Five-Star Trails: Knoxville

Discover the Best Hikes in Knoxville, Tennessee



Knoxville is a perfectly situated hiker’s paradise. The master chain of the Appalachian

Range—the Great Smoky Mountains—rises within sight to the east. Protected as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this area offers more than 900 miles of hiking trails amid rushing streams, rugged ridges, huge trees, colorful wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. To the west, the Cumberland Plateau features distinctly different terrain. Water-carved gorges slice through this elevated table of land, exposing rock walls and creating rock houses, sheer bluffs, and other remarkable geological formations. North of Knoxville, the ridge-and-valley country blends elements of the plateau and the high ranges.



Explore 40 of Knoxville’s best, five-star trails with the guidance of acclaimed author and hiking expert Johnny Molloy. With hikes in this guide divided into five distinct areas, you’ll wind through hilly woodlands, around expansive lakes, and along meandering rivers. You’ll visit breathtaking waterfalls and find panoramic overlooks.



Inside you’ll find:

Descriptions of 40 five-star hiking trails for all levels and interests

GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads

Insight into the history, flora, and fauna of the routes

Ratings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children


Lace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail!