Whether you overindulged in eggnog over the holidays or just want to get off to a healthy start for 2019, there are plenty of opportunities for you to burn some calories while meeting new people or spending time with old friends. Enjoy our great outdoors!
Friday, Jan. 4
First Friday Chimney Tops Hike: 8 a.m., Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318, ext. 349. Join us and get your heart pumping on a fast-paced walk up the Chimney Tops trail. After the first mile, the challenge really begins as we travel up a stone stairway beautifully crafted by the Trails Forever crew. When the trail levels off, we will be just a few yards from the breathtaking view that makes the hard work worth it. Activity rating: Strenuous. Mileage: 4 miles maximum with breaks along the way. Register online.
Friday Fitness with Missy Kane: 9:15 a.m., Cumberland Trail Black Mountain to Brady Mountain; meet at Liberty Market. Free. Info: Covenant Health at 865-541-4500. Join Missy on the first Friday of each month for a 3- to 7-mile hike (various trail locations), moderate but not beginner. Register by calling Covenant Call Center at 865-541-4500 or emailing.
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. 5
Winter LeConte Hike via Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap: 6 a.m., GSMNP. Free. Info: KyBRa Athletics at 865-999-3126. Join us in a winter wonderland as we hike up to LeConte on the Rainbow Falls trail, and come back down via Trillium Gap. This is a strenuous hike, and because of the nature of mountain weather in the winter, we recommend you be in good shape for this trip. Details on our Facebook page.
Saturday Sunrise Hike: 7 a.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Cost $3. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. We’ll start the hike before sunrise and hike to a nice scenic overlook spot on the Upland Loop Trails where we can sit and watch the sun come up over the horizon. Ranger Stephanie will point out and discuss some of the plants, trees and birds along the 2-mile hike. Register online.
Saturday Group Run: 8 a.m., Runners Market Bearden. Free. Info: Runners Market at 865-588-1650. Join us for a relaxed-pace run of 3 to 5.5 miles along the Third Creek and Sequoyah Hills Greenways. Afterward, enjoy coffee and refreshments.
Bike Zoo Saturday Ride: 9 a.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. Three-hour ride of 50+ miles at a fast pace of 18/20 mph. Weather permitting.
3rd Annual Resolution Ride: 9 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 to help you kick off your New Year’s fitness goals! Bike clinic at 9 a.m. will cover an introduction to cycling and everything you need to have for a safe road ride. Ride starts at 10:30 a.m. with groups riding 15 or 35 miles over gently rolling terrain. Stay afterward for a Cycle Social Happy Hour featuring dollar-off beers and light appetizers.
Newcomer’s Hike: Schoolhouse Gap/Chestnut Top: 9 a.m., Alcoa Food City. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leader: David Smith. After a short shuttle we’ll start at Schoolhouse Gap parking area for a pleasant winter hike. Although the hike is rolling the last three miles are mostly downhill. Distance is 6.7 miles; rated moderate.
Catalyst Climb: 10 a.m., River Sports Outfitters. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. The first Saturday of every month we are climbing with Catalyst Sports. This event is for anyone with physical disabilities. All ages are welcome to come and climb our rock wall.
Coffee and Climb with a Ranger: 10 a.m., Obed Wild & Scenic River. Free. Info: Obed Wild & Scenic River at 423-346-6294. Join National Park Service rangers for a free cup of coffee and Q&A about climbing. Then we’ll head over to the climbing area. We provide all of the gear. All that you need to bring is drinking water, sturdy footwear. Details online.
Guided Trail Walk: 10:30 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. Each walk is guided by a naturalist who can answer your questions about what you are seeing, ongoing projects, future programs and more. This is a free program with a recommended $5 donation. No registration necessary.
Sunday, Jan. 6
Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder Course – Jan 6-13: 8 a.m., Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont at 865-448-6709. The Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder Course is ideal for scout leaders, camp counselors, traveling missionaries and any other youth or outdoor worker. It not only offers hands-on training for dealing with bites, burns and other injuries, but also teaches participants how to manage conditions brought about from extreme temperatures and other outdoor emergencies. Details and registration online.
