Crisp fall weather and Halloween make for fun outdoors. See our full calendar at Outdoor Knoxville. Meanwhile, here are nine singular events.
Saturday, October 21
Third Saturday Hike: 9 a.m., 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.
Saturday Spruce Up: 10 a.m.-noon, Adair Park. Free. 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.
Monday, October 23
AMBC Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m. Southside Garage. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. We’ll discuss trail conditions, trail building progress, fundraising, local races and events, partner efforts in outdoor recreation and so much more. Everyone welcome! Details online.
Wednesday, October 25
After Dark Hike: 7 p.m. Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. Cost $15. Meet Ijams’ nocturnal animal ambassadors, learn about the not-so-creepy critters that inhabit the night and take a fun-filled, guided night hike on the trails. Register online.
Thursday, October 26
Get ready for a Thanksgiving run with the Hot to Trot Training Program Q&A: 6 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports at 865-675-3338. We’ll provide you with motivation, guidance and advice, weekly group training runs or walks, and educational talks on topics such as proper nutrition, choosing the right gear and avoiding injury. Details online.
Friday, October 27
Critical Mass Ride: 6 p.m., Two Bikes Knoxville at 865-951-2950. Join us for a spooky leisure ride. It’s Halloween, so it’s time for our annual Cemetery Ride. Costumes heavily encouraged. Ride distance 4.4 miles at 6-8 mph. Details online.
Saturday, October 28
Cherohala 5k: 8 a.m., Cherohala Skyway Visitors Center. Info: Personal Best Racing at 865-567-0358. Experience an inaugural Cherohala 5K in Tellico Plains at the Cherohala Skyway Festival. The spectacular course will start and end along the Cherohala Skyway with sections following the Tellico River. Register online.
Creepy Creatures Trick-or-Treating: Various start times from 3- 5:30 p.m. Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Cost $10/child. We’ll hike 1-mile down Kelly Lane while trick-or-treating at several stops. Along the way, meet some of the Creepy Creatures that live at Seven Islands. We’ll enjoy storytelling, games and a bonfire. Flashlights recommended. Register online.
Sunday, October 29
Night Hike: 8 p.m. Cove Lake State Park at 423-566-9701. Cost $8. Join Ranger Jordan on an easy paved 1.5-mile loop. Afterwards, we’ll gather at the shelter to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and S’mores. All refreshments provided. 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