Join us Friday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for the 2022 Legacy Luncheon for the Parks. Author Cheryl Strayed will share her adventures from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail as we overlook the beautiful Holston River from the spectacular Strong Stock Farm.
The luncheon funds the work of Legacy Parks to create parks and trails and conserve our natural resources. Since 2007, Legacy Parks Foundation has raised more than $12 million for parks and open space.
This week
East Knoxville Community Cleanup: Saturday, September 17, 9 a.m. to noon., Ashley Nicole Dream Playground. Info: Keep Knoxville Beautiful at 865-521-6957. We’ll provide litter pickers, gloves, safety vests and trash bags. Details here.
Down the road
Cycling Cades Cove Loop: Don’t forget, Cades Cove in the Smokies is closed to cars on Wednesdays. Enjoy the solitude of an 11-mile bike ride or run. Sunrise to Sunset. Info: Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 865-436-7318.
Wednesday, September 21
Fly Fishing 101: 5 p.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Free. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. Each class teaches the basics of rigging, casting and other essential fly-fishing skills. All gear and instruction provided free of charge.
Backpacking in the Smokies: 5:30 p.m., REI. Free. Info: REI Pigeon Forge at 865-366-4310. Along with local information, learn how to choose a pack, select proper clothing and footwear plus important notes on trail etiquette and Leave No Trace principles. Register online.
Thursday, September 22
Kayak 101 at Fort Dickerson Quarry: 6 p.m., Ft. Dickerson Quarry. Cost $35. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. We’ll dive into basic skills such as the forward stroke, sweep stroke, and ferrying. Cost $35, includes class and equipment. Register online.
Friday, September 23
National Public Lands Day: 9:00 a.m., Norris Dam State Park. Free. Info: Norris Dam State Park at 865-426-7461. We will be rerouting a section of trail known as Kerry’s Revenge to better improve the trail for sustainability and usage. Register online.
Saturday, September 24
Map & Compass Workshop: Noon, REI Pigeon Forge. Free. Info: REI Pigeon Forge at 865-366-4310. This workshop will teach participants how to read key features on topographic maps, identify the parts of a compass, how to follow bearings, and plan a route for your next outdoor adventure. Register online.
Butterfly Foray and Monarch Tagging: 1-3 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $8. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. We’ll put tracking tags on the monarchs we’re able to catch. Kids of all ages welcome. Butterfly nets provided, but if you have your own, feel free to bring it. Register online.
Sunday, September 25
Intro to Climbing: 1:00 p.m., Onsight Rock Gym. Info: Onsight Rock Gym at 865-888-9123. Hands-on class to learn the basics of top rope belaying, knot tying, and climbing technique. Designed for those with no previous climbing experience. Course teaches necessary skills required to climb independently. Register online.
Outdoor Knoxville, published by Legacy Parks Foundation and compiled by Elle Colquitt at elle@legacyparks.org, is a comprehensive listing of upcoming events in Knox and area counties. Most free, all fun and all outdoors. Find them here.
Carol Evans is executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation.