Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Knoxville

"If you're reading this in time, make this next destination an immediate, top priority. During the first few weeks of July, a dazzling sunflower display explodes at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area . This seasonal sea of yellow swaying in the breeze is one of Knoxville's most stunning unsung sights."

"A few more Sunflower photos because they are in bloom and looking spectacular right now. You might like to see this Adorable Sunflower and dog photo session"

"A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀SOFIA (@karunenko) on Jun 27, 2015 at 1:52pm PDT. Another prime spot for those who love being on the water or getting in a good hike is Fort Dickerson Park. What makes it great: This park offers a quarry that’s great for paddling, as well as a scenic overlook (one of several) that is just a short walk from the parking area."

"This spot made its RootsRated debut in our 8 Ways to Wile Away the Summer post, but we thought this stunning overlook was well-deserving of an encore. In South Knoxville at 1121 Cherokee Trail, you'll find a dirt parking lot near High Ground Park. Follow the gravel trail that begins in the lot all the way back through the River Bluff Wildlife Area to what is probably the most beautiful view of Knoxville."

"The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is easily recognizable thanks to the dinosaur that welcomes guests on the front lawn called Monty. The aim of the museum is to showcase the best of the local historical and archeological background of Tennessee, and to that end you can find fossils and dinosaur bones on display as well as exhibits that delve into periods such as the Civil War."

"If you were only going to visit one museum or historical site in Knoxville, this should be it!. The McClung sits on the eastern edge of the University of Tennessee campus. It has an incredible variety of exhibits, ranging from archaeological finds from ancient Egypt to one detailing the experience of ordinary Knoxville citizens during the Civil War."

"It’s easy to spot the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture from a distance. A large dinosaur stands at the front, affectionately named Monty, ready for photo-taking on the lawn. Entry into the museum has no charge at all and coupled with its high educational value, that makes it one of the top things to do in Knoxville."

"Just a block away from Market Square and diagonal to the East Tennessee History Center, it’s a great place to start the day with some caffeine and pleasant conversation with your barista. And if you like the neighborhood already, that’s greater than great since you’ll be looping back around to it later in the day."

"This Parkway parlor in one of the coolest places to eat in Pigeon Forge for everyone’s favorite dessert — ice cream, of course!. There is a great selection of ice cream flavors at Sweet Sensations Ice Cream​ available in waffle cones that are simply better when coated in chocolate. They are known to be quite generous with their servings, so we hope you’re hungry enough for the challenge of finishing these fan favorites."

"In a year when I visited the newest venture to occupy the Baker Peters House, it was only fitting to try out the restaurant that’s now in the old Orangery location. Kitchen 919 keeps the upscale cuisine trend alive there, this time via the likes of Alaskan salmon and one of that evening’s specials, a teres major cut of beef with jumbo shrimp. I may be sounding like a broken record, but the dessert selection and next-level service here made it easy for me to elevate this Bearden eatery to my favorite 10 of the year."

"When we found an opportunity to build our new restraunt in the old Orangry building we set out to create an upscale environment. After thinking about it for some time, we thought about the places that make us feel most at home. Places we are comfortable..."

"This unique store in Pigeon Forge sells gourmet specialty foods and offers over 150 products for sampling each day. Guests will have the chance to try free samples of jams, jellies, salsas, peanut butter, BBQ sauces, salad dressings, and many other dips and sauces. You’ll never be far from All Sauced Up, as the company boasts locations in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge."

"Are you preparing for holiday meals with the family or a backyard bbq with friends?. If you so, All Sauced Up has everything you need to add a dash of flavor and deliciousness to your culinary creations!. You’ll find them on both the main strip of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg."