Knoxville, TN and its smaller neighbor Alcoa, TN are a pair of delightful towns on either side of the winding banks of the Tennessee River. Filled with scenic waterside parks and lush stretches of woodland, this area is ideal for anyone seeking a quick escape into nature. If you’re looking for great picnic spots in either town, you’re truly spoiled for choice.
Fort Dickerson’s Quarry Lake
Lounge as you eat beside a stunning lake formed from an old quarry, which is near to a civil war fort. This thickly forested area is filled with hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and a real sense of history, ideal for a memorable stroll and picnic with the kids. You can even enjoy a civil war driving tour, to make the day even more interesting.
Sequoyah Park
This sprawling park stretches along a bend of the river just to the south of Knoxville, a short drive from Alcoa. With magnificent views over the glistening water, the park is ideal for joggers, cyclists, and picnic-goers. There are many open stretches of grass, perfect for playing ball or frisbee after you eat.
Ijams Nature Center
This natural spot, moments from downtown Knoxville, is a real gem. Ijams Nature Center is filled with winding creeks that run through beautiful woodland, and it has trails aplenty, canoeing, and a special natural play area for children. There are even day camps where the kids are taught about nature and teamwork with fun activities. You can explore with your family and stop off to eat at any one of numerous picnic tables spread throughout the trees.
Springbrook Park & Alcoa Duck Pond
If you’re looking for a taste of nature in Alcoa, Springbrook Park is a short walk from most parts of the town. This charming park has lovely views and plenty of picnic tables, a few of which are sheltered under pavilions, for those days when the sun’s a little too hot. You can make use of the tennis courts, the outdoor pool with waterslides, and as a real treat for the kids, the 7.7-acre duck pond, for fishing and feeding the birds.
Knoxville Botanical Garden
For a wonderful wander along winding pathways through flower gardens, a bamboo forest, pretty meadows, and collections of curious stone structures, why not take your picnic at Knoxville Botanical Garden. This lovely natural spot is just a few minutes from downtown Knoxville. It’s free to enter and filled with places to stop for your picnic.
Norris Dam State Park
The picturesque reservoir lake formed by Norris Dam offers miles of shoreline and 4,000 acres of thickly forested parkland. For more active picnic-goers who fancy a little boating, fishing, or even skiing, this natural haven is a location hard to beat. You can even rent a cabin in the woods or a houseboat on the lake to enjoy several days of life in the clean open air of nature.
After you’ve enjoyed picnicking at these wonderful locations, pay a visit to Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota near downtown Knoxville, for all your car repair, maintenance, financing, or purchasing needs.
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