the top that allows you to walk along the ridge to view both sides of the valley. Overall: Highly recommended if you are in the area.

One major loop/trail here but worth the visit! Wear good hiking boots because there are some major…read moreboulders

Melton Lake Greenway

(6 reviews)

Love this scenic trail! Paved and definitely stroller-friendly. There is shade from the many trees,…read moregorgeous greenery and flowers, an abundance of convenient parking areas, and of course, water views the entire way. Ducks galore gather in warmer months and you can even take in the rowing competitions. Pop into Adventures Outdoors to rent a paddleboard, bike, kayak, or even waterbike to explore in the water next to the greenway. There is also a great playground and pavilion next to Adventures Outdoors (immediately off the greenway), as is Calhoun's for yummy BBQ a little further down. No matter where this trail takes you, you are bound to get a great view during your workout. Just be careful with littles who may not be able to swim yet, as there is not much separation between the trail and the water. Have fun!

If you are staying in Oakridge and an avid runner, you must come here to try their Greenway! It's…read morewell paved, lots of people running or walking by, rowing nearby, and a feeding area for ducks, geese, and swans. There's a nearby power plant, that's the visible stack visible in the background. The clinch river is really pretty especially during sunset with the pink hues. I went in mid-April and there were a couple bugs around but nothing that was too terrible. The Greenway is also shaded by the many surrounding trees, so I wouldn't worry so much about the sun. Great place to unwind and take in the nature sights.

Mead's Quarry Park

4.1

(10 reviews)

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.

Founders Park at Campbell Station

4.9

(17 reviews)

Love the paved paths and especially the Christmas Lights display. Great for all and the family…read moredog(s)

Best park in west Knoxville! Love the trees, trails, easy access, upkeep and friendly for walking…read moremy dog!

Sequoyah Hills Park