Explore the Outdoors
Welcome to Ijams Nature Center! Throughout the year, there are endless opportunities to explore Ijams’ trails and naturals areas - on your own or with a group - and discover the wonders around you.
Nature is Waiting!
With hundreds of programs and events, breathtaking scenery on 14+ miles of trails, and recreational opportunities from paddling, climbing, and Navitat Knoxville to swimming, biking, and hiking, Ijams has something for everyone!
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Ijams’ educational team offers hundreds of naturalist-led programs ranging from Wildflower Walks, Bat Nights, and Owl Prowls onsite, to trips to other locations to experience flora and fauna. Visit the Events Calendar to learn about upcoming programs.
IJAMS PLAY AREAS
Ijams has a number of play areas for people of all ages, including the new Ijams Nature Playscape at Grayson Subaru Preserve, a free-play area where kids use their imaginations while they play in a natural setting!
Jo's Grove also is a fun nature playscape designed just for children. Kids can imagine, explore, and find whimsy and merriment in this special place.
The Ijams Primal Playground is a place where anyone can get a great workout in a green exercise space.
IJAMS QUARRIES
Rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP (stand-up paddle board) from River Sports Outfitters, go mountain biking, fish, swim, rock climb, or explore the old lime kilns and trails! This natural area offers gorgeous views and tons of adventures on approximately 10 miles of trails that wind through a post-industrial landscape.
IJAMS HOMESITE
The 20 acres HP and Alice Ijams purchased in 1910 to raise their family grew to into a showplace for cultivated gardens in the middle of a natural area and bird sanctuary. Their homestead is the birthplace of Ijams Nature Center. Stroll along myriad trails to see terraced gardens featuring boxwoods planted by the Ijams family, ponds, rock gardens, and more. It’s also the perfect place for an outdoor event or wedding!
URBAN WILDERNESS
Ijams is the heart of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, which connects more than 50 miles of trails and greenways that connect the nature center to lakes, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five City of Knoxville parks and a 500-acre wildlife area. The majority of these trails are multi-use, natural surface (packed dirt or crushed rock), but some short connections are on paved greenways or streets.
