Knoxville's Outdoor Adventure - The Urban Wilderness

Many of us spend our weekends outdoors exploring and making memories. Our favorite spots often require trips down the backroads to remote areas of the state for hiking or camping adventures, but this month’s featured location is a bit different. Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is a hidden Gem of Eastern Tennessee and the best part is that it’s right in the middle of Knoxville!

Several parks attractions, Civil War sites and natural areas form Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.  It’s the perfect spot for the outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, or even zip-lining. Over 50 miles of trails and greenways weave through 500+ acres; connecting pristine lakes, historic sites, dramatic playgrounds, adventure playgrounds and five city parks. Spring and summer are the perfect time to plan your first (or next) visit to Knoxville.  Whether you’re a weekend warrior or looking for a quick 48 hours away, we believe Knoxville is the perfect destination for your next Tennessee adventure! See for yourself as we cover things to do, places to stay and of course places to eat:

Steven Bearden Photography



Narrowing things down for a 48-hour trip was difficult.  Seeing everything that Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness offers would require more than our allotted time, so we are highlighting some of the more popular spots.  We recommend spending some time planning for your trip. You can find a ton of great maps to help at VisitKnoxville.com.

One of the most popular parks is the Ijams Nature Center.  This is a wildlife sanctuary around the original Ijams family home.  It includes the Ijams Quarries and over 300 acres.  Dating back to the 1960s, this nature center has a rich history of promoting responsible outdoor fun and recreation.  If you are into water sports then the Mead’s Quarry is a must visit! You can even rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards at River Sports Outfitters. I

Be sure to take the paved Will Skelton Greenway along the Tennessee River to connect to the Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area.  This active hunting ground allows access to over six miles of natural trails for recreational activities.  We highly recommend visiting this area the first few weeks in July to see the sunflower fields. You won’t want to miss it.

Baker Creek Preserve is another popular spot to check out. It’s located just three miles from downtown Knoxville and is a great spot for families to visit. This kid friendly park has plenty of parking to go along with a kid’s adventure play area, kid’s bicycle pump track and loop and several multi-use trails. 

Photo by @burkelawrencephoto

For those that love biking, Baker Creek also has five multi-use trails and three downhill mountain bike trails with varying difficulty.  It connects to over 42 miles of bike trails in the Urban Wilderness.  The most advanced trail is the Devil’s Racetrack and it is the only double-black diamond downhill trail in the area. 

History buffs should save some time to visit the Civil War sites, including Fort Dickerson and Fort Higley/High Ground Park.  Fort Dickerson is one of the most well-preserved earthen forts from the Civil war era.  Union troops constructed it to protect the City of Knoxville. It was critical in the defense of the city during the Civil War battle that occurred November 13-15, 1863.

Biking at Fort Dickerson

Being right in the middle of town makes food and lodging easy for adventures. Knoxville has a wide range of places to stay to match your budget. We always enjoy staying downtown and would recommend it when visiting the Urban Wilderness.  Two of our favorite places are the Cumberland House Knoxville and the Graduate Knoxville.

Cumberland House Knoxville Tapestry Collection by Hilton

When it comes to dining, we try to eat local and Knoxville’s food scene is one of our favorites.  With over 90 restaurants in one square mile, you can easily find any style food you are looking for. Plan ahead though as some of the popular spots can get busy. A few of our favorites Stock & Barrel, Southern Grit, and The Brass Pearl rank in the top 12 on Yelp. 

Fish and Chips from The Brass Pearl. Photo by Melissa Lushbaugh / South Made Marketing

Whatever your jam, Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is worth a visit!!  Get out there and go wander! If this post inspired you to plan a trip, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @tristaradventures and use the tags #tristaradventures & #instagramtennessee for a chance to be featured on our page!

3 Family Friendly Hikes in Tennessee

Family Friendly Hikes in East, Middle and West TN

Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity for vacation, or you just need a weekend day trip for your family, we’ve got you covered with these family-friendly trail recommendations across the tristar state!

If you’re looking for outdoor recreation opportunities, we suggest heading to the Tennessee State Parks website for even more ideas!

