East Tennessee offers some of the best fishing and hunting anywhere. From giant small-mouth bass and catfish to whitetail deer and wild boar, the area’s 19,000 miles of streams and 48,000 acres of recreational lakes create an environment rich in species and habitats. Erin Burns Freeman, Director of Communications for the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation, notes "There are seven lakes, all within a 30-minute drive of the Knoxville, which offer an abundance of recreational boating, skiing, fishing and other water sports. And because of Knoxville’s central location, visitors can also easily travel to the six national parks located within 90 miles of the city."

With soaring gas prices keeping outdoor travelers closer to home this season, here are three Knoxville area parks where you can enjoy recreational activities that you might not expect to find so close to an urban setting. And you won't break the bank getting there.

Ijams Nature Center

865-577-4717
Ijams Nature Center is a non-profit, regional environmental education center surrounded by more than 160 acres of beautiful forests, meadows, ponds and gardens that are all connected by five miles of trails. Visitors can see a variety of wildflowers, grasses and native trees providing homes to a diverse wildlife population including turtles, raccoons, opossums and more than 40 species of birds. Ijams offers several programs built upon encouraging visitors to experience the great outdoors while educating them on wildlife preservation.

Obed Wild and Scenic River

423-346-6294
Travel 40 miles west of Knoxville to the Obed Wild and Scenic River, which consists of approximately 5,000 acres of federal and state lands stretched along 45 miles of rivers and streams. Visitors enjoy some of the most challenging whitewater boating experiences in Eastern North America. Other recreational opportunities include camping, picnicking, sightseeing, rock climbing and fishing.

Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area

423-346-3318
Located less than 50 miles west of Knoxville, Frozen Head State Park and Natural Area is is named for one of the highest peaks in the Cumberland Mountains, the top of which is often shrouded in ice and snow. The 13,122 acres of relatively undisturbed forest contain some of the richest wildflowers areas in Tennessee. Park visitors can enjoy fishing, camping, biking, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming.


Have you visited any of these Knoxville area parks? Share your thoughts here.