Enjoy all that nature offers at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. This natural area, part of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, has something everyone can enjoy.
We have traveled to Knoxville several times because some close friends live there—each time, we find ourselves visiting Ijams Nature Center.
Ijams Nature Center
Ijams is an environmental education center covering over 300 acres in South Knoxville. This nonprofit has many activities for the public, including hiking, biking, paddling, swimming, educational programs, day camps, and special events.
Ijams Visitor Center
Start your visit at the Ijams Visitor Center, which houses a gift shop, exhibit hall, gallery, classrooms, and restrooms.
Get a trail map, snacks, or a souvenir in the gift shop.
Ijams is an Outdoor Paradise
The Ijams property has many outdoor opportunities for varying interests and abilities. Possibilities abound, from walking or biking on a paved path to ziplining to climbing up a rock face.
Navitat Climbing Adventure
Navitat is an areal adventure park located within Ijams. This treetop obstacle course includes climbs, nets, bridges, and ziplines.
Six’ adventure trails’ of varying difficulty branch out from the main treehouse, where you start your adventure. Children 7-9 must do the experience with an adult. Children 10-17 can do the course independently with an adult watching.
We had a lot of fun doing this zipline course with the teenagers.
Hiking at Ijams
We love to hike at Ijams. The property has over 12 hiking trails, nine designated for hikers and mountain bikers.
The River Trail, accessed from the visitor center, includes a wooden boardwalk built along the cliffs over the Tennessee River.
Other noteworthy trails are the challenging Tharp Trace and the moderate Ross Marble Quarry. Ross Marble includes the Keyhole, a fun tunnel made from stacked stone from the old quarry. Access these from the quarry parking lot.
Biking at Ijams
Ijams offers two types of biking trails, paved and rugged.
A greenway cuts through the park for paved riding. Ride your bike or rent one at the visitor center.
Mountain biking trails at Ijams are primarily blue (moderate). Bicyclists should yield to hikers, but usually, hikers step off and let the pedalers pass.
The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and others in the Knoxville Urban Wilderness maintain these trails. If you love mountain biking, check out the entire area.
Educational Opportunities
Ijams hosts day camps during school breaks and over the summer.
Visit Ijams at 2915 Island Home Ave in Knoxville.