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East Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls | Spencer, TN

📸: Matt Morrison

This iconic park holds some beautiful trails with overlooks, and everyone’s favorite: waterfalls! This park provides access to many easy hikes that will thrill the whole family. If you aren’t too afraid of heights, consider starting with the Cane Creek Falls and Suspension Bridge trail. It’s an easy 0.4 mile trail with waterfall views and… a swinging bridge! If the bridge doesn’t suit your style, look into the Paw Paw trail or the Piney Falls Trail. Both of these are scenic loops that provide overlook and/ or lake views and waterfalls. Click here to see a hiking map.

Fall Creek Falls State Park is open 24 hours with the road leading to the falls being locked at dark. All Day Use Areas close at sunset—according to the TN Sate Parks website.

Middle Tennessee

Radnor Lake State Park | Nashville, TN

If you live near Nashville, you’ve definitely at least heard of this gem of a park. There are easy trails around the lake and through the woods creating an opportunity for epic views and immersion into nature. From both the East and West parking lots, you can access all of the trails at this park. If you want to try a shorter adventure, we recommend walking along the Otter Creek Rd trail where you are sure to see great views of the lake and wildlife. For something a little longer, try making a loop by walking the Otter Creek Rd. portion and connecting with the Lake Trail to make a full circle around the lake.

In the Spring and Summer months, you are sure to see lush areas full of wildflowers and greenery. Radnor Lake is known to be a habitat for wild deer and many different birds, so keep an eye out for animals too! Click here to see a hiking map.

Radnor Lake State Park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 20 minutes after sunset according to the TN State Parks website.

West Tennessee

Natchez Trace State Park | Wildersville, TN

📸: tnvacation.com

Natchez Trace is an outdoor lover’s paradise. It is located on the opposite side of the Tennessee River from the Natchez Trace Parkway. With activities ranging from hiking to fishing and horseback riding, you are sure to entertain the family here. The trails here provide sights including the lake and streams, as well as fields and forests. There are a few easy to moderate hikes in the trail system at this park to choose from. Look into the Pin Oak trail and the Oak Ridge trail for easy, fun walks through the park. Click here to see a park map.

Natchez Trace State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily according to the TN State Parks website.

Ok, now there’s no excuse! Get out there and go adventure! If this post inspired you to go on a family adventure, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @tristaradventures and use the tags #tristaradventures & #instagramtennessee for a chance to be featured on our page!

The Smokies - What you should know before you go

We are excited to share this months Blog post titled “The Smokies - What you should know before you go” written by Brand Ambassador Benny Braden.

The Smokies - What you should know before you go from Marc Crosby, MBA

How does a tornado decide?

Picture from East Nashville by Brian Mansfield

 I don’t usually write blogs in the first person, but this one is a bit closer to home, and I couldn’t figure out how to write it any other way.

At about 9pm on Monday, March 2nd I was sitting on the couch at my friend’s house stressing because I had to finish a blog about an upcoming event … Little did I know, later that night I would be lying sleepless on my kitchen floor, because that was the place with the least windows, as the tornado sirens blared around me and my phone buzzed with an Emergency Alert.

Many were left with nothing after that night. And others woke untouched and left full of conflicting emotions of thankfulness, confusion, anger, deep, deep sympathy, compassion and guilt.

The more I learned of the immense damage and lives affected, the more I found myself circling back to the question “How does a tornado decide?”

How does a tornado decide which roof to take and which to leave?

When to turn and who to make grieve?

When and where it will touch down,

and when to lift up off the ground?

How does it decide who to spare?

Does it even give a care?

There are some things we can’t comprehend,

But what really matters is in the end . . .

We live in this grand state of Tennessee, 

and can each make a difference yes, you and me.

We will rebuild TOGETHER and it won’t be long,

before we show the world we are Tennessee strong!

It’s hard to process; to know what to do and what to think and feel right now.

