Learning is fun, especially when it gets you outside. Check out workshops and classes at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and Ijams Nature Center for some enriching opportunities.
Friday, Feb. 8
Liken’ Lichens Teacher Workshop – Feb. 8-10: 8 a.m., Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont at 865-448-6709. Spend the weekend delving into the enchanting world of lichens as we learn their basic ecology, identification and natural history during this field-based teacher workshop. Participants will practice methods for setting up a Lichen Monitoring project back in their schoolyard. Workshop lasts from Friday supper to Sunday lunch. Register online.
Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Program (SANCP) – Feb. 8-10: 8 a.m., Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont at 865-448-6709. Come learn and practice skills that will connect you to nature. We will take inspiration and tips from the rich history of naturalist-explorers, learn to use a journal as a place to capture observations and grow, and share the wonder and joy with each other as we probe the secrets of the world around us. Register online.
CVTA North Boundary Trails Group Run: 5:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. We will break into several groups of similar distance and pace. There will be veteran trail runners on hand to lead newcomers on a low-key introduction to trail running. We look to do a nice, easy, no drop run of approximately 3.5 miles. More experienced runners can break off and run faster/farther/harder.
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, Feb. 9
Winter Backpack, Little Frog Wilderness – Feb 9-10: 8 a.m. TBA. Free.Info: Harvey Broom Sierra Club. The Little Frog Wilderness, adjacent to the Ocoee River near Ducktown, Tenn., and the infamous Copper Basin, is a great example of how relatively small areas can be set aside to preserve critical wilderness. Hike distance, 7.4 miles. Rated moderate. Must preregister with Ron Shrieves for meeting time and location.
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.
AMBC Trail Building Work Day: 9-12 p.m. Baker Creek Preserve. Free. Info: Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Come help us build trails! Bring your gloves, water and eye protection. We’ll provide tools and lunch.
Flat Tire Clinic: 9-10 a.m. or 11-12 p.m., West Bicycles. Free. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Flat Tire Clinic to learn to repair flats quickly. Cost: $10. Limit 10 per class. Includes one spare tube.
Spread the L0ve Volunteer Day: 9-12 p.m., Seven Islands State Park at the Bluebird Barn. Free. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Participants should be prepared with sturdy footwear, work gloves, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water and food (snacks and/or lunch). Much of this work will be physically demanding but we can find a project for everyone! With minimal park staff every little bit helps from our volunteers. Sign up online.
Hike Ijams, Mead’s Quarry, Ross Marble Quarry and thereabouts: 9:30 a.m., Meads Quarry at Ijams Nature Center. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. We’ll begin by walking some of the trails in Ijams Nature Center, loop around Mead’s Quarry and head off to Ross Marble Quarry and back. Depending on weather and enthusiasm we’ll walk 5-7 miles. This hike is moderate, with one steep climb around Mead’s Quarry and the possibility of muddy trails. Leader: Claudia Dean
Ijams Birds-N-Bagels: Birds of Prey: 10 a.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost: $10. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. This month we start preparing for the spring Hawk Migration. Together we will learn how to look at birds of prey to find common field markings, flight patterns, behaviors, and more. We will use feathers, skulls, and real live birds to get a better understanding of these regal animals. Register online.
Resolution Ride: 10 a.m., Cycology Bicycles. Free. Info: Cycology Bicycles at 865-681-4183. Join us for our third annual Resolution Ride, a free social-paced ride of 15 or 35 miles over gently rolling terrain.
Cupid’s Undie Run: 12 p.m., Merchants of Beer. Info: Cupid’s Undie Run. Join us for a “brief” fun run that takes place in the middle of a BIG party. That’s right: party, run (a mile-ish, at your own pace), party – all to find a cure to neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that affects one in every 3,000 children born. We encourage undies, but we get that it’s not for everyone; maybe costumes are more your style.
Gears/Brake Clinic: 1 p.m., West Bicycles. Cost: $40. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Learn gear and brake repairs in our 1-hour class on Saturdays. Limit 4 per class.-Cost: $40. Call shop to reserve your spot.
Astronomy from the Fire Tower: 6:30 p.m., Frozen Head State Park. Cost: $15. Info: Frozen Head State Park at 423-346-3318. See the winter constellations in full splendor as you join Park Rangers and explore the wonders of the stars from the top of Frozen Head Mountain! Dress for high winds and extreme temperatures, as we ascend the fire tower and receive an unobstructed view of the night sky. Feel bring to bring snacks, a blanket, and a camp chair. We will be meeting at the Park Visitor Center and shuttling. Register online.
