Alannah
Fort Dickerson Park
Fort Dickerson played an important role in defending Knoxville from Confederate attack during the fall of 1863. It was one of sixteen earthen forts constructed around Knoxville by the Union army. The fort stood on the heights above the city and the river. Its location made it a vital vantage point for the Federal troops occupying it and a formidable threat to the Confederate troops below. Today, you can visit the historic earthworks that comprised Fort Dickerson to learn about the civil war in our area.
AUGUSTA QUARRY
City Quarry, as it was often known, operated here from the mid-1930s through the 1970s. According to the Tennessee Division of Geology, the quarry produced curbstone, stone blocks for architecture, and crushed stone for road projects. The quarry lake was officially opened for swimming in 2017. Today Augusta Quarry is the site of one of two local quarries open to swimming.
EARTHEN FORT
The Chapman Highway entrance to Ft. Dickerson Park has two significant points of interest. Entering the park, one can find a scenic view over the quarry lake from the top of one of the park’s higher points.
At the top of the hill, one of the best-preserved examples of Civil War-era earthen fortifications can be found. These breastworks, overlooking Knoxville, highlight the park’s history and its significance to the outcomes of the Civil War.
Detailed swimming information is available at knoxvilletn.gov/augustaquarry.
Entrance:
Park Size: 85 acres
Greenway: 0.5 mile (one-way)
Surface: crushed gravel
Natural Trail: 4 miles
Type: singletrack
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Hours: dawn till dusk
Features: Leashed dogs, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, trails, Greenway, Swimming, Paddling
Harold Lambert Overlook:
Trailhead Parking: 3000 Fort Dickerson Road
Directions to the park and overlook: From downtown, take the Henley Street Bridge south to Chapman Highway; about three-quarters of a mile after crossing the bridge turn right onto Fort Dickerson Road, park is at the end of road.
Augusta Avenue:
Trailhead Parking: 550 Augusta Quarry
Directions to Augusta Quarry: From downtown, take the Henley Street Bridge south to Chapman Highway; turn right on Hawthorne (across from Kern Bakery building); stay on this road to the quarry access gate.
