Make memories in nature. Use this Outdoor Knoxville calendar to plan hikes, bird watching and an evening watching a total eclipse of the super moon.
Friday, Jan. 11
Friday Fun Run: 6:30 p.m., Pour Taproom. Free. 865 Running. Run 3 miles downtown, World’s Fair Park and river walk; then drinks with 10 percent off! All levels welcome.
Saturday, Jan. 12
Abrams Falls Out & Back: 8 a.m., Alcoa Food City. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leader: Steve Dunkin. We will park at the Abrams Falls parking area on the far end of the Cades Cove Road and hike up to Abrams Falls. This is a classic hike and many of us have fond memories of this hike from our youth. Total miles 5.2.
KTOS Walk at the UT Plant Sciences Farm: 8 a.m. Free. Info: Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society. Contact Morton Massey if you would like to attend this birding walk. Directions to meetup after registration.
CHKM Group Run: 8 a.m. Eddie’s Health Shoppe Downtown. Free. Info: Covenant Health at 865-684-4294. Join our group runs in prep for Race day on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
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.
Climbing Scout Badge Clinic: 9-12 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost $30. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Scouts can complete the requirements for their Climbing Merit Badge on the second Saturday of every month.
Ijams Birds-N-Bagels: Feed the Birds: 10 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost $10. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. Birds-n-Bagels provides a fun and lighthearted look at the avian world while enjoying delicious bagels from local Paysan Bakery. Join us as we learn some of our common feeder birds, observe the feeders at Ijams, and discover ways you can help birds at your feeder. Register online.
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.
Norris Dam Challenge 12K: 11 a.m., Norris Dam State Park. Info: Tennessee State Parks Running Tour. This 12k race is part of the Tennessee State Parks Running Tour, which is in its 38th year running. This is a challenging course, a hill runner’s delight!
Campfire Cooking: 12 p.m., Panther Creek State Park – Upper Campground Shelter. Cost $5. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. Ever wanted to try cooking over an open fire? Join Ranger Jammie as we learn how to make some tasty treats and savory eats. We will discuss what size Dutch oven to start with, and a few different methods of campfire cooking. Register online.
Little Tykes Nature Hike: 2 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $3. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Join Ranger Stephanie on a fun nature scavenger hunt on the newest trail at the park, the Hickory Ridge Trail. We’ll be on the lookout for various bird species, leaf shapes, nuts, fungi/mushrooms, plants, and wildlife. Hiking distance 1.2 miles with steep terrain in some sections.
Obstacle Orienteering: 3 p.m., Frozen Head State Park. Cost $2. Info: Frozen Head State Park at 423-346-3318. Join Ranger Ross at the visitor’s center to learn about orienteering and then practice what we learned. Register online.
Owl Prowl: 5 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $8. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Join Rangers Stephanie and Allyson for a sunset hike as they discuss the wildlife activity when the sun goes down and the moon comes up. We’ll search for wildlife and things that may be moving about high and low, like owls, deer, raccoons and spiders. Hike is 2.5-3 miles. Register online.
Sunday, Jan. 13
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.
Wanderers Trail Race: 2 p.m., Maryville College. Info: Knoxville Track Club Treadin’ Trodden Trails. This 5k course meanders through the woods, crossing hills, dales, rocks, roots, streams and grassy knolls. Kids Trail Mile precedes main race at 1:30, running a similar fun course in the woods. Race will be chip timed.
Fort Loudoun Tour: 3 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $5. Info: Fort Loudoun State Historic Park at 423-420-2331. Ranger Baghetti will explain the roles of the fort and its many parts. Discussions of the past will be revisited as you uncover how the fort’s location was determined, how the Little Tennessee River impacted all who lived within its valley, and how constant the challenge was to supply such a remote location.
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.
Monday, Jan. 14
Avalanche Awareness with Ober Gatlinburg Ski Patrol: 6 p.m., REI Knoxville. Free. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. Class will cover the basic principles of avalanche awareness, including the Know Before You Go (KBYG) program. Topics include safety equipment, forecast, route selection and staying out of harm’s way.
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.
Tuesday, Jan. 15
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.
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.
TVB Winter Gravel Series 1: 6 p.m., Tennessee Valley Bikes. Free. Info: Tennessee Valley Bikes at 865-540-9979. Join us for an informational meeting about our winter gravel series. This will help beginner riders get into gravel cycling without risk, and we’ll be sharing what we’ve learned about gear, nutrition, training and routes.
