Big Fun Tuesdays at Meads Quarry returns this week on Aug. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at Ijams Nature Center. Join in the fun on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month to hit the trails on a mountain bike, rent a paddleboard, canoe or kayak from RiverSports, enjoy some great local music, or just sit and enjoy a bit of nature. Food trucks and beer garden open. For more info go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.
Friday, July 30
Kayak Fishing Tournament from 6-10 p.m. at Cove Lake State Park. Cost is $20. Tournament is limited to personal hard bottom kayaks. No gas motors are permitted, but electric trolling motors operated at paddling speed allowed. For more info or to register go here or call 423-566-9701.
Sunset Canoe Float beginning at 8 p.m. at Panther Creek State Park. Cost is $10. Cover the basics of canoeing on this relaxing evening float. Life jackets provided. Cost is $10. For more info or to register go here or call 423-587-7046.
Saturday, July 31
Birding Basics Hike beginning at 8 a.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost is $5. Hike 3 miles and learn the basics of birding, including tips for identification, bird songs, and the best tools and resources for beginning birders. Open to birders of all ages. For more info or to register go here or call 715-630-6848.
Healthy Hike beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Norris Dam State Park. Join Ranger Holly for a healthy hike on the Andrew’s Ridge Trail. For more info or to register go here or call 865-426-7461.
Trail Volunteer Workday beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Ijams Nature Center. Volunteers meet at Mead’s Quarry Adventure Camp and then hike Tharp Trace Trail to remove non-native, invasive plants along the trail’s corridor. For more info or to register go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.
Wednesday, August 4
Cycling Cades Cove Loop: Sunrise to Sunset. Cades Cove. Info: Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 865-436-7318. Enjoy the Cades Cove Loop Road on vehicle-free Wednesdays. Details and map online.
Thursday, August 5
Thursday Trail Fun Run: 6:30 p.m. at Meads Quarry. Event is Event is free. Join 865 Running every Thursday, weather permitting, for a short or middle range run. Go 865 Running for more info.
To find more outdoor activities, go here.
Thanks to Legacy Parks Foundation for providing the Outdoor Knoxville calendar.