East TN hiking suggestions?

[Erik88]

My friends and I are going hiking Sunday since the weather is supposed to be nice. I was wondering if anyone had a trail to recommend either in the Smokies or in Cherokee National Forrest. Looking for maybe a 5-7 mile round trip. We aren't too picky. Thanks.

[Oh Shoot]

3rd Creek Greenway from Earth Fare to Tyson Park to Neyland Drive and back is 7.5 mi.

Probably see fewer people than on the most accessible trails in Smokies.

- OS

[JReedEsq]

An often overlooked spot is House Mountain Park on the East Edge of Knox County. We like it because it's dog friendly, unlike the National Park. Just don't OC an AK pistol.

[JReedEsq]

If you have all day to spend, the Chimney Tops trial is my favorite one in the Smokies. It's steep enough to give you a good workout, it's technical, and it has one of the best views at the end. It gets a little dangerous if you continue to the very end (past all the signs saying it's too dangerous to continue) but the view is just awesome on a clear day.

When you don't have all day, there are a lot of great parks just around Knox County:

Concord Park off of Northshore in West Knox County has about 4-5 miles of trail on one side and about 2 miles on the other side. It's pretty nice, and it's so close to my house that I can ride my mountain bike to the trails, ride them, and then ride home. I'll probably be there this afternoon carrying my son in a backpack since my wife is out running 22 miles in preparation for the Knoxville Marathon.

You might also check out the trails at Norris near the shooting range or Haw Ridge park off Edgmore Rd in Oak Ridge.

I.C. King park is nice and really close to UT but you really have to watch yourself because there is a lot of illicit activity that goes on there. Don't go alone or you will be approached by men who are thinking you are looking for a date. They mainly hang out at the parking lot and around the trailheads so once you're in the woods it's not an issue but should should definitely know to "watch your 6" at that park.

We're really blessed in Knoxville to have so many great parks.

Edited March 6, 2010 by JReedEsq

[analog_kidd]

With out a doubt, my favorite hike so far is the Honey Creek trail in the Big South Fork. I know you said GSM, but BSF is about the same distance, and you wont see as many people.

This trail is awesome. Starts off with a 75' ladder bolted to a cliff, then goes up thru a canyon carved by the crreek. Bunch of huge rock houses, an old indian cave, several waterfalls, huge boulders stacked on top of each other that you crawl under. You keep wondering what is around the next corner.

If you go, start off at the parking lot at the end of the road, climb down the ladder and go left (counter clockwise) around the loop trail.

Oh, it's considered difficult, but I didn't think it was too hard. Also, you may get wet feet, so come prepared for that.

[Guest bkelm18]

You might also check out the trails at Norris near the shooting range or Haw Ridge park off Edgmore Rd in Oak Ridge.

I hike in Haw Ridge all the time. If you're into Geocaching, there are several in the park. Only down side is that you can't carry there.