Tuesday Night No-drop MTB ride: 6 p.m. Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park – meet at Dill Street behind Cherry Creek Apartments. Free.Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Must have at least one fully charged light on your handlebars or helmet. We will be riding in the dark. This two-hour weekly ride is designed to be a fun social MTB ride. May split into multiple groups.
Wednesday, Jan. 16
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 Old Sugarlands Trail – Cherokee Orchard Road: 8 a.m., Alcoa Food City. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leader: Thomas J. Welch. Hike options: 7.8 miles with 1,416 feet elevation gain; 10.1 miles with side trip to the Rock House with 1,906-foot elevation gain; or 10.3 miles if we also add the cemetery. Hike rated moderate.
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, Jan. 17
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: Barking Up the Right Tree: 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 the magical world of bark. We will play games and head outdoors to find out what bark does, how it feels and what kinds of amazing secrets it holds. 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.
Women’s Night: The Ins and Outs of Winter Riding: 6 p.m. Cedar Bluff Cycles. Free. Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Come learn about your winter riding options: indoors or outdoors. We’ll talk about how to dress for cold and wet weather riding as well as how to choose a trainer and use apps like Zwift to make it more fun. Sharon Deane will give us a demonstration on how to use Zwift, and she will also share about road and MTB race team opportunities with Hicks Chicks. Please RSVP so we plan on enough snacks and drinks.
Fly Tying 101: 6 p.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Cost: $25. Info:3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. We will cover everything from selection and use of tools to thread selection to the basic tying skills you will need to get started in this rewarding endeavor. All tools and materials are provided.
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.
Friday, Jan. 18
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.
Saturday, Jan. 19
Calhoun’s 10 Miler: 8 a.m., Calhoun’s Oak Ridge Marina. Info: Knoxville Track Club. Course time limit is 2 hours and 15 minutes. Course is open to traffic. Headphones are prohibited.
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.
Third Saturday Hike: 9 a.m., UT Arboretum Auditorium. Free. Info: UT Arboretum at 865-483-3571. 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.
Nature Hike: 10 a.m., Panther Creek State Park Horse Trailer Parking Lot. Free. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. Come out and join Ranger Jammie on the Old Farm Trail as we look for signs of the old farms. We will also be on the lookout to see what animals may be out and about during the morning hours.
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.
Sunday, Jan. 20
Tellico Blockhouse Tour: 1 p.m., Tellico Blockhouse. Cost $5. Info: Fort Loudoun State Historic Park at 423-420-2331. Join us for this mile-long walk around the ruins of the Tellico Blockhouse. This ranger-led walk will look at the significance of the site in the annals of U.S. history and explore archaeology to paint a picture of its existence. Rain or shine. 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.
Tracking Down Nature: 2 p.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost $8. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. This month we are tracking down nature by playing tracking games, identifying poop and using our noses to sniff out clues. Be sure to bring your camera phone with you as there will also be a photo scavenger hunt. Bring the whole family as everyone has a part to play. Register online.
MTB Group Ride: Norris Watershed: 2 p.m. Norris Watershed. Free.Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. This will be a great opportunity to get familiar with the trails and enjoy a casual-paced 12-16 miles of double-track and single-track with some small obstacles and steeper hills. There will be climbing, but you will be rewarded with fun descents. Details online.
Build Your Own Hiking Stick: 3 p.m., Panther Creek State Park. Cost $15. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. We will be using files, rasps, sandpaper and hammers to construct our very own hiking stick with a Panther Creek Medallion nailed onto the handle. All materials needed for this program will be provided. Limited to 12 participants. Meet at the Upper Campground Shelter.
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.
Observe the Total Lunar Eclipse of the Super Moon: 9:30 p.m., Obed Wild & Scenic River. Free. Info: Obed Wild & Scenic River at 423-346-6294. Join Ranger Rick Ryan and guest speaker Dr. F. Owen Hoffman to enjoy this rare celestial occurrence. The park will have telescopes and binoculars set up for sky observations, including the park’s 12-inch Dobsonian Reflector telescope. Visitors will have an opportunity to take smart-phone pictures through the park’s telescopes of the various phases of the eclipse. Amateur astronomers are also invited to bring their telescopes to join the program and may contact the visitor center for more information.
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