Whether it’s group hiking or activities organized by Ijams Nature Center, there are plenty of family-friendly events coming up in the area. Check out the Father-Daughter Hike at the UT Arboretum (2/16); the Family Hootenanny at Ijams (2/16); Nature Nuggets: Predator and Prey at Ijams (2/21); a Healthy Hike on the Oscar Blevins Farm Loop Trail at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area (2/23); an Earth Kinship for Families experience at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2/23); a live-animal reptile presentation by Ijams at Farragut Town Hall (2/23); and a family survival challenge at Ijams (2/24).
Friday, Feb. 15
Hike – Charlies Bunion: 7:30 a.m., Newfound Gap Parking Area. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318 x349. Join us for a 9-mile day hike along a popular section of the Appalachian Trail starting out with a steady, heart-pumping climb the first two miles. Rated strenuous due to many exposed roots and rocks. Preregistration required. Fees apply. Register online.
CVTA North Boundary Trails Group Run: 5:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails in Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. We’ll break into several groups of similar distance and pace. Veteran trail runners will lead newcomers on a low-key introduction to trail running. Easy, ~3.5 mile, no-drop run. Options available for more experienced runners to break off and run faster/farther/harder. Bring a headlamp.
Friday Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Pour Taproom. Free. Info: 865 Running. Run 3 miles downtown, World’s Fair Park and river walk. Then drinks with 10 percent off! All levels welcome.
2019 Fly Fishing Film Tour: 7 p.m., Relix Variety Theatre. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. With an emphasis on the people, places and fisheries that help make up the vast world of fly fishing, the 2019 F3T will take you from Alaska to Florida, South Dakota to French Polynesia, British Columbia to the coast of Australia and more! Purchase tickets online.
Saturday, Feb. 16
Hike Rich Mountain Loop: 8 a.m., Alcoa Food City OR Cades Cove Loop parking lot at 9:15 a.m. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leader: Mark and Janet Snyder. Moderate 9.5-mile hike on Rich Mountain, Loop Trail. We’ll hike part of the Indian Grave Gap Trail and all of the Crooked Arm Trail. Along the way we will look at six former home sites and stop at the site of the former Rich Mountain Fire Tower and Warden’s cabin.
Bike Zoo Saturday Ride: 9 a.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. 3-hour ride of 50+ miles at a fast pace of 18/20 mph. Weather permitting.
Father-Daughter Hike/Third Saturday Hike: 9 a.m., UT Arboretum Auditorium. Free. Info: UT Arboretum at 865-483-3571. Everyone is welcome on this hike. We encourage grandfathers to bring their granddaughters, uncles to bring their nieces, mothers to bring sons, everyone to bring someone special or just bring yourself! Hikes will be varied in intensity level, and the route may be changed due to weather conditions or leader’s choice. This hike will be led by a volunteer familiar with the UT Arboretum and the trail system.
Fly Fishing 101: 9 a.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Free. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. Each class teaches the basics of rigging, casting and other intro-to-fly-fishing skills. All of the gear and instruction is provided free of charge. Space is limited, so please make sure to sign up well in advance.
Flat Tire Clinic: 9-10 a.m. or 11-12 p.m., West Bicycles. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Flat Tire Clinic to learn to repair flats quickly. Cost: $10. Limit 10 per class. Includes one spare tube.
Zen Evo Chocolate Lovers Valentine 5K: 10 a.m., Victor Ashe Park. Info: Endurance Sports Management. The course is an out & back route with a loop through the Northwest Middle School walking paths. Details and registration online.
Annual Cumberland Trail Work Day: 10 a.m., Obed Wild & Scenic River. Free. Info: Obed Wild & Scenic River at 423-346-6294. Meet at Rock Creek Campground. Trail maintenance will be performed on the 2.5-mile section of the Cumberland Trail between Rock Creek Campground and Alley Ford.
Resolution Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Join us for our 3rd annual Resolution Ride, a free social-paced ride of 15- or 35-miles over gently rolling terrain.