Sunday, Feb. 10
Duck Day: 8:30 a.m., Douglas Dam Boat Launch. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318 x349. Join Keith Watson to check out our area’s waterfowl! We’ll scope the headwaters of the main body of Douglas Lake then visit some fringe areas of the lake and a couple of prime spots in Jefferson County to search for wintering waterfowl like ducks, loons, geese, gulls and grebes. 2 miles maximum, rated easy to moderate. 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.
Frozen Kayak Paddle: 3 p.m., Fort Loudoun State Historic Park. Cost: $10/Personal Kayak or $20/Rental Kayak. Info: Fort Loudoun State Historic Park at 423-420-2331. Join a park ranger on a 2-mile paddle around Fort Loudoun and learn the history of the waterway, Fort Loudoun, and the Tellico Blockhouse. Paddling during the winter time gives a unique opportunity to view animals and birds that are active foraging and may not be seen as often during warmer weather. This is a cold-weather paddle, recommended for experienced paddlers. Register online.
Nature Hike: 3 p.m., Panther Creek State Park Picnic Area #2. Free. Info: Panther Creek State Park at 423-587-7046. Join Ranger Mayfield for a fun hike along Point Lookout Trail. This trail is a moderately difficult 2-mile trail loop ascending to an elevation of 400 feet above Cherokee Lake. Along the hike we will experience some amazing views of the lake and may even run into some wildlife.
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, Feb. 11
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.
Backcountry Tents and Sleep Systems Workshop: 6 p.m., REI Knoxville. Member price: $20. Non-member price: $40. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. There are so many varieties of tents and sleep systems out there – how can you know what’s best? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll get the chance to experience many different tents, sleeping bags and more to discover the most comfortable sleeping set-up for you. We’ll provide all of the equipment. No experience necessary. Register online.
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 welcomed.
Tuesday, Feb. 12
Easy Guided Hike: East Lakeshore Trails: 10 a.m., East Lakeshore Trail at Baker Hollow Branch Trailhead. Free. Info: Little River Trading Co. at 865-681-4141. Option of 3.2 Thru-hike (would need to set up shuttle for this option) or 6.4 round-trip. Hike rated easy. RSVP Required: email trip leader Dolphin Riggs.
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.
Tuesday Night No-drop MTB ride: 6 p.m. North Boundary Trails. Free. Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Meet at the gravel lot past the guard shack parking area heading west on Oak Ridge Turnpike. Must have at least one fully charged light on your handlebars or helmet. We will be riding in the dark. This 2-hour weekly ride is designed to be a fun social MTB ride. May split into multiple groups.
TVB Winter Gravel Series 2: 6 p.m., Tennessee Valley Bikes. Free. Info: Tennessee Valley Bikes at 865-540-9979. We’ll work on refining our set-ups and getting our nutrition dialed for the second ride and the ride route.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail – Food and Equipment: 6 p.m., REI Knoxville. Free. Info: REI Knoxville at 865-584-1938. We will discuss details of food and equipment selection, including picking the right clothing/layers, and gear details. You’ll learn everything from selecting the right tent for the right conditions to smaller items such as, “should we hike with gaiters.” We’ll discuss food and calorie needs for the trail, river and stream crossings, and risk management in adverse weather conditions. Register online.
Clinch Valley Trail Alliance Monthly Meeting: 7 p.m., Crafter’s Brew – Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Come join us!
Harvey Broome Group Monthly Meeting – Keep Knoxville Beautiful: Promoting Community Engagement: 7 p.m. Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Free. Info: Harvey Broom Sierra Club. Meet Aleta Daniels, community outreach coordinator, Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Whether you’re looking for a weekend volunteer opportunity or you are part of a group or organization that wants to be more involved in your community, learn how we can work together to keep Knoxville cleaner, greener and more beautiful. All Harvey Broome Group programs are free and are open to the public.
Wednesday, Feb. 13
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.
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!
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, Feb. 14
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.
Superfly Happy Hour: 5-7:30 p.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Free. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. Join us on Thursdays for fun and friendship, everyone is welcome. This week’s speaker is local legend Mike Bone, the Godfather of fishing guides in East Tennessee. This is your opportunity to pick his brain about high water tactics, what flies work best, or how to row the weir dam!
Valentine’s Day Sunset Hike: 5:45 p.m., Seven Islands State Birding Park. Free. Info: Seven Islands State Birding Park at 715-630-6848. Join us on a sunset hike up the Hickory Ridge Trail. This out-and-back hike is approximately 1.2 miles. Cost: $5. 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 30-60-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, Feb. 15
Hike – Charlies Bunion: 7:30 a.m., Newfound Gap Parking Area. Info: Great Smoky Mountains Association at 865-436-7318 x349. Join us for a 9-mile day hike along a popular section of the Appalachian Trail starting out with a steady heart-pumping climb the first two miles. Rated strenuous due to many exposed roots and rocks. Preregistration required. Fees apply. Register online.
