Great Smokey Mountains National Park is bigger than we expected! So much to take in and we only had…read moreso much time. We did go to the visitor center and get a map. It was a good visitor center and had some cool merch and friendly rangers with good advice. We hiked a bit, saw many mushrooms, squirrels, birds and snakes. We did not see bears but we heard there are there. Highly recommend and can't hardly wait to check it out again with more time.

So incredibly beautiful. So many dang bears…read more Or so I've been told. Fortunately for me, a person who is very much afraid of bears and wants nothing to do with them, I did not see any bears during my visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But they're there! Lurking ... somewhere ... in the forest, I'm sure. I visited during the spring, when the bears were waking up from their long slumber, and I'm sure they were just waiting, with growling tummies, to eat someone. Because of the bears, I didn't travel too far away from the visitor center area of Newfound Gap. But there are trails and other things to see that are beautiful if you like hiking and whatnot. As for me, I was satisfied staying close to where there was more concrete and cars than nature. (I know! I'm kind of dumb sometimes.) Newfound Gap straddles both Tennessee and North Carolina, so you can be in two states at once -- literally, you can have one foot in Tennessee and the other in North Carolina! There's also a cool rock structure that you can climb to the top of called the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, where you'll get great views of the mountains. They really do look smoky! They ain't lyin'. The Newfound Gap area of the Smoky Mountains also has a trailhead for the Appalachian Trail, plus restrooms. I saw backpackers who definitely looked like they had been on the the Appalachian Trail for a while. I've since learned that although this is not the largest national park, it's the most visited, and I believe it! There were quite a lot of people at the Newfound Gap area. That said, I visited a few other places around the park where there were zero people, so you might have to change locations, depending on how many people you want to share your park experience with.

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.

I was hoping to find some cooler temperatures down by the riverside but it did not happen today…read more Suttree Landing Park hugs the shoreline of the Tennessee River on the South Knoxville side. This linear park includes a playground and a covered pavilion plus playgrounds, picnic tables and a level paved space for the walkers and runners. It's hard to beat the beautiful Knoxville skyline though it sure is hot in June! They also have a kayak launch. [Review 1189 of 2024 - 505 in Tennessee - 22212 overall]

When I visited, construction was active and residences were going up in the area. The park as…read morepresently constituted offered a short waterside walk and some recreational facilities. I observed no water fountains or restrooms, and there was no viable pedestrian connection to any of the bridges or other paths. The parking area was handy. I hope and expect that when construction is finished, there will be more connections and more to do here.

I went with my family. My grandmother and mom ride a scooter and we were greeted in the parking…read morelot. Shar let us know the inclines were steep but they offered golf cart tours. She was our tour guide and she was incredible. She held our napping baby and sat with our 3yr old while we went in to feed the birds. She answered all of our questions and went above and beyond to care for us and make our visit special. If you visit ask for Sharlene! My 3yr old loved getting to hold the bird like a baby cupped in her hands. This was our first visit and definitely won't be our last. This is a must visit for your Smokey mountain vacation.

What an amazing majestic experience! The staff so kind hearted and takes time to talk to you and…read morekids. Shar a wonderful woman who has bonds with all bills showed us each birds talents and ticks. Which just added to the beautiful birds and landscape. Went on a hot day but very well shaded. My favorite thing on our whole trip. Definitely recommend!!!!!

Cataract Falls is one of the easiest and most family-friendly waterfalls in the Smokies. The walk…read moreis short, mostly flat, and shaded. perfect for young kids, older adults, or anyone who doesn't want a strenuous hike. There's lots of places to walk or swim in the shallow stream with rocks the water was too cold for us Floridians but still refreshing to wash your hands in. One tip: we initially drove around trying to find the trailhead and couldn't figure out where the entrance was. We finally stopped at the Sugarlands Visitor Center gift shop and learned the trail starts directly behind the visitor center near the restrooms. You'll need a parking pass to park, but we opted for the all-day parking tag since we planned to visit multiple areas in the national park, and it was well worth it. The waterfall itself isn't huge, but it's peaceful, and a great spot for photos. If you're looking for a quick, relaxing waterfall without a long hike, Cataract Falls is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Walk to the fall is nice - the fall is a bit average - it is not very large. We enjoyed the walk…read more There are some logs and puddles along the way for kids to enjoy.

Well maintained City Park. Great for families to enjoy a stroll, picnic, frisbee toss, etc...Thank…read moreyou City of Knoxville!

This is one of my favorite parks in all of Knoxville. First it's so big. The park has an amazing…read moreloop that's perfect if you're trying to do a few laps to get some miles in. It also has a trail that goes beside a pond and goes into a wooded area that's great if you're looking for a more serene experience. In addition there is a dog park and typically when I've been there the people are very chill which is not the same at other dog parks I've been to where some folks can be a little uptight. There's a large shelter - perfect for picnics - and large green fields which often hosts soccer games among other sports. Finally I don't have children but from what I can tell the playground looks fantastic - pretty new and updated very big and there's always a lot of kids playing at it. There's also a pretty large frisbee golf course. Victor Ashe has a little bit of everything for the whole family which is why I love it so much!

April, 2025. Maryville, TN. We were on-route from Chattanooga to Sevierville in Tennessee, and…read morefound Sandy Springs Park to take a break. It's a lovely green park with walking trails, a playground, picnic pavilion, restrooms, water fountains, plentiful parking, and more. While we were there, we saw a steady stream of people walking their dogs (on leash), parents pushing their kids on the playground swings, teenagers cutting through at the end of the school day, and more. A very nice and relaxing outdoor area for the people of Maryville.

A very nice, well outfitted park. Plenty for everyone. Includes a part of the Greenway along Pistol…read moreCreek, two playground areas, two pavilions for picnicking, as well as softball fields and tennis courts. There is also a great open space. This is, also, the home of the Smoky Mountain Classic Softball Tournament.

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.