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Ijams Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,394 Google reviews · Running trail in Knoxville, Tennessee · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ijams Nature Center'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.
Wetlands & rock formations fill urban nature park with 10 miles of trails plus bike & canoe rental.
What runners say about Ijams Nature Center
“What a beautiful clean , well maintained Nature Center!”
“A beautiful gem hidden away on the outskirts of knoxville!”
“Conditions excellent, great shade and enjoyed the two sections of boardwalk.”
“Wonderful outing if you want to stretch your legs a bit with an easy hike.”
While in Knoxville for a business trip, I was told this place was a must-see for nature lovers - after visiting, I can confirm this is an excellent (and extensive) set of trails. You could easily spend a whole day here.
This is an absolutely wonderful place to spend the day with your family. The only price of admission is a modest $5 parking fee. You scan a QR code but cell service is spotty. It's a little bit of an issue. This place is amazing.
A beautiful gem hidden away on the outskirts of knoxville! It’s an awesome place to get out to and explore with the family. Places for biking, hiking, walking, swimming etc. they have frog ponds, hiking trails, animal exhibits and much more.
First comer, and it was a fantastic time. I did multiple trails, including both the river boardwalk, and the quarry Trace hike. Wish I knew you could go swimming in the quarry; will make sure to do that next time around. Definitely recommend.
Trail conditions & character
“A beautiful gem hidden away on the outskirts of knoxville!”
“However, you can manage a free trip if you don't buy souvenirs and park elsewhere and walk to the center as they do charge a smidge for parking.”
“I first walked the River Trail, which had a splendid boardwalk section that I could not get enough of.”
“Conditions excellent, great shade and enjoyed the two sections of boardwalk.”
“Was a bit muddy when we were there but worth the hike down the hill to the boardwalk!”
“We did the river loop trail using our All Trails map as the signage is not the best.”
Plan your run at Ijams Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteijams.org
- Phone(865) 577-4717
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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