Nature Hike: 10 a.m., Panther Creek State Park. Free. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. Join Ranger Mayfield for a moderately difficult 2-mile loop hike on the Trout Lily Trail. Along the trail we’ll get some good views of the lake and may see some waterfowl. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Boat Ramp.
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.
Monday, Jan. 7
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.
Ladies Night at the Climbing Center: 7-10 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Cost $12. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. First Monday of each month is Ladies Night; come enjoy a fun night at the gym. It’s only $12 for a pass and gear rental.
SCO Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m., Bike Zoo. Free. Info: Bike Zoo at 865-558-8455. Southern Cycling Operations is a Bike Zoo-sponsored cycling club focused on all levels of bicycle racing and supporting local and national cycling advocacy. Join us on the first Monday of each month for our monthly meeting.
Tuesday, Jan. 8
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.
Bike Chains and Derailleurs Workshop: 6 p.m., REI Knoxville. Cost: Member $25/Non-member $45. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. Join REI’s expert bike techs for a workshop on how to care for and maintain your bike’s derailleurs and chain. We’ll tune derailleurs, adjust barrel adjusters, and diagnose common chain issues. Along the way, you’ll learn best practices for care and cleaning with plenty of get-your-hands-dirty chances to practice. Bring your own bike or practice on one of ours. Register online.
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.
Clinch Valley Trail Alliance Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m., Crafter’s Brew – Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at Crafter’s Brew. Come join us!
Harvey Broome Group Monthly Meeting – Carbon and Climate in North America: 7 p.m. TN Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Free. Info: Harvey Broom Sierra Club. Dr. Melanie Mayes will summarize key findings from two recent reports sponsored by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Mayes, a scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, was one of the lead editors of the State of the Carbon Cycle Report. All Harvey Broome Group programs are free and are open to the public.
Wednesday, Jan. 9
KTC New Year’s Resolution Run 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. We’ll open the capsule (err, Tupperware container) from last year and you can add your resolution to this year.
Climbing Fundamentals at the Climbing Center: 6-8 p.m., River Sports Outfitters. Info: River Sports Outfitters at 865-523-0066. Come learn the basics of climbing with our Climbing Center staff. Call to reserve your spot.
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. 10
Tuesday A & B Group Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. A Group ride is usually 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.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Gear Shake-Down: 6 p.m., REI Knoxville. Cost: Member $25/Non-member $45. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. Join REI for this small group session on how to cut weight, carry the essentials and tailor your gear to best suit your needs. In this hands-on course we will go through the items you plan to take with you when you hit the trail and do a “shake-down” on gear. You will receive the small-group attention you need to really perfect your packing system.
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.
Yoga for Runners: 7:15 p.m., Fleet Feet Sports. Info: Fleet Feet Sports at 865-675-3338. Shaheen Dewji is a certified yoga instructor and an experienced runner, with the knowledge and experience to help you improve your running through yoga. Sessions are free for current training program members and $5 for everyone else. Bring yoga mat and a towel.
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.
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. Designed for adults and older children (14 years and up), Birds-n-Bagels provides a fun and lighthearted look at the avian world while enjoying delicious bagels from local Paysan Bakery. This month we’ll explore feeding birds in winter. 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? Want to get into Dutch Oven cooking but not sure where to start? 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 as she leads kids and their parents 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. The total hiking distance is 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 through the park as they discuss the wildlife activity in the park when the sun goes down and the moon comes up. We’ll search for all sorts of wildlife and things that may be moving about high and low, like owls, deer, raccoons and spiders. Hike will be 2.5-3 miles. Children are welcome to join us and are included with their accompanying adult’s registration cost. 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. As you tour the buildings of Fort Loudoun, 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.
Visit us online at OutdoorKnoxville.com.
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