Black Mountain Trail Hike: 10 a.m., Black Mountain Trailhead. Free. Info: Little River Trading Co. at 865-681-4141. The Black Mountain Trail Section of the Cumberland Trail includes a climb through beautiful forest land up the southwest flank of Black Mountain. Trail is 3.6-mile one way with optional 1-mile loop. Moderate to difficult south to north. Must RSVP. Need to know if you are meeting Dolphin at the Trailhead at 10 a.m. or meeting Barbara Allen to carpool from the Turkey Creek Target at 8:45 a.m.
Gears/Brake Clinic: 1 p.m., West Bicycles. Cost: $40. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Learn gear and brake repairs in our 1-hour class on Saturdays. Limit 4 per class. Call shop to reserve your spot.
Tennessee Naturalist Program at Ijams: 1 p.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost: $250. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. Tennessee Naturalist Program (TNP) is an education training course designed to introduce the natural history of Tennessee to interested adults. Graduates join a critical corps of Tennessee Naturalist volunteers providing education, outreach and service dedicated to the appreciation, understanding and beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Details and registration online.
Family Hootenanny: 6-9 p.m., Ijams Nature Center. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. Owl games, owl pellets, owl meet and greets, owl walks, and even an owl call competition. The Hootenanny begins at 6 p.m. with games, pellet dissections and the sign-up for our owl call competition. Games shut down and call competition starts at 6:45 p.m. Cost: $10 or $35 for family. Register online.
Sunday, Feb. 17
Whitestone 30K: 8 a.m., Whitestone Inn in Kingston. Info: Knoxville Track Club. A lovely, rolling, scenic and rural course that runs through the countryside. Downhill start means uphill finish! This is a rural route and runners should be aware that there are some unleashed dogs along the course. This is NOT a walker-friendly course. The course time limit is 4 hours and will be strictly enforced. Details and registration online.
Co-ed Mountain Bike Ride: Loyston Loops Love: 1 p.m. Loyston Point Trails. Free. Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Join Trek Women’s Advocate Lisa Mueller and shop ambassador Allan Mueller for this casual, no-drop ride. We will ride Mill Creek Loop (7+ miles) and Loyston Loop (5+ miles). Waiver and details online.
Intro to Climbing: 1 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Yoga for Climbers: 7 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost: $8. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Join us for yoga every Sunday. Participants will receive a 20 percent off PrAna & Lole card.
Debord Falls Moonlight Hike: 7 p.m., Frozen Head State Park. Cost: $2. Info: Frozen Head State Park at 423-346-3318. Meet Ranger Ross at the Panther Branch Parking area to start our half-mile hike to Debord Falls. Register online.
Monday, Feb. 18
KTC Group Run: 6 p.m., Balter Beerworks. Free. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Monday evening social-pace group run; afterward, stick around for a discounted beer.
South Knox Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Alliance Brewing Company. Free. 865 Running. Social-pace 3-ish mile run; come back for $1 beers. All levels are welcome.
Bearden Beer Market Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Bearden Beer Market. Free. Info: Bearden Beer Market at 865-851-8922. Group Fun Run through the neighborhood. Open to all levels of walkers and runners followed by $1 off all pints.
Group Run Alcoa/Maryville Greenway: 6:30 p.m., Bike N’Tri in Maryville. Free. Info: Bike N’Tri at 615-944-1729. Group run on the Alcoa/Maryville Greenway. All levels welcome.
Smoky Mountain Wheelmen Monthly Meeting: 6:30 p.m., Calhoun’s on Bearden Hill. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Wheelmen. Monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. We usually have a speaker for the meeting, so arrive early and show the speaker your support by attending.