It seems like there are “National Days” for everything these days. If there can be a “National Dress Up Your Pet Day,” I would like to declare this Saturday National Volunteer Day. Whether you’re Wrangling Weeds to help a native species thrive in their natural environment, or helping a neighbor or neighborhood pick up the pieces after a disaster, I encourage you to consider using some time this Saturday to volunteer.

If you do, considering using #TristarTribe so we can share and encourage others.

And here are a few great resources for helping Nashville, Mount Juliet, and Cookeville this Saturday and beyond:

https://putnamcountytn.gov/relief/

https://putnamcountytn.gov/relief/

https://www.cfmt.org/story/middle-tennessee-emergency-response-fund/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Donate&utm_campaign=MLS%20planting

http://www.crcnashville.org/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fd31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net%2F20200303%2F86%2F29%2F7f%2F42%2F83a8565f56a2bcf6555660df_240x240.png&utm_campaign=MLS%20planting

Blog written by local blogger Laura Messerly.

Sunflower Fields and Festivals Across The Tristar State

It’s Sunflower Season! The astonishing, unique flora that has captured the eyes, hearts, and Instagram feeds of many, has returned at last to fields across the Tristar state!

If you are on a mission to find free, flower fun before the fall, you have come across the right blog!  We’ve done the research for you to find the best sunflower fields across the state and, in the process, even discovered a Sunflower Festival that only happens every other year.

Sunflowers typically only bloom for about 10 days, so be sure to keep an eye on the website or Facebook page for each field before planning your trip.

Picture from Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville by Adam Ozment.

The Grove by Batey Farms

5331 Baker Rd Murfeesboro, TN

For all of our friends in Nashville, this is the sunflower field for you! Just outside of Murfeesboro you will find The Grove at Williamson Place, a multi-purpose venue featuring 40 acres of sunflowers planted by Batey Farms. The fields are free however, only accessible on certain dates and times due to a calendar of private events using the venue. When open to the public, donations are accepted and there is a small per-stem fee to pick the flowers. All donations and proceeds support Rutherford County agriculture.

Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area

3140 McClure Ln Knoxville, TN

Quite possibly the largest sunflower field in all the south, you won’t want to miss this 70-acre display that is only planted every other year by the TWRA.  And you especially will not want to miss the 3rd Sunflower Festival being held for FREE on Saturday, July 13th.  Park in the TWRA gravel lot and arrive by 9:00am for a talk about the ecology of sunflowers followed by a guided tour.

Picture taken by Tristar Adventures Brand Ambassador Kristi Parsons

Ooltewah Sunflower Field at Smith-Perry Berries Farm

9626 Ooltewah Georgetown Rd, Ooltewah, TN

Smith-Perry Berries Farm just outside of Chattanooga has the winning combination. Where else can you go and leave with a bucket-full of strawberries, a phone full of awesome sunflower photos, and a mouth full of Little Debbie’s snacks?  If you are a professional photographer bringing clients, there is a $35 fee.

About 15 minutes from the Little Debbie Factory, be sure to stop on your way for some discounted treats! 9515 Apison Pike, Ooltewah, TN 37363

Crab Tree Farms

1000 E 30th St, Chattanooga, TN

If you’re looking to plant some flowers of your own, you will want to stop by CrabTree Farms. Here you can not only take photos of the lovely sunflower field, but you can also take home plants to add to your own backyard. 

Agricenter International

7777 Walnut Grove Road Memphis, TN

The sunflowers are a must visit if you are in the Memphis area. The Agricenter International occupies over 1,000 acres! Over 78,000 sunflower seeds have been planted for research and for the public to enjoy from the observation deck and Germantown Parkway. Please support the researchers by not picking these sunflowers and parking in the lot at Walnut Bend.

The Government Shutdown in the Smoky Mountains

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” - Mr. Rogers 

For the past month, we have seen story after story of national parks across the country being abused and neglected. A large amount of the mistreatment of our protected wild is due to an ongoing government shutdown. Then, there is another portion of the scary and ugly moments that occur all of the time, but rarely have a magnifying glass on them. The same can be said for the helpers that have received attention from the media in the midst of the shutdown. From volunteers to organizations and even the simple actions of guests during their visits to the park. Some have stepped up due to the shutdown but others are consistently making a difference in the shadows. 

