Trail 2: Ijams Riverside
Overview
It’s easy to take this destination for granted if you live in Knoxville – we seem to find something new every time we visit! Bring along your baby carrier for this hike, which is meant to be a gentle introduction to what Ijams refers to as the Riverside area. The trail starts by the Ijams Nature Center’s visitor center and meanders down through a deep forest to the river. It continues along the boardwalk trail that happens to follow the side of the very first mile of the Tennessee River. The trail returns back up and over a rocky ridge to return to the visitor center. Ijams offers multiple play areas and links to other trails nearby, so you can make a day of it!
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 45 minutes - 1.5 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 1.05 |
| Elevation Change | Moderate |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Required (pay on site) |
| Restroom(s) | Yes |
| Best Ages | Toddlers and Little Kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.95612, -83.86725
Use the above address to easily navigate to the parking area. Park in the large parking lot near the Visitor’s Center.
Blue Phlox is a native wildflower that blooms in early to mid-spring. These plants provide an important source of early-season nectar for pollinators, like the swallowtail butterfly and other native moths. -MaryRose Weatherton
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Start near the doors to the Visitor’s Center and access the trail via the wooden steps. |
| 0.05 | Turn left to begin the North Cove Trail. |
| 0.2 | Turn right onto the River Trail. |
| 0.4 | Short wooden stairs down to the boardwalk section. |
| 0.5 | End of the boardwalk section. |
| 0.6 | Climb rock steps. |
| 0.7 | Turn right on the Tower Trail (or, optionally, remain on the River Trail to head toward Mead’s Quarry). |
| 0.85 | Pass an old communication tower at the high point of the trail; begin to descend back to the Visitor’s Center. |
| 1.03 | Return to the Visitor’s Center. |
Nearby
- Visiting Jo’s Grove near the Visitor’s Center. This area which features a fun cabin and a wooded area for kids to play (this is a premiere hide-and-seek spot!**
- Grabbing a bite to eat on the south side of Knoxville! Our favorites include South Coast Pizza (1103 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920) and Angry Dumplings Tea (1119 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920). Breweries nearby also abound, as well as Suttree Landing Park, which boasts a very fun playground.
- Seeing more of what Ijams has to offer. Check by checking out the Ijams Crag hike across the road at Mead’ Quary!