Tuesday, Feb. 19
Tuesday B Group Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. B Group is a no-drop ride (15-18 mph) 35-45 miles. Must have general skills to ride roads with car traffic. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Tuesday A Group Ride: 10:30 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. A Group rides 40+ miles at 20+ average pace. This group is for advanced riders with good pace-line skills. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Sequoyah Hills Tree Walk Pint Night: 5 p.m., Sequoyah Park west parking lot. Free. Info: Trees Knoxville and Bearden Beer Market. Join us for a tree-identification walk in Sequoyah Hills Park. Kasey Krouse, the city’s Urban Forester, will lead the group in identifying tree species of the area and the characteristics unique to these trees. We should finish the walk by 6:30 p.m. and then we’ll head to Bearden Beer Market for tree talk and pints.
Intro to Climbing: 6 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Monthly Bro Ride: 6 p.m. Baker Creek Preserve. Free. Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Join Allan Mueller for the men’s only Monthly Bro Ride. Pace will be casual, and riders will have the opportunity to try new trails/features and session sections. If you would like to get more comfortable with jumps and features, this is the ride for you. BRING HEADLIGHTS! We’ll be riding in the dark.
Monthly Flow & Glow Ride: 6 p.m. Baker Creek Preserve. Free. Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Join Trek Women’s Advocate Lisa Mueller for a fun evening riding the flow trails. BRING HEADLIGHTS! We’ll be riding in the dark. Pace will be casual, and riders will have the opportunity to try new trails and session sections.
ABCs of Tubeless Systems: 6:30 p.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Is tubeless right for you? Learn the pros and cons of tubeless setups for road, hybrid, gravel and mountain bikes, and maintenance and upkeep of tubeless systems. Also learn about some great equipment for your tubeless system. Information session, 45-60 minutes.
Oak Ridge Velodrome Public Presentation: 7 p.m. Oak Ridge Civic Center Craft Room. Free.Info: Oak Ridge Velodrome Project. The Oak Ridge Velodrome project team will be providing a brief overview of the project to the City of Oak Ridge Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, as well as receiving input, feedback and questions from the board members and members of the community. If you’re a cyclist in the area and want to hear more, please make plans to attend. Space may be limited, so please acknowledge attendance online.
Wednesday, Feb. 20
TVB Yoga for Cyclists: 7 a.m., Tennessee Valley Bikes. Cost: $10. Info: Tennessee Valley Bikes at 865-540-9979. Every Wednesday morning for 75 minutes. No subscription or membership required.
Hike Twin Arches/Charit Creek Loop/Slave Falls Connector Trail: 7:30 a.m., Books-A-Million, Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. The magnificent Twin Arches of Big South Fork could be considered the premier sandstone arch features of the BSF. We will pause at Charit Creek Lodge (closed in winter) on one of the lovely porches before climbing up to the Twin Arches. There are intermittent boggy places so wear appropriate footwear. Rated moderate, 9.5 miles. Leader: Diane Petrilla.
KTC Group Run: 5:30 p.m., Runners Market Bearden. Free. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Wednesday evening social-pace group run. All paces welcome. Distance options vary. Grab a beer with some good folks afterward.
Night Gravel Grinder Ride: 6:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails. Free. Info: Knoxville Bicycle Company at 865-240-3499. Very casual pace about 11 miles, just for fun! Night Gravel Grinder ride: bring your cross, gravel or MTB. Two levels of riding “A” and “B.” Bring lights! Regroups as necessary.
Thursday, Feb. 21
Tuesday A & B Group Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. A Group ride is usually a 40+ miles at 20+ average pace. This group is for advanced riders with good pace line skills. B Group ride is a no-drop ride (15-18 mph) 35-45 miles. Must have general skills to ride roads with car traffic. If weather is questionable, call shop to confirm.
Nature Nuggets: Predator and Prey: 10 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost: $4. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. For children age 2-4 and their caregivers. This month we are discovering how animals find their food while not becoming dinner for someone else! We will test our own survival skills, and both caregivers and kids will have a part to play this month. Register online.
Superfly Happy Hour: 5-7:30 p.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Free. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. Join us on Thursdays for fun and friendship; everyone is welcome. This week’s speaker is local legend Mike Bone, the Godfather of fishing guides in East Tennessee. This is your opportunity to pick his brain about high-water tactics, what flies work best, or how to row the weir dam!
