Outdoor Knoxville

Outdoor KnoxFest is a benefit for the Legacy Parks Foundation


April 19-21, 2013

Three days of Urban Adventure for everyone from an outdoor enthusiast to someone who simply loves to Get Out & Play! Experience Knoxville from a bicycle seat, stand up paddle board, canoe, trail, climbing wall, slack line and more during Outdoor KnoxFest. Teamed with the Dogwood Arts Festival, a nationally renowned, month-long celebration of the natural and cultural beauty of East Tennessee, Outdoor KnoxFest promises to be bigger and better this year! Find us on facebook at Outdoor KnoxFest.

The Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center will be the hub for this year's mix of outdoor recreational venues that encourages people of all ages and levels of experience to participate. From guided trail rides, runs, hikes and paddles, the festival showcases Knoxville’s outdoor amenities with a special spotlight on the Urban Wilderness, a 1,000-acre urban playground only minutes from downtown. The many clinics offered will provide an opportunity to learn new skills or try out a new venue.

The event is produced by Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit actively working to make East Tennessee a recreational destination of the Southeast. Thanks to our great team of partners, the three-day festival will feature the following events:
Friday, April 19

4-6:30 p.m. Media Challenge at Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Local media personalities test their skills at some of the dozens of outdoor activities taking place throughout the outdoor weekend including fly fishing, bike mechanics, disc golf, slack line, climbing the wall and more.
Saturday, April 20

9:00 a.m. Pickel Road Rides - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
The Smoky Mountain Wheelmen Bike Club will host a ride through the scenic backroads of East Tennessee ride with the option of 20, 40, and 60 mile routes. The ride honors Harry Pickel who is fondly remembered for his friendly greetings to all that journeyed by his store, the H & H Service Mart on Thorngrove Pike, established in 1895. All rides will start at 9 a.m. from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. A mechanic from Tennessee Valley Bikes will be at the registration table at 8 a.m. for bike checks.
Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 for $25; day-of registration is $30. Register online at Active.com

9:00 a.m. Urban Wilderness Trail Run – Knoxville Urban Wilderness
The Knoxville Track Club has charted a scenic and adventuresome 4-mile loop through Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. Runners and walkers will start at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Trail Map
Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 for $25; day-of registration is $30. Register online at Active.com

10:00 a.m. Bike Maintenance Clinic - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Enjoy coffee and bagels as the folks at Tennessee Valley Bikes demonstrate maintenance skills and tips for keeping your bikes in good working condition on the road or trail. Event is sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club.
Clinic is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

11-4 p.m. Get Out and Play Activities - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Experience the fun of a stand up paddle board, test your skills walking a slack line, or sample dozens of other outdoor activities for all ages. River Sports Outfitters, YMCA and the University of Tennessee's Outdoor Program have teamed up to provide all the equipment necessary for hours of fun for everyone.
FREE - Family-friendly activities for all ages

11:00 a.m. Fly Fishing 101 - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Tackle a few of the basic fly fishing skills as the experts at 3 Rivers Angler share their techniques on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear.
Clinic is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

11:00 a.m. Urban Wilderness Hike - Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Explore the unusual natural and man-made structures at Meads and Ross Marble Quarry at Ijams Nature Center, the heart of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Stephen Lyn Bales, naturalist at Ijams Nature Center, will lead the hike. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.
Hike is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

12:00 p.m. "First Time in the Woods" Mountain Bike Ride - Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Beginner riders will follow experienced members of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and Tennessee Valley Bikes to learn important bike handling skills for navigating the trails in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. A bike check will be offered at 11:30. Bring your own bike, or we can supply one. Riders need to wear a helmet, have water and eye protection. Snacks are provided. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.
Ride is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

1:00 p.m. "Where's the Trail?" South Knox Mountain Bike Ride - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Discover the impressive trail system just across the river from the heart of downtown in Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. Riders will learn how to safely commute to the trailhead at Meads Quarry and then break into 2 groups for a 7-14 mile trail ride before heading back. Bring bike, helmet, and water. Snacks are provided. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.
Ride is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

2:00 p.m. Disc Golf Clinic - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Learn the necessary skills and techniques of this competitive sport from members of the Knoxville Disc Golf Club. Good time to fine tune your skills in prep for the Disc Golf Singles Tournament on Sunday!
Clinic is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

2:00 p.m. Urban Wilderness Hike - Fort Dickerson Park
Discover one of the best-preserved earthen forts from the Civil War era that rests on a knob just across the river from downtown! The exploration at Fort Dickerson Park will be led by Missy Kane and TREK South. Meet at the lower parking lot for the Fort Dickerson Park Greenway, Augusta Street entrance.
Hike is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

3:00 p.m. Fly Fishing 101 - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Tackle a few of the basic fly fishing skills as the experts at 3 Rivers Angler share their techniques on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear.
Clinic is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

3:00 p.m. Bikes 'N Blooms Scenic Bike Ride- Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Observe the beauty of the Dogwood Trails from the seat of a bicycle as you ride from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center to the colorful gardens that frame Island Home Boulevard. Riders will enjoy river views and tranquil forests as they continue on the greenway to Ijams Nature Center before returning. This scenic 8-mile ride will be led by Tennessee Valley Bikes. Riders must wear helmets. Young riders must be skilled at on-road riding, suggested age 8 and up.
Ride is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

