Near Sharp's Ridge Loop
A dead tree hangs precariously over Sharp Shin.
Near Sharp's Ridge Loop
Fire Break Trail in the evening.
Near Sharp's Ridge Loop
Overlooking Knoxville from the west end of the park.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Sharp's Ridge Loop

3.8 (4 Ratings)
Close to downtown, this easy escape features rolling trails through thick forest with occasional city views.
3.5
mi
Distance
750
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.47mi
Distance
750ft
Elevation Gain
750ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
1,351ft
High Point
1,110ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
To get to the first picnic area/trailhead, drive to Sharp's Ridge Park, continuing on Sharps Ridge Memorial Park Drive at the intersection of Freemason Street and Ludlow Avenue. Continue along Sharps Ridge Memorial Park Drive for about 0.6 miles, past the radio towers, and the picnic area will be on the right. Park along the road or in a pullout. Begin hiking along Fire Break Trail (the uppermost trail). It's pretty mellow, rolling along but mostly contouring along the hillside. There are a number of social trails crisscrossing between, above, and below the established and mapped trails, and even the established trails are poorly signed making this park fairly challenging to navigate. However, because it's a pretty compact and contained trail network, it's pretty low consequence if you find yourself on the wrong trail--up leads back to the road and down takes you to the neighborhoods below. The Mobile App is a great tool if you're looking to stay on course!If you follow the Fire Break Trail to its end, you'll pop out into the cul de sac at the end of Sharps Ridge Memorial Park Drive. Near the end, you'll also pass the start of Knight Fall Downhill, a mountain biking only trail, which is signed and begins with a wooden feature. Respect the trail signage and please don't hike on the mountain biking trail!Sharp Shin Trail actually splits off of Fire Break Trail a bit below the mountain bike trail and the road. The junction isn't signed, but the Sharp Shin Trail drops down to the left. It's a narrow trail that descends the hillside with a couple of switchbacks. There's a junction with Push Line, the uphill-only trail used by mountain bikers to climb back to the top of Knight Fall. Pass through this intersection to continue on Sharp Shin Trail. About 0.6 miles along the trail, there's a connector trail linking Sharp Shin Trail and Lincoln Trail. Drop down to the Lincoln Trail, and follow this mellow, mostly flat trail about 1.3 miles back to the road and trailhead.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Amber Scott