Night Trail Ride: 6 p.m., Check Facebook for meeting location. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Social-pace ride on beginner plus/intermediate cross-country terrain with roots, rocks and challenging climbs. Ride subject to cancellation or change in location due to wet trail conditions. Must have lights.
Map & Compass Navigation Basics Class: 6 p.m., REI Knoxville. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. Learn the parts of a compass, how to read a topographic map and how to use them in tandem. Also, learn how to pinpoint your location through triangulation and then navigate to new locations by following a bearing and how to plan routes using a topographic map. Maps and compasses are provided, but bring your own if you prefer. Depending on weather and location, this class may include a portion held outdoors; please dress accordingly. Member price: $15; nonmember price: $20. Register online.
North Knox Beer Runners: 6 p.m., Central Flats and Taps. Free. Info: North Knox Beer Runners. Fun and easy run through North Knox and Happy Holler. Don’t forget lights and reflective gear.
Fleet Feet Sports Open Group Run/Walk: 6 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports. Free. Info: Fleet Feet Sports at 865-675-3338. Our 30- to 60-minute route varies week by week in the various neighborhoods and greenways around the store. All levels welcome.
Backpacking 101: 6:30-7:30 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Free. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Come learn about packs, tents, equipment and more from our knowledgeable staff.
Friday, Feb. 22
CVTA North Boundary Trails Group Run: 5:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. We will break into several groups of similar distance and pace. There will be veteran trail runners on hand to lead newcomers on a low-key introduction to trail running. We look to do a nice, easy, no-drop run of approximately 3.5 miles. More experienced runners can break off and run faster/farther/harder.
Friday Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Pour Taproom. Free. Info: 865 Running. Run 3 miles downtown, World’s Fair Park and river walk. Then drinks with 10 percent off! All levels welcome.
CVTA North Boundary Trails Pint Night Fundraiser: 7-10 p.m., Crafter’s Brew, Oak Ridge. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. Join us for our first fundraising event! $2 from every Geezer’s Brewery beer purchased will go toward the CVTA. Also, we will be hosting an in-person raffle and an online raffle! Every dollar from the online raffle of the NOX Composites Industry Nine wheelset will go directly into funding a new Mountain Bike Skills Park at Haw Ridge Park that is set to break ground in spring 2019.
Saturday, Feb. 23
Dayhike Citico Creek Wilderness: 8 a.m. TBA. Free.Info: Harvey Broom Sierra Club. This is a ridgetop trail with some good views. The high point of the hike will be at the junction with the Pine Ridge Trail (elev. 4,000 ft.). A short but steep side trip to Big Fodderstack Mountain (elev. 4,346) is possible for those who desire, and time permitting. Rated moderate. Must preregister with Ron Shrieves at ronshrieves@gmail.comfor meeting time and location.
Tremont Naturalist-Led Hike: 8 a.m., Alcoa Food City. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. This hike allows us to enjoy both creekside walking and ridge views. There are approximately 10-12 creek crossings. Elizabeth Davis, a naturalist at Tremont Institute, will provide insight into the history and ecology of this section of the park as we walk. Roughly 9 miles, rated moderate. Leaders: Steve Dunkin and Elizabeth Davis.
Bike Zoo Saturday Ride: 9 a.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. 3-hour ride of 50+ miles at a fast pace of 18/20 mph. Weather permitting.
AMBC Trail Building Work Day: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. I.C. King Park. Free. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Come help us build trails! Bring your gloves, water and eye protection. We’ll provide tools and lunch.
Fly Fishing 101: 9 a.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Free. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. Each class teaches the basics of rigging, casting and other intro-to-fly-fishing skills. All of the gear and instruction is provided free of charge. Space is limited, so please make sure to sign up well in advance.
Flat Tire Clinic: 9-10 a.m. or 11-12 p.m., West Bicycles. Cost: $10. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Flat Tire Clinic to learn to repair flats quickly. Limit 10 per class. Includes one spare tube.
