Bundle up and take in spectacular views on a winter hike!  When the leaves drop, our trails transform into quiet, wide-open spaces with crisp air, new views, and a totally different kind of beauty. Whether you’re looking for a quick walk close to home or a longer trek into the mountains, Knoxville has plenty of great options for cold-weather adventures.

Here are some of the best trails to explore this winter: 

 

  1. William Hastie Natural Area
  2. Scott Cleland Trail
  3. Frozen Head
  4. Fort Dickerson
  5. UT Arboretum (Oak Ridge)

William Hastie Natural Area

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In the heart of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, this wooded natural area is a local favorite for hikers and mountain bikers alike. In the winter, it’s quieter and easier to take in the ridgeline views, rolling terrain, and peaceful woods. The trails vary in length and difficulty, so you can make your hike as short or as adventurous as you’d like.

 

Scott Cleland Trail

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A hidden gem in West Knoxville, this short hiking trail makes winter hiking easy and approachable. A paved greenway from the YMCA tennis courts leads you to the 1-mile trail, giving you a quick, peaceful walk in the woods. In winter you may spot more wildlife that sometimes hide away in warmer months. It’s a great option when you just need a quick reset in the fresh air.

 

Frozen Head

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Frozen Head state park

Frozen Head State Park in the beautiful Cumberland Mountains is just an hour away from Knoxville, and the observation tower at the summit of Frozen Head Mountain is worth every step of the journey. Often shrouded in ice or snow during the winter, the observation deck peeks just over the treeline to offer you 360-degree views of the beautiful mountain landscape. Hike up the North Old Mac Trail to the observation tower, and back down the South Old Mac Trail for a roughly 7-mile round trip. 

 

Fort Dickerson

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This South Knoxville favorite is a quick escape that feels worlds away from the city. In winter, the quarry lake sparkles through the bare trees, and you can catch skyline views that aren’t visible in summer. Hike the new trails from the West Blount Avenue parking lot to get an uphill hike with rewarding views. Take the Pit Viper loop for beautiful views of the quarry you can't get during the summer. 

 

UT Arboretum (Oak Ridge)

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Just a short drive from Knoxville, the UT Arboretum is a peaceful spot to wander in winter. This 250-acre research and education center has about six miles of trails, many of them short and easy, so you can mix and match to create a walk that fits your day. Even in the colder months, the Arboretum is full of color — the Juniper Garden stays green year-round, and the Elmore Holly Collection, with more than 200 varieties, brightens the landscape with pops of red berries against the winter backdrop.

 

Winter Hiking Tips

· Dress in layers (base layer, fleece, waterproof shell).

· Start earlier in the day — the sun sets quickly in winter.

· Carry water and snacks (you’ll still sweat and burn energy).

· Watch for ice, especially on shaded trails.

· Let someone know your plan before you go.

 

Winter hiking around Knoxville is underrated — and that’s good news for those of us who love it. From the city’s Urban Wilderness trails to the nearby mountains, there are plenty of ways to soak up some sunshine, breathe crisp air, and reset in nature. So grab your boots, a thermos of coffee, and hit the trails. Knoxville is just as wild and beautiful in winter — maybe even more so.

 

For more hikes, check out the Urban Wilderness

and warm up with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa

from one of Knoxville’s coffeeshops.