Outdoor KnoxFest is PRODUCED BY the Legacy Parks Foundation

We'd like to thank our Sponsors, Volunteers, Committee Members and everyone that came out to experience the 2013 Outdoor KnoxFest! We hope you ENJOYED an exceptional weekend of outdoor adventure!

Slideshow from the 2013 Outdoor KnoxFest

Our thanks to Traci McDonell, Karen Wilkenson and Elle Colquitt for sharing their pictures of the weekend's events.

April 20-21, 2013

Two full days of Urban Adventure for everyone from an outdoor enthusiast to someone who simply loves to Get Out & Play! Experience Knoxville from a bicycle seat, stand up paddle board, canoe, trail, climbing wall, slack line and more during Outdoor KnoxFest. Teamed with the Dogwood Arts Festival, a nationally renowned, month-long celebration of the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee, Outdoor KnoxFest promises to be bigger and better this year! Find us on facebook at Outdoor KnoxFest

The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will be the hub for this year's mix of outdoor recreational venues that encourages people of all ages and levels of experience to participate. From guided trail rides, runs, hikes and paddles, the festival showcases Knoxville’s outdoor amenities with a special spotlight on the Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre urban playground only minutes from downtown. The many clinics offered will provide an opportunity to learn new skills or try out a new venue.

The event is produced by Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a recreational destination of the Southeast. Thanks to our great team of partners, the two-day festival will feature the following events:

Saturday, April 20

9:00 a.m. Pickel Road Rides - starts at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
The Smoky Mountain Wheelmen Bike Club will host a ride through the scenic backroads of East Tennessee ride with the option of 20, 40, and 60 mile routes. The ride honors Harry Pickel who is fondly remembered for his friendly greetings to all that journeyed by his store, the H & H Service Mart on Thorngrove Pike, established in 1895. All rides will start at 9 a.m. from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. A mechanic from Tennessee Valley Bikes will be at the registration table at 8 a.m. for bike checks.

9:00 a.m. Urban Wilderness Trail Run – starts at Knoxville Urban Wilderness at Meads Quarry
The Knoxville Track Club has charted a scenic and adventuresome 4-mile loop through Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. Runners and walkers will start at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Trail Map and pdf of Urban Trail Race Results

10:00 a.m. Bike Maintenance Clinic - at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Enjoy coffee and bagels as the folks at Tennessee Valley Bikes demonstrate maintenance skills and tips for keeping your bikes in good working condition on the road or trail. Event is sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club.

10:00 a.m. Rock Climbing 101 Clinic - at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Never tried climbing before? Or perhaps you have climbed before, but want to learn more of the technical details of roped climbing. The UT Outdoor Program will introduce the fundamental skills of rock climbing in a safe, supportive and fun environment. This clinic will focus on proper equipment and its use, belaying skills, knots and climbing technique. Includes all needed equipment.

11-4 p.m. Get Out and Play Activities - at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Experience the fun of a stand up paddle board; test your skills walking a slack line; your strategy to make it to the top of the climbing wall; your throwing skills at disc golf. Learn a few yoga stretches and poses to help with flexibility and strength — sample the dozens of other outdoor activities for all ages and skills. River Sports Outfitters, YMCA and the University of Tennessee's Outdoor Program have teamed up to provide all the equipment necessary for hours of fun for everyone. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles will be available. FREE - Family-friendly games and activities for all ages

11:00 a.m. Fly Fishing 101 Clinic - at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Tackle a few of the basic fly fishing skills as the experts at 3 Rivers Angler share their techniques on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear.

11:00 a.m. Urban Wilderness Hike - starts at Knoxville Urban Wilderness at Meads Quarry
Explore the unusual natural and man-made structures at Meads and Ross Marble Quarry at Ijams Nature Center, the heart of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Stephen Lyn Bales, naturalist at Ijams Nature Center, will lead the hike. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.

12:00 p.m. "First Time in the Woods" Mountain Bike Ride - starts at Knoxville Urban Wilderness at Meads Quarry
Beginner riders will follow experienced members of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and Tennessee Valley Bikes to learn important bike handling skills for navigating the trails in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. A bike check will be offered at 11:30. Bring your own bike, or contact Tennessee Valley Bikes by April 18 if you need one. Riders need to wear a helmet, have water and eye protection. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.

1:00 p.m. "Where's the Trail?" South Knox Mountain Bike Ride - starts at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Discover the impressive trail system just across the river from the heart of downtown in Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. Riders will learn how to safely commute to the trailhead at Meads Quarry and then break into 2 groups for a 7-14 mile trail ride before heading back. Bring bike, helmet, water and snacks. Meet at Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center.

2:00 p.m. Disc Golf Clinic - at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Learn the necessary skills and techniques of this competitive sport from members of the Knoxville Disc Golf Club. Good opportunity to learn the basics, or fine tune your skills, and compete in the Disc Golf Singles Tournament on Sunday!

2:00 p.m. Urban Wilderness Hike - meet at Fort Dickerson Park
Discover one of the best-preserved earthen forts from the Civil War era that rests on a knob just across the river from downtown! The exploration at Fort Dickerson Park will be led by Missy Kane and TREK South. Civil War historian, Dr. Joan Markel will share historical facts and features of the earthen forts within the Park. Meet at the lower parking lot for the Fort Dickerson Park Greenway, Augusta Avenue entrance.

