On Friday, October 7, the Missy Kane hiking group will head to the beautiful Seven Islands State Birding Park. Expert birders will join us on the hike to tell us about the variety of species that can be found at the park. Adventures are free for Friends of Legacy Parks and $10 per event for others. Info: Legacy Parks Foundation at 865-525-2585.
Join us Friday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for the 2022 Legacy Luncheon for the Parks. Author Cheryl Strayed will share her adventures from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as we overlook the beautiful Holston River from the spectacular Strong Stock Farm. The luncheon funds the work of Legacy Parks to create parks and trails and conserve our natural resources. Since 2007, Legacy Parks Foundation has raised more than $12 million for parks and open space.
This week
Sunday, Oct. 2
Race for the Summitt 5K: 9 a.m., Tyson Park. Info: Endurance Sports Management. Pat Summitt Foundation promotes education and research for Alzheimer’s disease. Register online.
Down the road
Friday, October 7
Ghost House Hike: 8 p.m., Big Ridge State Park. Cost $5. Info: Big Ridge State Park at 865-992-5523. Come hike our Ghost House trail at twilight while our ranger tells you tales of hauntings here at Big Ridge. The 1-mile tours Norton Grist Mill, Norton Cemetery and the remnants of an old homestead. Register online.
Saturday, October 8
Ijams Full Moon Kayak Trip: 6 p.m., Ijams River Landing. Cost $40. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 127. Join us for a 2-hour, guided paddle under the glow of the Hunter’s Moon. Uncover the secrets of the Tennessee River after dark and learn about the beautiful night sky while searching for unique plants, animals, and geologic features along the way. Register online.
Sunset Paddling Adventure: 7 p.m., Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. Cost $30. Info: Knoxville Adventure Collective at 865-228-8424. Join us for an evening paddle on the Tennessee River as the sun sets behind the downtown Knoxville skyline. Register online.
Sunday, October 9
Full Moon Hike: 7:30 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $10. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. We’ll discuss the nocturnal animals and owls, that live in the park and look and listen for evidence of them as they emerge from their daytime hiding places. Walk 2 miles on paved and unpaved trails. Bring flashlights, red or other colored lights preferred. Register online.
Visit us online at OutdoorKnoxville.com. Add your event to our calendar: Submit an event at https://outdoorknoxville.com/events-calendar/submit-an-event/
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.