Warm weather and sunshine call adventure and nature lovers to get out and explore. Alcoa, Tennessee, and its surrounding areas offer many beautiful places to hike and enjoy views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee Valley. Here are four of the best hiking trails near Alcoa. If biking is more your style, check out our favorite bike trails and paths near Knoxville.
Gold Mine Trail
Just 30 minutes away from central Alcoa, the Gold Mine Trail is located on the outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail starts at Flats Road and leads into the national park to connect with another trail, the Cooper Road Trail. The Gold Mine Trail is an easy hike with just over 2.5 miles of relatively flat paths. Once you hit the Cooper Road Trail, you could continue farther into the park and enjoy miles and miles of trails, waterfalls, streams, and wildlife.
If you want to make a weekend of it, the Gold Mine Trail’s endpoint in the park is only a few miles from several campsites. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for more information on hiking trails, camping, and maps.
William Hastie Natural Area
Located north of Alcoa in Knoxville, Tennessee, the William Hastie Natural Area offers more than seven different trails through the forest, perfect for all skill levels. The Appalachian Mountain Bicycle’s Club built these trails for mountain bikers to enjoy, but they are great for hiking as well. The whole trail system covers about 3.5 miles, so you can jump from trail to trail for a longer trek or just stick to one for a short hike.
Maryville-Alcoa Greenway
The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway starts in the heart of Alcoa and follows Pistol Creek to Greenbelt Lake. This is a paved trail, so it’s great for hikes when you want an easy trail or need more accessible routes. The length of the greenway is 9 miles, which is great for runners and cyclists. Along the trail, you’ll enjoy views of the creek, various local parks, and the Alcoa Duck Pond.
Hop on the greenway at any of the easy access points located throughout Alcoa and Maryville. Springbrook Park, Hall Park, Maryville Alcoa Greenway Park, and Bicentennial Park all offer parking and entrances to the trail.
Ijams Nature Center
Situated outside Knoxville and only 30 minutes from Alcoa, the Ijams Nature Center provides a trail system that calls hikers of all skill levels to come enjoy nature. You can explore more than 12 miles of trail; some are wooded and rocky, and some are paved or built. Choose between all-purpose trails, pedestrian-only trails, and hiking and mountain biking trails. Ijams Nature Center is part of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, a park system that provides tons of trails throughout the Knoxville area.
Check out Ijams’ trail guides to plan your hike according to the level of workout you want and the abilities of the people in your crew. Bring your camera and binoculars along for the adventure. This area is full of unique wildlife and picturesque landscapes.
Don’t miss out on the beauty the Alcoa area has to offer. Get out for a hike on any of these trails, and you’re sure to finish feeling refreshed and exhilarated.
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