The Holston River begins in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows for 274 miles through Virginia into Tennessee and historically, the river had great strategic importance for commerce in the Tennessee Valley. Today you can enjoy the river at Holston River Park in East Knoxville.

This frosty day was captured at Mead's Quarry; just 5 minutes south of downtown at Ijams Nature Center. This quarry is responsible for the pink marble used in some of the city's most beautiful buildings and our namesake of Marble City. 

Ijams Nature Center provides endless year-round photography opportunities; including the changing of the leaves in fall. 

When visiting in July, be sure to visit Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, located in the Urban Wilderness in South Knoxville, for the bloom of the sunflower fields.

 

This photo proves that dried flowers clinging to the trees at the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum after their season, provide a beautiful subject for any photographer. 

Augusta Quarry at Fort Dickerson Park is a 350 foot deep Civil War era remnant. Views from the highest vantage point include downtown Knoxville and the high peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Just 30 minutes from downtown Knoxville, the golden sunrise at East Knox County’s House Mountain State Natural Area is breath taking The natural area boasts almost 6 miles of trails leading to the county's highest point with views of Unakas and Cumberlands 30 miles away.

Seven Islands, named in the early 1800's, is a 416 acre area along the French Broad River. The now birding park is a premier birding destination with more than 190 species of birds sighted. 

Sharp's Ridge offers 111 acres of natural trails that allow hikers to witness various wildlife and outstanding views of the Knoxville skyline and distant mountain peaks.

Lakeshore Park is 185 acres of green space in Knoxville with spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The park offers a 4 mile river walk through natural marsh and woodlands on the banks of the Tennessee River.

 

Hope this list helps you create your own Instagramable nature photos on your next visit to Knoxville! 

 

This post was written and compiled by Taylor Hastings, Marketing Team Spring 2022 Intern