Instead of focusing on the downside of the current situation, let's use it as a lesson. Let us take the fury and frustration that has surfaced with seeing the parks trashed up, wildlife being harassed, trails being mistreated - and use that energy to move forward in a way that makes tomorrow better. 

How can we step up and be better stewards of the places that we love? 

By getting involved in big ways, and small ways. 

"There are trees here that stood before our forefathers ever came to this continent; there are brooks that still run as clear as on the day the first pioneer cupped his hand and drank from them. In this park, we shall conserve these trees, the pine, the red-bud, the dogwood, the azalea, the rhododendron, the trout and the thrush for the happiness of the American People." 

- Franklin D. Roosevelt (GSMNP dedication ceremony, September 1940)

The park was created for us to enjoy, not destroy. For us to cherish and protect. 

To do so, we must act with love all of the time - not just when park staff is absent. 

Ready to get involved? Here are a few ways to start! 

Support Those That Support The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 

In the Great Smoky Mountain Mountains National Park, two organizations are always present and doing great things for the park. Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Association both work continuously to support the park. Many visitors of the park support each of them every year, but there are also far too many visitors that don't know about all that they do. Both non-profits have stepped up during the shutdown and helped to provide funding that has been needed to keep visitors center locations open. They have helped to keep trash collected and restrooms accessible as well. Throughout the year they also work to provide structure and trail restoration, support educational opportunities and more. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few national parks that doesn't require an entrance fee. Many parks in the country have fees as high as $20 a person per visit. If you're a visitor to Smokies, after seeing all that these two non-profits do, consider supporting them by purchasing a membership or making a donation. 

Become a registered volunteer in the park. As a volunteer, you'll get to give back to the place that you love while spending time there are well. Volunteer solo or put together a group. Opportunities range from helping with special events to adopting a trail. If you can't volunteer on a regular basis check out the one-day work events that are available. 

Another option for volunteering in the park is working with the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. The private, non-profit organization is the only residential learning environment located within the park boundaries. The GSMIT has been working for 40 years to connect people of all ages to nature and the Smoky Mountains. They have numerous opportunities for volunteers and once you're involved with thier programs, you'll find that you receive far more from the experience than you could ever possibly give. 

When visiting the park, it is very important to Leave No Trace. It's also just as important to rise above those that do leave behind their trash or disrespect the area in other ways. During the shutdown, there are many ways to be a part of the solution instead of the problem. Help where help is needed, share Leave No Trace tips and encourage others to do the same. The same type of actions is necessary once the shutdown is over as well. 

The final thought of the current dilemma with our parks being affected by the government shutdown is simply this. We may not all agree on politics but we can agree on protecting and caring for our parks - year around. And wouldn't it be beautiful if the shutdown that has divided us took a turn for the positive and at least brought us all together as stewards for a better tomorrow? 

Now that the parks have reopened, consider RV camping in the Smoky Mountains. The park is full of beautiful spots to spend some time in the woods with the comforts of home.

Written by Kristi Parsons - Tristar Adventures Brand Ambassador

5 Tri-Star Adventures to help you roam Clingmans Dome

Your alarm is blaring, it's 4 a.m and the mountains are calling. As you rise from bed, you're fully aware that you're heading straight into the unknown - because today's adventure is sunrise at Clingmans Dome. You grab your bag and run. Many things in life may wait for you, but never the sun. While rolling through Gatlinburg, you notice that the usually hustling and bustling city is looking more like a ghost town. As you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you hit a wall of darkness. Within minutes you begin the drive up Newfound Gap Road, a flood of curiosity and excitement take over the need for sleep. The tunnels of the Smokies feel as if they are portals to another life. A life in the wild and with each curve of the mountain, you leave another worry from mediocrity behind. You begin to notice that the forest is aglow from the night's full moon and as it comes into full view at Morton's overlook - you know that you'll be at Clingmans soon. In the midst of the infamous Smoky Mountain smoke, your drive begins to take you into the sky - to the park's highest point, to the highest spot that Appalachian Thru-hikers will stand on their journey of a lifetime. Just as the itch to explore the AT begins, the first light of day slowly starts to seep into the darkness. It's time. Time to climb the half mile to the observation tower that was built in 1959. Knowing that in the past 58 years, millions of people have found love in the same spot where you now walk. Unconditional love, for the Smokies and the Appalachian Mountains. As you reach the top, the fog and coolness of the air fill your lungs. You feel your heart beating in your chest and turn to face the sun, with only three words on your lips - "I am blessed." It is there, above Clingmans Dome, that you will find both your need to roam and your Smoky Mountain home. 

