Trail 7: Sequoyah Park
Overview
This is another gem among Knoxville city parks, nestled in the heart of the the city in a neighborhood. The trail starts at a large parking area near the restroom building and walks towards the river. It follows the river past open fields, trees, and bushes which playfully beckon for kids not to explore! The trail cuts up toward the greenway and hikes past Indian burial mounds and the historic homes along the path before returning to the start. In mild weather, it is a fantastic spot to hang up a hammock, fish, have a picnic, or toss a frisbee or a football. This outing is ideal for kids of all walking ages, and alternate ways to access the greenway make it easy to create a shorter loop.
Key Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Estimate | 1 hour - 2 hours |
| Trail Distance (Miles) | 2.1 |
| Elevation Change | Flat |
| Pets | Allowed on leash |
| Parking Pass/Entrance Fee | Not Required |
| Restroom(s) | Yes |
| Best Ages | Toddlers and Little Kids |
| Strollers and Wheelchairs | Not accessible |
Directions to the Trailhead
Trailhead Address: Sequoyah Park Restrooms, W2HG+M9, Knoxville, TN 37919
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 35.92932, -83.97398
Trees characterized by an umbrella-shaped crown. The tree near the start of this hike (surrounded by a wire enclosure to prevent cars from being parked nearby) is known as a “Champion” of its kind – the largest Elm in Knoxville.
The above address takes you to the parking area next to restrooms that serve as a landmark for this sprawling park. Please note that the address uses a “Plus” code that only works with Google Maps because the restrooms and trailhead don’t have an assigned address. %EXPLAIN PLUS CODE%
Trail Description
| Distance from Start | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Walk southwest (toward the large, open part of the park) along the river. |
| 0.1 | Kayak and canoe put in spot on the right. |
| 0.25 | Enter a wooded section. |
| 0.4 | Bench. |
| 0.65 | Distinctive, dome-shaded trees that kids can crawl into, between, and through. |
| 0.9 | Small rocky hill to walk over (you can walk around it on the greenway, but kids may enjoy scrambling up it). |
| 1.1 | Boat launch. Head up beside or through the parking lot to Sequoyah Greenway in the center of Cherokee Blvd. Turn left onto the greenway. |
| 1.2 | Native American mound. Note the historical marker. Walk along past the homes on both sides of the greenway. |
| 2.05 | Traihead. |
These earthen mounds are found in many places along the Mississippi River and its tributaries—like the Tennessee River. Nobody is completely sure why they were built, but some believe they served as gathering spots or markers to return to time and again. The mound here may date back as early as the 1400s, likely created by one of the Native Nations with ancestral ties to the Knoxville region.
Nearby
- Grab a coffee, baked good, or breakfast! Nearby Treetop Coffee Shop (1206 Kenesaw Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919) and The Plaid Apron restaurant (1210 Kenesaw Ave, Knoxville, TN 37919) next door are great places to stop by. Check their hours of operation before visiting!
- Explore a bit more of the neighborhood! Nearby Whitlow Park (4228 Whitlow Ave SW, Knoxville, TN 37919) features a small but fun playground, nice tennis courts, and a basketball court.