Check out these great outdoor activities in the metro area.
Friday, July 16
Science at Sugarlands Virtual, 1-3 p.m., via Zoom. Discover Life in America presents a Science at Sugarlands virtual course on birds of the Smokies with Keith Watson. Free. Link to join zoom here.
Moonlight Hike, 8:30 p.m. at Panther Creek State Park. Cost is $10. Join Ranger Mayfield for a 1.5-mile hike on the Ore Mine Trail, rated moderately difficult. Bring a flashlight. Meet at the Spoone Pavillion. For more info or to register go here or call 423-587-7046.
Saturday, July 17
Birding Basics Hike, 8 a.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost is $5. Hike 3 miles and learn the basics of birding, including tips for identification, bird songs, and the best tools and resources for beginning birders. Open to birders of all ages. For more info or to register go here or call 715-630-6848.
Tommy Schumpert Open, 8 a.m. at Tommy Schumpert Park presented by Knoxville Disc Golf Association. C-tier, PDGA-sanctioned singles tournament with 2 Rounds. Everyone is in the ace pool. Details and registration here.
Ijams Workday, 9:30 a.m. at Meads Quarry. Free. Volunteers work at the Grayson Subaru Preserve to remove non-native, woody invasive plants on the property. For more info or to register go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.
Hike with a Ranger Along Cedar Hill Greenway, 10 a.m. at Cedar Hill Park in Oak RIdge. Free. Moderately difficult 2.5-mile hike begins at Cedar Hill Park, former location of Cedar Hill Elementary School. Rangers will discuss the early school system of Oak Ridge, early shopping centers and housing in the Clinton Engineer Works. For more info go here or call 865-576-6767.
Saturday Spruce Up, 10 a.m. to noon at Cal Johnson Park. Free. Join Keep Knoxville Beautiful on the 3rd Saturday of each month for a Saturday Spruce Up. Volunteer activities include litter pickups, graffiti removal, plantings and collection events. For more info or to register go here or call 865-521-6957.
Ijams Field Day, National Moth Week, 8:30 p.m. at Ijams Nature Center. Cost is $10. Learn how to identify common moths, how to attract them, and their evolutionary history and ecology. Bring a camera, flashlight and journal. For more info or to register go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.
Sunset Hike and Stargazing, 8 p.m. at Frozen Head State Park. Free. Sunset hike to look for crepuscular critters then stargaze using the park telescope. Meet at the back corner of the Rocky Fork Field. For more info or to register go here or call 423-346-3318.
Tuesday, July 20
Big Fun Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. at Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center. Join in on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month to hit the trails on a mountain bike, rent a paddleboard, canoe or kayak from River Sports, enjoy some great local music or just sit and enjoy a bit of nature. Food trucks and beer garden open. For more info go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.
Wednesday, July 21
Cycling Cades Cove Loop: Sunrise to Sunset. Cades Cove. Info: Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 865-436-7318. Enjoy the Cades Cove Loop Road on vehicle-free Wednesdays. Details and map online.
Thursday, July 22
Nature Nuggets: Water Ways, 10 a.m. at Ijams Nature Center. Cost is $6. Beat the heat by exploring how water works at one of Ijams’ Creeks. Create boats, build dams, and discover aquatic creatures together. Children 2-4. For more info or to register go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.
Farragut Program – Amazing Animals of Ijams, 3 p.m. at the Farragut Community Center. Cost is $5. Ages 5 and up. Meet a variety of live animal ambassadors that are native and can be found in your backyard. Learn amazing facts about these animals, and how you can help if you encounter them. Turtles, snakes, birds and an opossum will be on display. For more info or to register go here or call 865-577-4717, ext. 127.