Trail 3: Lakeshore Park
Overview
A gem in Knoxville’s city park system, this hike, entirely on a paved path, circles the perimeter of the park, featuring high points, views of the Smokies, and a boardwalk along the river. It also boasts four excellent play areas along the way! Well known, but not overrated, this is a great spot for a hike that could fit into a busy weekend, or even a weeknight, and is great for young ones of all ages, truly offering something for everyone.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 1.5 hours - 2.5 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 2.2 |
| Elevation Change | Gentle |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | Yes |
| Best Ages | Toddlers, Little Kids, and Big Kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Lakeshore Park, 6014 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.92389, -83.990
The address above navigates to the park’s main entrance. Our hike starts at a large parking area near the center of the park. To find it, entering Lakeshore from Lyons View Pike, turn onto Cliffside Dr. and park in the large parking area on the right, immediately past Circle Dr. Start on the greenway near the parking lot on the same side of the road on which you are parked. Of course, you can park elsewhere nearby or in any parking area at Lakeshore.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Cross Orchard Drive, heading clockwise on the paved greenway. Note the greenway on the left, which immediately heads toward the Huie Woodland Playground. |
| 0.05 | Bench and overlook to the Smokies. Can you spy Clingman’s Dome? Note that Hank Rappé playground is immediately below the greenway (to your right). |
| 0.15 | Short, steep descent! |
| 0.4 | Optional boardwalk section (recommended!). Check out the viewing platform overlooking the Tennessee River around 200 feet ahead on the left. |
| 0.5 | Boardwalk and the primary greenway reconnect. |
| 0.9 | Central Playground on the right. |
| 1.2 | Tower Playground on the right. |
| 1.5 | Ascent (followed by a little hill back down) begins. |
| 2.2 | Traihead. |
Surprisingly, the crest of the Smokies (and the Appalachian Trail) are visible from this park. The Appalachian Trail is more than 2,100 miles long, beginning at Springer Mountain, Georgia, and ending at Mount Katahdin, in Maine. The longest section without a road crossing is in the Smokies – from Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap.
Nearby
- Enjoy one or more of the many playgrounds! There are four awesome playgrounds at Lakeshore: Hank Rappé (universal playground with a bit of everything), Huie Woodland (nature-themed), Tower (lots of climbing opportunities, best for kids age 5 and older), and Central (best suited for ages 5 and older, and with workout equipment nearby for adults).
- Bring a picnic! Lakeshore seems made for picnics. Enjoy one on a grassy area or one numerous seating areas near the Hank Rappé, Tower, and Central playgrounds.