Parks Near Knoxville, Tennessee
Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville provides direct access to America's most visited national park and Appalachian wilderness.
Popular Parks Near Knoxville
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
35 miles from Knoxville
4.9
National Park
Highlights:
- Most visited park
- Cades Cove
- Smoky sunrises
Big South Fork National River
75 miles from Knoxville
4.6
National River Area
Highlights:
- Gorge views
- Natural arches
- Horseback riding
Frozen Head State Park
45 miles from Knoxville
4.5
State Park
Highlights:
- Barkley Marathons site
- Waterfalls
- Backcountry camping
Popular Activities
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
- Scenic drives
- Camping
- Waterfall hunting
Best Times to Visit
- Fall for foliage
- Spring for wildflowers
- Summer (but crowded)
Driving Tips
- Cades Cove loop is one-way and slow
- Smokies entrance is always free
- Fall weekends are extremely crowded
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