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High Ground Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 155 Google reviews · Running trail in Knoxville, Tennessee · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from High Ground Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Civil War-era park with wooded trails and views of the city and Smokies.
What runners say about High Ground Park
“The area is well maintained, and there are plenty of informative signs to highlight different areas along the trail.”
“Tip- visit in the winter when the trees are bare for great views of the smokies.”
Nice park, but just so everyone knows if you go down the un paved path there, I think it's called war road or something like that, it was for bringing equipment up to the fort. Anyway there is a hobo camp at the end of that trail, like with scruffy growling dogs and crazy people yelling at you. You have been warned!
Park was nice, has history to it. Only con was that it has a trail that starts and eventually leads to nowhere but a hilltop with a nice view. If you’re a woman, don’t go alone. Take a friend or two with you. There is lots of trees and woods surrounding the area. I was scared, but wanted to visit somewhere new.
Mesmerizing fall color, falling leaf left behind while hiking in late Fall. Nice parking lot and clean environment.
This hidden gem is definitely a place those interested in Civil War history should visit. The area is well maintained, and there are plenty of informative signs to highlight different areas along the trail. The main trail is paved, but there are unpaved trails for those whom prefer a more rustic adventure.
Trail conditions & character
“Nothing too crazy, just a nice quiet place for how close it is to downtown with some cool views, good foliage in the fall, photo ops and some easily walkable fun trails.”
“Nice park, but just so everyone knows if you go down the un paved path there, I think it's called war road or something like that, it was for bringing equipment up to the fort.”
“Anyway there is a hobo camp at the end of that trail, like with scruffy growling dogs and crazy people yelling at you.”
“There is a hard pack surface trail and a dirt trail.”
Plan your run at High Ground Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteoutdoorknoxville.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Knoxville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
The Bluffs
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Easy hiking trails, plus a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River and downtown Knoxville.
River Bluff Wildlife Area
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Landscaped park offering trails for hiking and gravel pathways, along with views of the city skyline and river.
Fort Dickerson Park
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Expansive 1,000-acre city park featuring hiking trails, a swimming quarry & Civil War sites.
Baker Creek Preserve
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Park featuring wooded and landscaped areas for hiking and mountain biking trails.
Baker Creek Preserve
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Nature preserve with trails, a pump track, and jump line for bikers of all skill levels.