If you google Knoxville’s landscape you will find that it is characterized by its location in the Great Appalachian Valley, nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Mountains. This valley setting, known locally as the Tennessee Valley, features rolling hills and valleys, with elevations ranging from 800 feet along the riverfront to over 1,000 feet on hilltops. The area is known for its natural beauty, featuring ample green spaces, mature tree canopy, and the Tennessee River flowing through the downtown area. Knoxville also boasts a humid subtropical climate and is known for its resilient landscapes and dedication to maintaining green spaces.
Knoxville is blessed with water! In addition to the Tennessee River and the French Broad River, nine lakes flow through East Tennessee: Calderwood & Chilhowee, Cherokee, Douglas, Fort Loudon, Melton Hill, Norris, Tellico and Watts Bar Lakes. Other notable water destinations are the area’s unique quarries. Mead’s Quarry is part of Ijam Nature Center, offers trails nature education and activities. Augusta Quarry, once used for extracting marble, reopened in July 2025 with new floating swim platforms, walkway and bath/changing rooms.
Knoxville is fortunate to have greenways, coves and parks for outdoorsmen, runners, dog lovers, sports enthusiasts, fishermen and all who enjoy the outdoors. Whatever your reason for seeking outdoor activity, there is a place for you. We tapped into the knowledge of locals who’ve “been there, done that”!
Recently, our friends at Knoxville Moms highlighted their favorites. McFee Park in Farragut and Victor Ashe Park ranked highest among the family-friendly destinations. See the full list.
New2Knox also ranked their top spots. Island Home Park and Lakeshore Park took the top of their “5 Fave Parks in Knoxville”. Noting “We are all about a mental-health walk, a picnic lunch, and an aesthetic spot to read a book under a tree. Thankfully, Knoxville’s love for the outdoors doesn’t end with hikes and biking trails – she is brimming with parks as well”, Emilie Stooksbury gives insight to her favorite five.
