Six lodges are included in the Tennessee State Parks system, and the newest one is the 91-room Lodge at Paris Landing. Located on the western shore of the Tennessee River, which is dammed to form Kentucky Lake, the Lodge offers modern room designs, a full-service restaurant, and a bar and lounge. It’s a perfect spot for boating, swimming, fishing and skiing. Check out the amenities and pricing here.
Trees: Seeking your opinion
The Urban Forest Master Plan Survey is open. It is citywide. Fill out a short questionnaire to get your opinions to decision makers. Your input is what will help shape this plan for our city!
Now let’s look at a sampling of some area events ahead:
Ongoing Event
Tennessee National Bike Festival – March 17-26: Various Times. Windrock Bike Park. Info: 865-435-3492. Details and registration online.
Saturday, March 18
Third Saturday Hike: 9 a.m., UT Arboretum Auditorium. Free. Info: UT Arboretum at 865-483-3571. Enjoy the forests and trails in this lovely, wooded setting on a 2-mile hike. All levels welcomed. No pets please. Details online.
LRTC Wildflower Hike: 9 a.m., River Bluff SWA Trail. Free. Info: Little River Trading Co at 865-681-4141. 3-mile trail winds along the Clinch River and is known for its plethora of wildflowers. Bring camera and wildflower identification book. RSVP Required – email Dolphin Riggs at dolphin@littlerivertradingco.com for details.
Spring Hike: 10 a.m., Norris Dam State Park. Free. Info: 865-426-7461. Meet Park Ranger Holly Frerichs at the Grist Mill for a hike on the Lower Clear Creek Trail. Register online.
Hiking Basics Workshop: 5 p.m. Free. Info: REI Pigeon Forge at 865-366-4310. Participants will learn how to prepare for a day hike, what essential items to bring, where to explore local trails. Register online.
Sunday, March 19
Fishing Rodeo Classic: 12:30 p.m., Fountain City Lake. Free. Info: Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency. 18 years of age and younger accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register online.
Lucky Kidney Run: 3 p.m., World’s Fair Park. Info: East TN Kidney Foundation. Knox Shamrock Fest is from 1-5 p.m., run starts at 3 p.m. Register online.
Monday, March 20
Fun Run: 6:30 p.m. Free. Info: Bearden Beer Market at 865-851-8922. Check Facebook for details and updates.
Tuesday, March 21
Cycology Service Clinics: 5:30 p.m. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Roadside/Trailside Emergency Repair: Proper cleaning and lubrication of your bike and its drivetrain, as well as tips on what methods to avoid. Details online.
The Long Run: 6 p.m. Info: 865-851-7874. Run to Tom Black Track on the UT campus. Run easy or do the track workout adjustable to your pace and comfort level. Afterwards, relax on the patio with a free local draft beer. Details online.
Wednesday, March 22
Get on the Trail with Missy Kane: 9 a.m., Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cost $25. Info: Friends of the Smokies. We’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Get on the Trail with Friends and Missy, former U.S. Olympian and fitness expert. This week, hike 4-miles on the Gatlinburg Trail. Details and registration online.
Young Professionals of Knoxville Pizza Ride: 7 p.m., Two Bikes Knoxville. Info: 865-951-2950. Join us for a social ride to South Coast Pizza. Enjoy pizza and beverages. Bring front and rear light. Open to all. Details online.
Thursday, March 23
Guided Hike: 10 a.m. OR 6 p.m., William Hastie Natural Area. Free. Info: City of Knoxville Parks & Rec at 865-215-1700. Meet at the Trailhead for a guided hike with our Parks & Rec staff.
Friday, March 24
Night Frog Walk: 7:30 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $10. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Join Ranger Clare to learn about the common frogs and toads and how to identify them by their songs. Bring a flashlight/headlamp. Register online.
Saturday, March 25
Volunteer Workday: 9 a.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Free. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Meet Ranger Stephanie to clean up litter on the trails and shorelines. Trash bags, nitrile gloves and some litter tongs/grabbers available. Register online.
Adopt a Stream/Road Cleanup: 9 a.m., Roy Arthur /Harrell Road Stormwater Park. Free. Info: Beaver Creek Kayak Club. We will clean Harrell Road from Oak Ridge Hwy to Emory Rd, Roy Arthur Stormwater Park and the stream banks of Beaver Creek. Details online.
Sunday, March 26
Sunday Morning Runners: 8 a.m., Third Creek Greenway – Forest Park Blvd. Info: Sunday Morning Runners. Sunday morning run on the Third Creek Greenway. Your distance, your pace. Check Facebook for confirmation of time & meetup.
Annual Wildflower Hikes: 10 a.m., River Bluff Small Wild Area. Free. Info: Norris Dam State Park at 865-426-7461. Register online.
An Afternoon of Ijams History with Paul James: 2 p.m. Cost $5. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. Join former Ijams director Paul James for a look back on the history of the Ijams family, a family like no other. 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.