Hey, there are dozens of outdoors events this week. See our full calendar at Outdoor Knoxville. Meanwhile, here are 10 opportunities.
Sunday, October 15
Autumn Glory in the Smokies with the Sierra Club – Oct 15-20: 8 a.m., GSM Institute at Tremont. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont at 865-448-6709. Group will travel to the trail location for the day’s hike and return in the afternoon to relax and socialize. Evenings activities include Appalachian storytelling, live traditional mountain music, black bear ecology and discussion of environmental issues. Register online. One spot left.
Tuesday, October 17
Bearden Greenway Ride: 6 p.m. Bearden Bike & Trail. Free. Info: Bearden Bike & Trail at 865-200-8710. 14-21-mile greenway ride exploring downtown Knoxville. All skill levels. Usually dine outdoors after the ride. Weather permitting. Details online.
Thursday, October 19
Intermediate Group Road Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Route and pace determined by the leader and group. Route length is 30-35 miles at a 15-17 MPH average pace with regrouping along the route. Call store to register.
Seven Islands Birding State Park Float: 12:30 p.m., Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. Info: Knoxville Adventure Collective at 865-228-8424. The French Broad River put in at Seven Island State Birding Park and take out at Cruze Landing, is the perfect stretch for beginner kayakers. It’s 5 miles with a combination of flatwater and easy shoals. Sunday and Thursday. Register online.
Walk With Elected Officials: 6 p.m., Bearden Middle School. Free. Info: Bike Walk Knoxville. The walk will highlight walkability at Bearden Middle School and West Hills Elementary School, as well as in West Hills neighborhoods. This is an opportunity to engage with elected officials and community members about how policy, funding and infrastructure impact safety for walking in our community. Details online.
Saturday, October 21
Miles To Margaritas 5K: 8 a.m., Volunteer Landing Park. Info: Miles to Margaritas. Out and back for a flat and fast 5k course finishing with a flavorful Margarita. Start with a run, end with a Margarita. Portion of proceeds benefits Young-Williams Animal Shelter Foster Program. Register online.
Quick Start Your Kayak: 9 a.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost $50. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Class taught by an ACA Certified Instructor. This is a short program emphasizing safety, enjoyment, and skill acquisition for entry level paddlers You will learn trip planning, water safety, basic proper strokes and paddling technique, and practice these skills on the water. Register online.
Saturday Spruce Up: 9-noon, Adair Park. Info: Keep Knoxville Beautiful at 865-521-6957. We’ll be removing invasive species, including privet, bush honeysuckle and English ivy. Supplies provided. Register online.
Sunday, October 22
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.
Fall Foliage Float: 10 a.m. AND 2 p.m., Big Ridge State Park. Cost $25. Info: Big Ridge State Park at 865-992-5523. Park Ranger Ethan will be leading this program on both land and water. Enjoy a hike on the Fisherman’s Trail to Norris Lake then kayak along the shorelines and discuss the park’s rich history, folklore, folklife, as well as any flora or fauna that we discover along the way. Register online.
Visit us online at OutdoorKnoxville.com
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation. Find dozens of outdoors events at outdoorknoxville.com