A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Knoxville, Tennessee

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Sharp's Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Sharp's Ridge Loop

Birding
moderate
3.47 mi
+750 ft
House Mountain Loop

Hike Route

House Mountain Loop

Birding
strenuous
4.05 mi
+1,284 ft
UT Arboretum 3-Mile Loop

Hike Route

UT Arboretum 3-Mile Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
2.98 mi
+399 ft
Maryville Woods College Loop

Hike Route

Maryville Woods College Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.9 mi
+90 ft
Glendale Lollipop

Hike Route

Glendale Lollipop

Fall Colors
moderate
2.26 mi
+145 ft
Abrams Falls Out and Back

Hike Route

Abrams Falls Out and Back

Birding
moderate
4.97 mi
+725 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Cades Cove Loop

Hike Route

Cades Cove Loop

Wildflowers
moderate
10.46 mi
+624 ft
Spence Field Loop

Hike Route

Spence Field Loop

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
12.85 mi
+3,225 ft
Thunderhead Mountain + Rocky Top

Hike Route

Thunderhead Mountain + Rocky Top

Views
extreme
16.17 mi
+4,390 ft
Smokies Challenge Adventure Run (SCAR)

Hike Route

Smokies Challenge Adventure Run (SCAR)

Birding
strenuous
71 mi
+18,001 ft
Appalachian Trail: Fontana Dam to Clingmans Dome

Hike Route

Appalachian Trail: Fontana Dam to Clingmans Dome

Views
extreme
33.32 mi
+10,978 ft
Little River Trail

Hike Route

Little River Trail

Waterfall
easy
12.34 mi
+1,211 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Big Ridge State Park Tour

Hike Route

Big Ridge State Park Tour

Fall Colors
moderate
5.14 mi
+865 ft
Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain Fire Tower

Hike Route

Laurel Falls to Cove Mountain Fire Tower

Fall Colors
moderate
8.27 mi
+2,088 ft
Middle Prong Trail

Hike Route

Middle Prong Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
7.72 mi
+1,193 ft
Gregory Bald Out and Back

Hike Route

Gregory Bald Out and Back

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.8 mi
+2,241 ft
Cucumber Gap Loop

Hike Route

Cucumber Gap Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
5.48 mi
+805 ft
North & South Old Mac Trail

Hike Route

North & South Old Mac Trail

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
7.25 mi
+2,008 ft