SESSION TIME AND INFORMATION

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Ijams Nature Center

April 19, 2026  I Morning, 3 hours I Easy

 

Our Folks in Nature program will start out  at Ijams Nature Center where everyone will meet each other and the Ijams staff. We will take a trip through the trails of Ijams and have the opportunity to spy some beautiful spring ephemeral wildflowers and geological formations left over from the quarry mining operation while getting to know each other! Participants can expect to walk no more than 3 miles during this time over natural trails with terrain such as rocks, roots, and gravel. ​​​

 

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Ijams Nature Center
March 21, 2026 I 9:30 AM I Easy

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Our Folks in Nature program will start out 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 and geological formations left over from the quarry mining operation while getting to know one another! Participants can expect to walk no more than 3 miles during this time over natural trails with terrain such as rocks, roots, and gravel.

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Triple Falls Trail
April 18, 2026 I 9:30 AM I Moderate

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We had to add a waterfall hike during the rainy season! Triple Falls trail will lead us along a creek to a panoramic mountain view at the top. Along the way, we will pass a 120 ft tall waterfall that we hope is roaring this time of year. Participants can expect to encounter stream crossings, muddy trails, and slippery rocks along this ~2.5 mile moderately challenging trail. Carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking at the trailhead.

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Helix Trails
May 17, 2026  I 9:30 AM I Moderate

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Another hidden gem of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, Helix Trails provides a lovely wooded area for an spring morning hike. While on this hike, we hope to spot some migrating birds, fun fungi, and other treasures of the natural world! Participants should expect to walk approximately 4 miles over natural trails including terrain such as rocks, roots, and the occasional wooden bridge.

 

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Ijams Nature Center
June 21, 2026  I 7:30 PM I Easy

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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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Forks of the River WMA
July 12, 2026 I 9:30 AM I Easy

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Between river views, active bird populations, and sunflowers galore, Forks of the River is an excellent green space right here in Knoxville! You can't miss the fields full of blooming sunflowers, creating a bright and bountiful environment for the wildlife in the area. Participants can expect to hike approximately 4 miles on a mixture of paved greenway and dirt trail with terrain such as rocks, mud, and roots along the way. 

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park 
August 8, 2026  I 10:30 AM I Moderate to Difficult

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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 seasons, there is always something exciting to see in the park! We will venture to Abrams Falls, one of the most visited waterfalls in the park, to admire the roaring waters. Participants can expect to walk ~5.2 miles on moderately challenging terrain including hills, rocks, and roots. *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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Seven Islands State Birding Park 
September 19, 2026  I 9:30 AM I Easy-Moderate

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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 in the middle of fall migration. Participants can expect to be walking on unpaved but well-maintained paths with obstacles such as rocks, mud, and roots.

 

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Big Ridge State Park 
October 11, 2025 I 10:00 AM I Easy

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Big Ridge State Park offers a variety of trails and views. For this adventure, we will follow Lake Trail, which should wind along the edge of Norris Lake. Then, we will continue our journey onto Ghost House trail on which we will meander by a cemetery and have the chance to explore (or just observe) the remains of an allegedly haunted house. Participants can expect to encounter muddy trails near the lake as well as rocks and roots to contend with throughout the ~4 mile hike. 

 

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Big South Fork National Recreation Area

November 15, 2026 I 10:30 AM I Moderate

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Burnt Mill Bridge Loop follows the Clear Fork River and allows for some beautiful views of giant rock formations and a few small falls along the way. Participants can expect a moderately challenging 4.2 mile hike along various trail terrains such as rocks, roots, stream crossings, and foot bridges. If you are feeling adventurous in the cold November temperatures, there is a swimming hole directly under Burnt Hill Bridge that we may stop at to dip our toes in at the end of the hike.

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House Mountain
December 5, 2026 I 9:30 AM I Difficult

 

This strenuous hike is well worth it to see the scenic view offered at the top of the Mountain! In addition to the panoramic view, House Mountain offers a variety of plant life and unique rock formations to explore on our way up. While the uphill is a beast, the way down is a much more pleasant downhill stroll. Participants should expect to hike around 3 miles total across difficult terrain such as roots, rock scrambles, and steep hills