Trail 4: High Ground Park
Overview
This is one of the closest hikes to the city center of Knoxville, and it’s stroller-friendly! This short but sweet hike is perfect as a real but accessible outing for toddlers and little kids. The red chairs at the top are a fun stopping point. The deep woods are pretty and offer something new in each season. This could be a great first hike for toddlers – it was one of the first for our little one, and made us feel like we could start venturing to other regional hiking destinations.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 0.5 hours - 1 hour |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 0.7 |
| Elevation Change | Gentle |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | No |
| Best Ages | Toddlers and Little kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: High Ground Park, 1000 Cherokee Trail, Knoxville, TN 37920
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.93824, -83.9258
The trail begins from the parking lot at the above address; look for the paved path near the back of the parking lot. You can’t miss it!
Structures formed from shaping rocks and soil, often as part of forts around Knoxville constructed during the Civil War. Surprisingly long-standing. The earthworks here and at the nearby Fort Dickerson include ramparts – small hills or banks that served as defensive walls.
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | Start off on the trail with a gentle descent. |
| 0.1 | Enter the wooded part of the hike and begin a gentle climb. |
| 0.35 | Red chairs and the large open area. Head toward the mowed grassy section. |
| 0.4 | Look for a spur trail that heads to the site of the Fort Higley earthworks, constructed during the Civil War by Union forces. |
| 0.7 | Traihead. |
Nearby
- Stop by a fun food hall before or after! The nearby Kern’s Food Hall (2201 Kerns Rising Way, Knoxville, TN 37920) has a good range of options and an outdoor play area for kids to romp around.
- For more outdoor fun, hike the nearby River Bluff Wildlife area. The nearby River Bluff Wildlife Area is an interesting counterbalance to the ease of High Ground Park. it features a short but rustic hike to a pretty overlook of the city.**** Visit Knoxville’s website (https://www.visitknoxville.com/) has more information and a nice map.