Kingston Pike 5k: 9 a.m., Bearden Greenway. Cost: $10. Info: Lululemon Athletica at 865-584-1519. All levels are welcome to this run/walk that supports a great cause. Join us on the Bearden Greenway (next to Earth Fare) for an out-and-back run to support the community and get outside. All proceeds go directly to the Helen Ross McNabb Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee.
Healthy Hike Oscar Blevins: 10 a.m., Big South Fork National River & Recreation. Free. Info: Big South Fork NRRA at 423-286-7275. Meet a ranger at the Oscar Blevins Farm Loop Trailhead for a 3.7-mile easy-to-moderate hike. This is a perfect trail for the whole family to enjoy beautiful rock formations, a wet weather waterfall, historical remnants of early settlements and the Oscar Blevins Homestead.
Earth Kinship for Families: 10 a.m., Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, GSMNP. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318, ext. 349. During our first of four family-friendly events, we’ll go on an adventure in the forests of the Smoky Mountains. The group will engage with a series of creative activities to learn about the surrounding natural world. Guide: Wanda DeWaard.
Nature Hike at Panther Creek State Park: 10 a.m., Panther Creek State Park. Free. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. Join Ranger Jammie on the Old Farm Trail as we look for signs of the old farm sites and animals that may be out and about during the morning hours. Meet at the Horse Trailer Parking Lot.
Resolution Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Join us for our 3rd annual Resolution Ride, a free social-paced ride of 15- or 35-miles over gently rolling terrain.
Farragut Program: Live Reptiles: 11 a.m., Farragut Town Hall. Cost: $5 for individuals or $10 for families. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. This month join an Ijams naturalist for a live animal presentation. We will be bringing several reptiles, and yes, some of them will be snakes. Come get an up-close look and learn more about our scaly friends. Register online.
Winter Evergreens Hike: Cumberland Trail: 11 a.m., Obed Wild & Scenic River at the Nemo Picnic Area. Free. Info: Obed Wild & Scenic River at 423-346-6294. Join Ranger Rick Ryan for a moderate out-and-back hike of 2.6 miles total along the Emory River Gorge section of the Cumberland Trail. The trail begins at the historic Nemo Bridge and ascends through a peaceful understory of winter evergreens embraced by the sounds of water resonating off the canyon walls, culminating in a sweeping overlook above the confluence of the Obed and Emory rivers.
Gears/Brake Clinic: 1 p.m., West Bicycles. Cost: $40. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Learn gear and brake repairs in our 1-hour class on Saturdays. Limit 4 per class. Call shop to reserve your spot.
Woods Loop Night Hike: 7:15 p.m., Cove Lake State Park. Cost: $8. Info: Cove Lake State Park at 423-566-9701. Join Ranger Wray for a night hike by Cove Lake and through the Woods Loop Trail. Each participant will receive an LED headlamp to use and keep. We’ll be listening for owls. Ranger Wray will bring a Night Vision monocular for you to look around the woods, and if it’s clear we will view the night sky. Register online.
Sunday, Feb. 24
Ijams Family Adventure Sundays: Survival Challenge: 9 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost: $8 for individuals and $25 for families. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. This month we are testing our survival skills in nature. We will use compasses, build shelters and complete fun survival challenge games as we learn what it takes to survive! Everyone will have to chip in to survive. Register online.
Intro to Climbing: 1 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying and climbing technique in this hands-on class. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience, this course teaches the necessary skills required to climb independently.
Co-ed Greenway Bike Ride: 1 p.m. Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. Free. Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Let’s ride the greenway to Bearden Village (Earth Fare shopping center) and back with a detour to the parking area under the James White Parkway. The ride will be about 10 miles round-trip. Casual pace.
Yoga for Climbers: 7 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost: $8. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Join us for yoga every Sunday. Participants will receive a 20 percent off PrAna & Lole card.
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