Knoxvillians LOVE their dogs...
And with that, local businesses and public spaces are often outfitted to accommodate your furry friend. We love our dogs so much that we host the Annual Madri-Growl Parade and Party just to celebrate our little four-legged friends. Most restaurants have outdoor spaces that allow for a well-behaved pup and will even provide water bowls and on occasion, treats for the little ones.
Dog Parks (off-leash)
Wherever you are in Knoxville, you're not far from a dog park. Here is a list of parks and their amenities:
No.1: Petsafe Concord Dog Park - 10901 South Northshore Drive Knoxville, TN 37922
This dog park has it all. On a sprawling 4 acres of enclosed land, just across from the popular Concord Park, offering Kayak rentals, tennis and volleyball courts, a skate park, and biking trails, and over 500 acres of park space to explore. This dog park is the cream of the crop, offering separate spaces for small and large pups, water fountains, walking trails, and even a dock for water lovers to jump off and cool down after a long stretch of playing fetch. Then head over to the doggy shower to clean off before heading home for a snooze.
No.2: Petsafe Downtown Dog Park - 200 S. Central St. Knoxville, TN 37902
Located in the heart of Downtown, this park keeps it simple. Offering separate spaces for big and small dogs, this park is a great spot to get your furry friend a workout before strolling around Downtown and Old City.
N0.3: Tommy Schumpert Dog Park - 6400 Fountain City Rd. Knoxville, TN 37918
A great park for an afternoon stroll through scenic trails. The park includes baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and three separate off-leash dog areas for small and large dogs, and a third with a pond for Fido to cool off on those hot summer days. This park is generally fairly quiet, providing a serene space to explore.
Walking Trails & Parks (on leash)
N0.1: Ijams River Trail Loop - 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
Located just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown, this liesurely trail clocks 1.3 miles around, making the River Trail Loop the perfect place for a quick jaunt through the park and alongside the riverfront. If your pup enjoys the water, take a quick hike over to the Ijams Quarry for a refreshing dip.
N0.2: Seven Islands State Birding Park - 2809 Kelly Lane, Kodak, TN 37764
With over 8 miles of trails to explore, Seven Islands is also a wildlife refuge and education/observation center, so there is no lack of flora and fauna to admire as you meander through the park. This park is not typically very busy, providing a zen-like atmosphere to soak up nature.
Pro-tips: Arrive early in the morning, near sunrise, to experience the hustle and bustle of the native birds and other creatures. Also, check out their seasonal 'Fireflies and Spider Eyes Night Hike'.
N0.3: House Mountain - 9601 Hogskin Road Corryton, TN 37721
Just 30 minutes from downtown, at 5.8 miles round trip with a 2,100-foot crest, this popular trail offers some incredible views at its peak. On a clear day, visibility reaches over 30 miles, with views of the Smokey's, Cumberland, Clinch Mountain, and even into Virginia.