3:00 p.m. Fly Fishing 101 Clinic - at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Tackle a few of the basic fly fishing skills as the experts at 3 Rivers Angler share their techniques on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear.

3:00 p.m. Bikes 'N Blooms Scenic Bike Ride South - starts at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Observe the beauty of the Dogwood Trails from the seat of a bicycle as you ride from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center to the colorful gardens that frame Island Home Boulevard. Riders will enjoy river views and tranquil forests as they continue on the greenway to Ijams Nature Center before returning. This scenic 8-mile ride will be led by Tennessee Valley Bikes. Riders must wear helmets. Young riders must be skilled at on-road riding, suggested age 8 and up.

3:00 p.m. Advanced Mountain Bike Ride – starts at Knoxville's Urban Wilderness at Meads Quarry
Experience the more challenging side of the Urban Wilderness with leaders from the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club as they tackle the more technical sections of the Urban Wilderness Trail system. Riders will break into 3 groups according to fitness and skill levels, — no one gets dropped. Route will be 10-20 miles and is designed for proficient trail riders. This is a good prep ride for Sunday’s Mountain Bike Checkpoint Race. Bring bike, gear, snacks and water.

4:00 p.m. "Get on the Greenway " Runs - starts at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Take a sprint along the scenic Neyland Greenway located behind the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. The Knoxville Track Club will host 2 events — the 1-mile Kids Fun Run course takes the younger sprinters out to the splash fountains at Volunteer Landing Park while the 5K participants continue on to the World's Fair Park before returning. Prizes awarded.

4:00 p.m. Group Paddle on the River - meet at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Delight in the beauty of Knoxville's waterfront on a guided paddle that skirts the shoreline of the Tennessee River. The UT Outdoor Program and the City of Knoxville will be providing the boats and gear.

Sunday, April 21

9:00 a.m. Bike Maintenance Clinic on the Trail – starts at Knoxville's Urban Wilderness at Meads Quarry
Learn how to fix those on the trail mountain bike repairs. Mechanics from Fountain City Pedaler Bike Shop will teach you how to do crucial in the woods wrenching to get you back on two wheels and on with your ride. Bring your bike, gear and water. The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club will the breakdowns. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.

11-4 p.m. Mountain Bike Checkpoint Race – starts at Knoxville's Urban Wilderness at Meads Quarry
Teams of two will race between checkpoints on South Knoxville's trails, roads and greenways. There is no set route and the checkpoints will remain secret until the start of the event. Teams going for all check points should prepare for around 40 miles. Riders need to carry their own gear, food and water as there are no sag vehicles or rest stops. Participants are required to burn a tail light when on roads. Be prepared for any circumstances you may encounter including, but not limited to: medical emergencies, navigational errors, inoperable equipment, wild animals, and stinging/poisonous insects and plants. Most of all have fun. Sponsored by Tennessee Valley Bikes and the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Tennessee Valley Bikes will be providing maps and prizes! All ages and skills are welcome. Teams must have a reliable digital camera so they can document the checkpoints! Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.

2:00 p.m. Sunday Singles Disc Golf Tournament - meet at Morningside Park
New and experienced players can compete in the Singles Tournament that will be held on the newly designed 18-hole course at Morningside Park. Players may want to take the Saturday Disc Golf Clinic for some expert tips from experienced members of the Knoxville Disc Golf Club. Meet at Morningside Park.

2:00 p.m. "Where's the Trail?" North Knox Mountain Bike Ride - starts at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Discover Knoxville's newest singletrack trail on the forested slopes of Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park, just north of downtown. Learn the safest route to the trails then join the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club on a ride through the woods before returning. Be prepared for a steep climb to the trailhead at Sharp's Ridge (walking your bike permitted). Bring bike, helmet, water and snacks.

2:00 p.m. Urban Wilderness Scramble - starts at Knoxville's Urban Wilderness at Meads Quarry
Scramble over the boulder fields and through the keyhole at Ross Marble Quarry, as you make your way to the old lime pit. Route will explore new trails with exceptional overviews. Discover the amazing diversity of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness with Sarah Brobst, naturalist with Ijams Nature Center. Be prepared to get dirty! Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.

2:00 p.m. Group Paddle on the River - meet at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Delight in the beauty of Knoxville's waterfront on a guided paddle that skirts the shoreline of the Tennessee River. The UT Outdoor Program and the City of Knoxville will be providing the boats and gear.

3:00 p.m. Bikes 'N Blooms Scenic Bike Ride North - starts at the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Behold the colorful displays of our native dogwood trees that fringe our boulevards and gardens. Leaving the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, riders will ride through downtown and loop through historic neighborhoods in North Knoxville. This scenic 8-mile ride will be led by Tennessee Valley Bikes. Riders must wear helmets. Young riders must be skilled at on-road riding, suggested age is 8 and up.

Slideshow from the 2012 Outdoor KnoxFest

Our thanks to Traci McDonell, George Middlebrooks, Stuart Cassell, Mary Beth Tugwell and Elle Colquitt for sharing their pictures of the weekend's events.