Knoxville – Urban Wilderness-Ijams Quarries

The hike is about 6 miles, mostly through the woods, with rolling hills, one or two are steep but not very long. The hike is rated as moderate difficulty. You can view the map of the hike area by going to www.outdoorknoxville.com, select Urban Wilderness at the top of the page and then in the South Loop Route select the printable map for Ijams Nature Center/Ijams Quarries. The hike will be on the trails around Ross Marble Quarry and Mead’s Quarry. The hike will include Imery’s, Turnbuckle, Burnett Ridge, Ross Marble and Tharp Trace trails.

We will meet at the Meads Quarry parking lot on Island Home Avenue, on the right not far past the entrance to Ijams Nature Center (see the map referred to above) and leave at 9:30 am. We recommend hiking poles, shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other weather appropriate clothing, a snack, a drink and a camera.

After the hike plan on stopping on the way back for a meal and refreshments, perhaps at Calhoun’s or somewhere in South Knoxville. For specific information about the hike please call Tom at 865-588-5622, leave a message or send an email to cressler@retiree.utk.edu before January 20th.