Getting outside during the winter months is a refreshing way to stay active and add a sense of adventure to your fitness routine. Cooler temperatures make it easier to move, and even short periods of sunlight can help boost your mood, support immunity, and provide a natural dose of vitamin D during cold and flu season. Best of all, winter offers a quieter, more peaceful way to experience East Tennessee’s landscapes.

 

Just 30 minutes from downtown Knoxville, House Mountain offers a challenging and rewarding hike to Knox County’s highest point. The 5.8 miles of rugged trail climb steadily through heavily wooded terrain, passing dramatic rock outcrops along the way. At the summit—2,100 feet above sea level—you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Unaka and Cumberland mountain ranges stretching across the horizon. The Crest Trail runs the length of the mountain from the West End Overlook to the East End Overlook, delivering unforgettable winter vistas that make the climb well worth the effort.

For a more relaxed outing, Knoxville’s extensive greenway system provides over 85 miles of paved paths that wind alongside streams, rivers, ridges, and open green spaces. One favorite is the Third Creek Greenway, where you can tailor your walk or ride to fit your fitness level. This section of the 18-mile connected system begins in Bearden at Forest Park Boulevard and follows the shoreline of Third Creek before connecting to the Neyland Greenway. Along the way, you’ll move through wooded areas, neighborhood parks, and the University of Tennessee campus, with riverfront views adding an extra dose of inspiration.

Thanks to Knoxville’s mild winter climate, there are also days when getting out on the water is an unexpected treat. On sunny winter afternoons, consider paddling the French Broad River using the new adaptive kayak launches. Start at Seven Islands State Birding Park and paddle downstream to Cruze Landing on a roughly two-hour trip. Along the way, you’ll experience peaceful river views, abundant wildlife, and a new perspective on one of East Tennessee’s most iconic waterways.

This winter, take advantage of the season’s calm, cooler days to explore Knoxville’s trails and waterways. Staying active outdoors doesn’t just keep you moving—it reconnects you to the natural beauty that makes our region special, no matter the time of year!