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5 Tri-Star Adventures to help you roam Clingmans Dome: 

1. Hike to Andrews Bald: If you have taken in a Smoky Mountain sunrise and plan to hike to Andrews Bald, take the connector trail just off the Appalachian Trail. If you take the paved path back to the trailhead at the parking lot, you'll miss an entire stretch of beauty that is too often ignored. Within just a 100ft of stepping onto the AT, you'll begin to see the unique traits of the Spruce-fir forest and the higher elevations of the southern Appalachians. If you happened to miss the sunrise because of finding yourself inside of a cloud, you'll quickly discover that you have instead stepped into an entirely different level of storybook style magical mountains. It's always disappointing to be fogged in during the sunrise, but the fog gives the forest an indescribable mysterious allurement. 

2. Get a taste of the AT: Invite some friends along for your Clingmans adventure, and before heading up, leave a car in the Newfound Gap parking area. Once you finish up at the dome, hop on the Appalachian Trail for a 7.9-mile adventure as you make your way back down to Newfound Gap. Have a couple of days or longer to explore? Plan an AT backpacking trip, or, if you just want a longer day hike - leave a car at Elkmont before coming up and hike 13+ miles back down via the AT, Goshen Prong Trail, and Little River Trail. 

3. Stargaze and be amazed: Not a morning person? No problem! Clingmans Dome serves up gorgeous moments 24/7. Head up for a sunset and stay to stargaze on a clear, new moon, night. Climb to the top of the observation tower on a full moon night and see the area in a different light. During summer months, Clingmans is a phenomenal spot for taking in the mind-blowing sparkle and shine of the Milky Way. 

4. Family fun: Bringing the little ones along or your grandparents? Take your time climbing to the top, it's only a half of a mile - but it is straight up. Explore, check out the visitors center, read the signs and learn about the threats of losing many spruce-fit species, including the endangered spruce-fir moss spider. The climb up isn't even necessary to enjoy the area, even the views from the parking lot are stunning. One experience that you can't pass up is wandering the Clingmans Dome Nature Trail. You'll find it along Clingmans Dome road and it's one of the most overlooked, yet wonderfully charming spots in the park. Please watch your step though because there's no need to step on a resident gnome, and please - don't wake the fairies, they need their beauty sleep. 

5. A Winter Wonderland: Are you seeking a more challenging Clingmans adventure? Prefer to avoid the crowds completely or just looking for some serious serenity? From December 1st until Mach 31st, Clingmans Dome Road is closed to vehicles. The closure doesn't apply to foot traffic or even biking. During the winter months, the closure allows unique opportunities for other types of adventures. The park allows you to hike, walk, run, bike, cross country ski or even snowshoe your way to the highest point in the Smokies when the road is closed for the season. 

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Tips: 

- Know before you go. Check @SmokiesRoadsNPS for road conditions and www.mountain-forecast.com for weather conditions. Be prepared for temps to be up to 25-30 degrees below the temp at a lower elevation, as well as weather conditions to change unexpectedly.

- Dodge the crowds. It's worth the early trip up just for the beauty, but also for a parking spot. Finding parking mid-day during peak season can be close to impossible, arrive early and you'll be leaving as the crowd is rolling in. 

- Always practice Leave No Trace and keep in mind that you are in bear country - be aware. 

