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Folks in Nature
Hiking Club

Nature is for All!

The Folks in Nature Hiking Club is a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone is empowered to show up as their authentic, unfiltered selves while exploring the joy that nature has to offer. We welcome those who have been historically excluded or discouraged from finding community in and with natural spaces, as well as their friends, to gather together on monthly hikes throughout Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.

Who can sign up for Folks in Nature?

Anyone 18+ can sign up for the Folks in Nature Hiking Club!

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PRICING AND POLICIES

 

Full Year Membership - $55

- 2 guest passes for friends

- t-shirt included

- 9 naturalist led hikes at various scenic locations

 

Guest Pass- $7

- Don't want to commit to all 9 hikes? Feel free to buy a guest pass for the specific hike that excites you the most!

- Each guest pass permits entry to 1 guided hike 

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HIKE INFORMATION

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The Folks in Nature Hiking Club meets once a month from March to December. Most hikes will be between 3-5 hours long. 

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Most hikes will be based in various locations throughout Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, but there are some "field trips" during certain months. 

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Each hike is detailed below including some information on accessibility, difficulty, and theme. However, the exact time and meeting location are obscured for safety. Once you register, you'll be sent all the info! 

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SESSION TIME AND INFORMATION

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Ijams Nature Center

April 19, 2025  I Morning , 3 hours Easy

 

Our Folks in Nature program will start out with a bang at Ijams Nature Center where everyone will meet each other and the Ijams staff who will be attending many of the hikes. We will take a trip through the trails of Ijams and have the opportunity to spy some beautiful spring ephemeral wildflowers while getting to know each other! Participants can expect to walk no more than 3 miles during this time over rough terrain such as rocks, roots, and gravel. â€‹â€‹â€‹

 

FIELD TRIP: Seven Islands State Birding Park

May 17, 2025  Morning, 4 hours I Moderate

 

Calling all bird nerds! Join us for a hike and birding expedition at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Binoculars will be provided for this excursion where we hope to encounter the colorful plumage and catchy tunes of various songbirds. Participants can expect to walk no more than 5 miles over a mix of paved paths and rough trails. 

 

Ijams Nature Center

June 16, 2025  Evening/Night, 3 hours I Easy

 

It's firefly season! These little creatures create a beautiful show in the evening reminiscent of the starry night sky. We will take a night hike no longer than 4 miles over rocks, roots, and gravel aiming to spot some of these firefly colonies and admire their beauty. 

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Fort Dickerson Park

July 19, 2025  Morning, 3 hours I Easy

 

Cannonball! Who doesn't love a dip in the water during the summer heat? After a spicy hot hike around the Quarry, those brave enough can venture down and cool off with a swim! Participants can expect to hike around 3 miles on a mix of paved greenway and natural trails. 

 

FIELD TRIP: Obed Wild and Scenic River

August 10, 2025  Morning, 3 hours I Moderate

 

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Helix Trails

September 20, 2025  Morning, 3 hours I Moderate

 

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FIELD TRIP: Great Smoky Mountain National Park

October 4, 2025 I Morning, 4 hours I Moderate

 

As the nation's most visited National Park, the Smokies are a must-see when looking for hikes near Knoxville. Between wildlife, waterfalls, and the changing leaves, there is always something exciting to see in the park! Participants can expect to walk 5.5 miles on moderately challenging terrain including root-filled trails and a few stream crossings. Please note that each vehicle parked in the Smokies requires a parking pass for the day which is not provided by Ijams Nature Center. 

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Forks of the River WMA

November 8, 2025 I Morning, 3 hours I Easy

 

Between river views, active bird populations, and plants galore, Forks of the River is an excellent green space right here in Knoxville! Participants can expect to hike approximately 5.5 miles more on paved trails, stopping at multiple spots along the way. 


House Mountain

December 6, 2025 Morning, 3 hours Moderate to Difficult

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Please email publicprograms@ijams.org with any questions about this program. 

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