While Knoxville may not be the winter destination folks flock to when they want to enjoy knee-deep snow, when those little flurries do start drifting down, that's the time to pull out your cross country skiis, snowshoes and sled. There are places to go, trails to explore and snowbears to be built!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Hiking: After a snowfall, the park's landscape is enriched with woods blanketed in snow, icicles hanging from rock ledges, waterfalls frozen mid-stream, and delicate hoar frost that coats winter's vegetation. The trails in the park are one of the best places to head to when the weather calls for snow. It's important to call and check for any road closures before heading out. A few accessories that are very beneficial for winter hiking are a pair of  Yaktrax for your hiking shoes to help you navigate icy trails, trekking poles to keep your balance, and gaiters to keep you warm and dry when the snow is deep.

Skiing and Snowshoeing: The 7-mile stretch of Clingman's Dome Road makes a perfect snow trail from December 1 to March 31 when the Park closes the road to vehicular traffic. At 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Smokies so it probably gets more snow than anywhere else in the Park. Being closed in the winter, the road never gets plowed so when we get snow, conditions are excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing! Before heading out, check to see if the road to the Newflound Gap parking area is open. This is the best place to park for access to the gated Dome Road. Snowshoers can also access the Appalachian Trail that leaves the Newfound Gap parking lot. In addition, there is a nature trail at the far end of the Newfound Gap parking area that's fun to explore.

Market Square

Snow or no snow, from late November to early January, Holidays on Ice provides a wonderful ice skating rink for some winter-time fun in the heart of downtown! There is a charge for admission and you can rent or bring your own skates — it's a fun activity for the whole family!

Where to play? What to do? If you're not sure how you want to spend a couple of hours, a day, or a weekend — browsing through Outdoor Knoxville's list of play areas is a great place to start. Local parks are perfect for family outings and getting together with friends for a frisbee match. Use one of our greenways for an early morning run or to bicycle around town. Find a trail to explore with the family or to test your mountain bike skills. Romp around with your favorite four-legged companion at the dog park or let him swim at one of the waterfront parks. Maybe fly fishing a cold mountain stream or spending the day paddling down one of our lakes or rivers. Knoxville has abundant parks, greenways, trails, lakes, and rivers for your recreational pleasure. Add to that our bountiful regional gems and there is endless adventure awaiting you!

DOG PARKS

GREENWAYS

PARKS

RIVERS/LAKES

TRAILS

Parks provide the perfect setting for spending the day outdoors. Whether it's enjoying a run, walking your dog, teaching a child to ride a bike, playing a round of disc golf, or just reading a book on a grassy lawn — our parks are designed for your enjoyment. Knoxville has many local and state parks to explore and each one is unique in its landscape and layout. We're also fortunate be in close proximity to the southeast's best national parks and recreational areas. We've listed them all so find one near you to explore! 

Downtown

North

South

East

West

Regional

Overview Map of City and County of Knoxville Parks

Overview Map of Regional Parks