- Pets must be on a leash and are not allowed on any of the Clingmans area trails or on the paved path to the observation tower. Bicycles may not be on the path as well and the park has determined that the path is too steep to be wheelchair accessible.

Written by: Tristar Adventures Brand Ambassador Kristi Parsons.

Close to Home with The Flying Ham & Tristar Adventures

Today's guest blogger is Morgan Gliko --

Escaping with The Flying Ham camping staycation is a great way to explore Tennessee.  It will also introduce you to the Tristar Adventure brand.  This awesome company can fulfill all of your outdoor apparel needs for the weekend adventurer.    Too often we focus on the big extravagant vacations that cost a small fortune and miss out on all the beauty that the outdoors of Tennessee has to offer

The Flying Ham

makes it easy, especially if the idea of camping makes you a little uncomfortable.  You pick your spot or campground, and we deliver. Our campers are 2015 Shasta Airflyte trailers that are reissued and look exactly like the original 1961 Airflytes but with modern conveniences like a bathroom, stainless steel appliances, LED lighting, and Bluetooth speakers both inside and out!  We also provide a record player and records.  The Flying Ham will drop off and set up the camper or ham as we prefer to call them at your location of choice. All you have to do is show up. After your vacation is over, we will pick up the ham and that is it. It works just like a hotel stay. If you plan on staying in the Nashville area, we are proud to offer free delivery, no need to tow the camper!   Our hams will make your stay unique and very comfortable whether it’s your first camping adventure, or you just want to try something different. 

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If you haven’t explored Tennessee’s state parks or campgrounds now is the time, especially in the fall.  With the leaves turning their magical colors and the weather a little cooler, a night in the ham or a hike in the woods can create the memories that couples and families remember forever.  The Flying Ham would like to suggest a few of our favorites within the Nashville area to give you a head start. 

The first is Montgomery Bell State Park. Montgomery Bell State Park is 37 miles west of Nashville.   It provides some very nice creek front camping sites along with some hiking in the green hills of Tennessee.  You can also throw your line in the water at Lake Woodhaven for bass, bream or catfish.   If you are tired of roughing it though, the park also has golfing, boating and swimming on a lake beach. You can even enjoy some casual dining at The Forge Restaurant located within the park.  You just can’t beat the overall camping experience you get from a stay at Montgomery Bell, and of course in a ham.

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 Our second featured campground and a must for the hiking enthusiast is the 900 acre Cedars of Lebanon state park.  Cedars of Lebanon state park is 32 miles east of Nashville. The most notable hike and one that children can enjoy as well is Hidden Springs trail.  This trail is roughly 4 miles long and filled with amazing sinkholes, caves and very dramatic rock formations.  The best part is after your adventure you can cool off in their Olympic-sized pool that is 12 feet deep with a diving board, and a smaller two foot wading pool for children.  I would also recommend for a more private camping experience to stay in the campground 2 section.

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If the lake is more your style then you won’t want to miss a chance to stay at the Safe Harbor RV Resort.  It is 13 miles from downtown Nashville on Percy Priest Lake.  It has lakefront sites, sand beach, pool, and playground. They also have kayak, paddleboard, and boat rentals.   We also enjoy a relaxing weekend at Cedar Creek in Mt. Juliet and Bledsoe Creek State Park in Gallatin.  These two campgrounds offer great views of the lake while you make your s’mores at a very affordable price.

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We hope this has given you a little help in deciding the different ways to enjoy the outdoors of our beautiful state.  However, if you truly want a staycation The Flying Ham can bring the camper to your driveway or backyard.  The hams are great for extra house guests, birthday parties, photo shoots and weddings.  We can also accommodate longer adventures to Falls Creek Falls or the Smoky Mountains, just tell us where and we will make it happen. 

For more information on the campgrounds we have listed visit our places to camp section on our website www.theflyingham.com or on Instagram at @flyinghamrentals.  Also, don’t forget to pick up some awesome outdoor apparel from our friends at Tristar Adventures! Follow along on Instagram at @tristaradventures and visit their website at www.tristaradventures.com.

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Happy Camping!