The JU campus sits on 440 acres of rolling land on the south edge of Knox County and on the banks of the French Broad River. Students love to study (and nap) on Hammock Hill, play disc golf, hike on our trails, and even kayak (or float on a flamingo). Beyond campus, explore some of Knoxville’s best outdoor spots with the options below.

Ijams Nature Center consists of wetlands and rock formations filling an urban nature park with 10 miles of trails plus bike, paddle, and swim rentals on Quarry Lake. The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk every day. Events include outdoor movies, concerts, full moon paddles, and caving.

Enjoy 47 acres of walking trails, gardens, and historic buildings. Admission is free!

More than 60 miles of trails and greenways including five city parks and a 600-acre wildlife area. Visit the link for hiking trails and info on mountain biking, paddling, trail running, swimming, rock climbing, and more.

This beautiful trail runs just under two miles along the eastern border of Tennessee and North Carolina. This trail includes a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains.

Hike more than 17 miles of trails and maybe even experience a “moonbow” – a lunar rainbow that appears the days before and after a full moon!