CVTA North Boundary Trails Group Run: 5:30 p.m., North Boundary Trails in Oak Ridge. Free. Info: Clinch Valley Trail Alliance. We’ll break into several groups of similar distance and pace. Veteran trail runners will lead newcomers on a low-key introduction to trail running. Easy, ~3.5 mile, no drop run. Options available for more experienced runners to break off and run faster/farther/harder. Bring a headlamp.
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.
2019 Fly Fishing Film Tour: 7 p.m., Relix Variety Theatre. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. With an emphasis on the people, places and fisheries that help make up the vast world of fly fishing, the 2019 F3T will take you from Alaska to Florida, South Dakota to French Polynesia, British Columbia to the coast of Australia and more! Purchase tickets online.
Saturday, Feb. 16
Hike Rich Mountain Loop: 8 a.m., Alcoa Food City OR Cades Cove Loop parking lot at 9:15 am. Free. Info: Smoky Mountain Hiking Club. Leader: Mark and Janet Snyder. Moderate 9.5-mile hike on Rich Mountain, Loop Trail. We’ll hike part of the Indian Grave Gap Trail and all of the Crooked Arm Trail. Along the way we will look at 6 former home sites and stop at the site of the former Rich Mountain Fire Tower and Warden’s cabin.
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!
Father Daughter Hike/Third Saturday Hike: 9 a.m., UT Arboretum Auditorium. Free. Info: UT Arboretum at 865-483-3571. Everyone is welcome on this hike. We encourage grandfathers to bring their granddaughters, uncles to bring their nieces, mothers to bring sons, everyone to bring someone special or just bring yourself! 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.
Fly Fishing 101: 9 a.m., 3 Rivers Angler. Free. Info: 3 Rivers Angler at 865-200-5271. Each class teaches the basics of rigging, casting and other intro to fly fishing skills. All of the gear and instruction is provided free of charge. Space is limited so please make sure to sign up well in advance.
Flat Tire Clinic: 9-10 a.m. or 11-12 p.m., West Bicycles. Free. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Flat Tire Clinic to learn to repair flats quickly. Cost: $10. Limit 10 per class. Includes one spare tube.
Zen Evo Chocolate Lovers Valentine 5K: 10 a.m., Victor Ashe Park. Info: Endurance Sports Management. The course is an out-and-back route with a loop through the Northwest Middle School walking paths. Details and registration online.
Annual Cumberland Trail Work Day: 10 a.m., Obed Wild & Scenic River. Free. Info: Obed Wild & Scenic River at 423-346-6294. Meet at Rock Creek Campground. Trail maintenance will be performed on the 2.5-mile section of the Cumberland Trail between Rock Creek Campground and Alley Ford.
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.
Gears/Brake Clinic: 1 p.m., West Bicycles. Cost: $40. Info: West Bicycles at 865-671-7591. Learn gear and brake repairs in our 1-hour class on Saturdays. Limit 4 per class. Cost: $40. Call shop to reserve your spot.
Tennessee Naturalist Program at Ijams: 1 p.m., Ijams Nature Center. Cost: $250. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717. Tennessee Naturalist Program (TNP) is an education training course designed to introduce the natural history of Tennessee to interested adults. Graduates join a critical corps of Tennessee Naturalist volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the appreciation, understanding, and beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities. Details and registration online.
Family Hootenanny: 6-9 p.m., Ijams Nature Center. Info: Ijams Nature Center at 865-577-4717, ext. 110. Owl games, Owl pellets, Owl meet and greets, Owl walks, and even an Owl call competition. The Hootenanny begins at 6 p.m. with games, pellet dissections, and the sign-up for our owl call competition. Games shut down and call competition starts at 6:45 pm. Cost: $10 or $35 for family. Register online.
Sunday, Feb. 17
Whitestone 30K: 8 a.m., Whitestone Inn in Kingston. Info: Knoxville Track Club. A lovely, rolling, scenic and rural course that runs through the countryside. Downhill start means uphill finish! This is a rural route and runners should be aware that there are some unleashed dogs along the course. This is NOT a walker-friendly course. The course time limit is 4 hours and will be strictly enforced. Details and registration online.
Co-ed Mountain Bike Ride: Loyston Loops Love: 1 p.m. Loyston Point Trails. Free.Info: Cedar Bluff Cycles at 865-692-1010. Join Trek Women’s Advocate Lisa Mueller and shop ambassador Allan Mueller for this casual, no-drop ride. We will ride Mill Creek Loop (7+ miles) and Loyston Loop (5+ miles). Waiver and details 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.
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.
Debord Falls Moonlight Hike: 7 p.m., Frozen Head State Park. Cost: $2. Info: Frozen Head State Park at 423-346-3318. Meet Ranger Ross at the Panther Branch Parking area to start our half-mile hike to Debord Falls. Register online.
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