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River Bluff Wildlife Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · Running trail in Knoxville, Tennessee · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from River Bluff Wildlife Area'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.
Landscaped park offering trails for hiking and gravel pathways, along with views of the city skyline and river.
What runners say about River Bluff Wildlife Area
“Not a lot of distance but a decent change in elevation and great views of Knoxville”
“Pretty easy walk to the top & a breathtaking view.”
Short and sweet hike down a gravel road to amazing views. Enjoyed looking out over the river and watching the train pass by.
Park at a gravel lot near an apartment complex, then enter the jungle. The first stretch is downhill and then it goes up again. At the end you get a nice view of Knoxville that makes the people and their earthly aspirations appear small.
Great hiking trails and the views from the top of the cliffs over the river has the UT campus to admire.
You can see all of downtown Knoxville & UT campus. Pretty easy walk to the top & a breathtaking view.
Trail conditions & character
“At the end you get a nice view of Knoxville that makes the people and their earthly aspirations appear small.”
“Park at a gravel lot near an apartment complex, then enter the jungle.”
“Not a lot of distance but a decent change in elevation and great views of Knoxville”
Plan your run at River Bluff Wildlife Area
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteknoxvilletn.gov
- Phone(865) 215-4311
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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Baker Creek Preserve
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Third Creek Greenway Park
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