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
• Full-color 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!
About the Author: Johnny Molloy is a writer and adventurer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. His outdoor passion was ignited on a backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while he was attending the University of Tennessee. That first foray unleashed a love of the outdoors that led Johnny to spend over 4,500 nights backpacking, canoe camping, and tent camping over the past three decades. Friends enjoyed his outdoor adventure stories; one even suggested he write a book. He pursued his friend's idea and soon parlayed his love of the outdoors into an occupation. The results of his efforts are over 75 books and guides. His writings include hiking guidebooks, camping guidebooks, paddling guidebooks, comprehensive guidebooks about a specific area, and books about true outdoor adventures throughout the eastern United States. Though primarily involved with book publications, Johnny writes for varied magazines and websites. He continues writing and traveling extensively throughout the United States, pursuing a variety of outdoor endeavors. Johnny is a Gideon and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Johnson City. His non-outdoor interests include reading, ancient and American history, and University of Tennessee sports.