Legacy Parks has partnered again with Dogwood Arts to coordinate hikes and bike rides for the 2017 Hikes & Blooms and Bikes & Blooms outings! Thanks to support from volunteers from several community outdoors groups, we’re looking forward to lots of great experiences on our trails and bike lanes.
Hikes & Blooms
Whether on a greenway through a historic park or on a natural trail through the woods, you will observe historic relics and beautiful wildflowers among the dogwood trees on these moderate, three-to-four-mile hikes. The interpretive hikes will highlight interesting facts, features, and flora from the unique locations. Hikers should wear comfortable clothing and bring any water or snacks you might need. No pre-registration is required.
*Please arrive a few minutes before 9:00am each day so that hikes begin on time.
Saturday, March 18th at 9 am: Hikes & Blooms at Fort Dickerson led by Trek South
Meet hike leaders from Trek South at 520 Augusta Avenue to explore the Civil War site built by the Federal army along a forested ridge south of the Tennessee River. Joan Markel of the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture will discuss the history of the area as you view authentic replica cannons, an earthen fort, and an overlook at the beautiful quarry lake on this moderate 3.5-mile hike. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Wednesday, April 12th at 9 am: Hikes & Blooms at Baker Creek Preserve led by Happy Hikers
Gather with leaders from the Happy Hikers group at 3700 Lancaster Drive to discover the meandering trails of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness just minutes from downtown. You’ll take the easy Sycamore Loop 1.2 miles, where you’ll find native vegetation and giant sycamore trees, and then climb a more strenuous 0.8 miles on Best Medicine to a beautiful view of the valley at Pappy’s Point. From here, you may be able to see the windmills on Buffalo Mountain to the north before returning to the base of the trail system.
Bikes & Blooms
Discover new routes on these family friendly bike rides through scenic neighborhoods and on local greenways. Both rides are approximately eight miles long and are geared to help you learn how to do your own road rides. Riders must wear helmets and have a basic understanding of on-road riding. Riders should wear comfortable clothing and bring any water or snacks you might need. No pre-registration is required.
*Please arrive a few minutes before 2:00pm each day so that rides begin on time.
Saturday, April 29th at 2pm: Bikes & Blooms Northbound led by Jim Richards of the Knoxville Botanical Garden
You will pass vibrant displays of dogwood trees and gardens as you depart from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center and head through 4th and Gill, Old North, and other historic neighborhoods in North Knoxville. After a stop for a drink at Three Rivers Market, you will return to downtown.
Sunday, April 30th at 2pm: Bikes & Blooms Southbound led by Jim Richards of the Knoxville Botanical Garden
Leaving from Suttree Landing Park, you will see the beauty of South Knoxville from the seat of your bicycle. Riders will enjoy views of the Tennessee River, the colorful gardens along Island Home Boulevard, and the forested greenway path to Ijams Nature Center before returning to the park.