3:00 p.m. Advanced Mountain Bike Ride – Knoxville's Urban Wilderness
Experience the more challenging side of the Urban Wilderness with leaders from the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club as they tackle the more technical sections of the Urban Wilderness Trail system. Riders will break into 3 groups according to fitness and skill levels, — no one gets dropped. Route will be 10-20 miles and is designed for proficient trail riders. This is a good prep ride for Sunday’s Mountain Bike Checkpoint Race. Bring bike, gear, snacks and water.
Ride is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

4:00 p.m. "Get on the Greenway " Runs - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Take a sprint along the scenic Neyland Greenway located behind the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. The Knoxville Track Club will host 2 events — the 1-mile Kids Fun Run course takes the younger sprinters out to the splash fountains at Volunteer Landing Park while the 5K participants continue on to Tyson Park before returning. Prizes awarded.
Runs are free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

4:00 p.m. Group Paddle on the River - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Delight in the beauty of Knoxville's waterfront on a guided paddle that skirts the shoreline of the Tennessee River. The UT Outdoor Program and the City of Knoxville will be providing the boats and gear.
Paddle is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

4-10 p.m. Twilight Criterium Road Race - Downtown/Depot and Gay Street
Spectators and competitors will thrill at the high intensity of this NASCAR-styled road race that is powered by legs and lungs — not gasoline! The sprint-style race features a short 1-kilometer (0.6 mile) course lapped over and over at speeds approaching 40 mph. Event is hosted by Knox Velo and Southern Cycling Operations bike clubs and is sanctioned by USA Cycling. Complete details on Flyer
Course Map
Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 at $30; day-of registration is $35. Register online at USACycling.org
Sunday, April 21

9:00 a.m. Bike Maintenance Clinic on the Trail – Knoxville's Urban Wilderness
Learn how to fix those on the trail mountain bike repairs. Mechanics from Fountain City Pedaler Bike Shop will teach you how to do crucial in the woods wrenching to get you back on two wheels and on with your ride. Bring your bike, gear and water. The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club will provide snacks and breakdowns. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.
Clinic is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

11-4 p.m. Mountain Bike Checkpoint Race – Knoxville's Urban Wilderness
Teams of two will race between checkpoints on South Knoxville's trails, roads and greenways. There is no set route and the checkpoints will remain secret until the start of the event. Teams going for all check points should prepare for around 40 miles. Riders need to carry their own gear, food and water as there are no SAG vehicles or rest stops. Participants are required to burn a tail light when on roads. Be prepared for any circumstances you may encounter including, but not limited to: medical emergencies, navigational errors, inoperable equipment, wild animals, and stinging/poisonous insects and plants. Most of all have fun. Sponsored by Tennessee Valley Bikes and the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Tennessee Valley Bikes will be providing maps and prizes! All ages and skills are welcome. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.
Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 at $40/team; day-of registration is $50/team. Register online at Active.com

2:00 p.m. Sunday Singles Disc Golf Tournament - Morningside Park
New and experienced players can compete in the Singles Tournament that will be held on the newly designed 18-hole course at Morningside Park. Players may want to take the Saturday Disc Golf Clinic for some expert tips from experienced members of the Knoxville Disc Golf Club. Meet at Morningside Park.
Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 at $15; day-of registration is $20. Register online at Active.com

2:00 p.m. "Where's the Trail?" North Knox Mountain Bike Ride - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Discover Knoxville's newest singletrack trail on the forested slopes of Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park, just north of downtown. Learn the safest route to the trails then join the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club on a ride through the woods before returning. Be prepared for a steep climb to the trailhead at Sharp's Ridge (walking your bike permitted). Bring bike, helmet, and water. Snacks are provided.
Ride is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

2:00 p.m. Urban Wilderness Scramble - Knoxville's Urban Wilderness
Scramble over the boulder fields and through the keyhole at Ross Marble Quarry, as you make your way to the old lime pit. Route will explore new trails with exceptional overviews. Discover the amazing diversity of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness with Sarah Brobst, naturalist with Ijams Nature Center. Be prepared to get dirty! Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center.
Hike is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

2:00 p.m. Group Paddle on the River - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Delight in the beauty of Knoxville's waterfront on a guided paddle that skirts the shoreline of the Tennessee River. The UT Outdoor Program and the City of Knoxville will be providing the boats and gear.
Paddle is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

3:00 p.m. Bikes 'N Blooms Scenic Bike Ride - Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Behold the colorful displays of our native dogwood trees that fringe our boulevards and gardens. Leaving the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, riders will ride through downtown and loop through historic neighborhoods in North Knoxville. This scenic 8-mile ride will be led by Tennessee Valley Bikes. Riders must wear helmets. Young riders must be skilled at on-road riding, suggested age is 8 and up.
Ride is free but pre-registration is required. Register online at Active.com

Slideshow from the 2012 Outdoor KnoxFest

Our thanks to Traci McDonell, George Middlebrooks, Stuart Cassell, Mary Beth Tugwell and Elle Colquitt for sharing their pictures of the weekend's events.
kids scrambled all the way to the top of the wall