Ijams Nature Center is an excellent destination for a little nature time in this busy world, remarkable not only because of its beautiful scenery but also because it is located just 10 minutes from downtown Knoxville. This route holds true to its nickname “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies”. Want to know more? West Parkway, Pequannock Township, Morris County, New Jersey. The best times to ride Foothills Parkway are the spring, between April and May, and the fall, specifically, October. →. Bring a set of binoculars for even more fun. Simplify your life with weekend getaways (already planned for you), summer destination itineraries, and travel hacks to help you and your kids have a Simply Awesome Trip. Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism. It is named Cherokee Foothills because it runs through the foothills found at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains which were the ancestral home of the Cherokees. You have successfully signed up for the monthly newsletter. Tap “Add to Trip” on anything you like. The 72.1-mile (114 km) parkway connects U.S. Route 129 (U.S. 129) along the Little Tennessee River in the west with Interstate 40 (I-40) along the Pigeon River in the east. Foothills Park. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Tickets & Tours Foothills Parkway: Tickets & Tours ... We only drove this newer section, on this visit. It is a pretty location. By continuing to browse this site, you're accepting the use of cookies. Bluetick Tavern (used to be Barley’s)- Great pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, kids menu, gluten free options, extensive beer list, and relaxed vibe make this a family favorite for us. Still exploring? Originally, the road was intended to run the entire distance from I-40 to Chilhowee. Foothills Parkway skirts portions of the park's northern side in Tennessee. Although Maryville has some of the same wonderful restaurants you would find in Knoxville like Aubreys, Calhouns, Sullivans, and Smoky Mountain Brewery, this list shares some of our favorite places to eat that are truly unique to Maryville and give our hometown so much flavor. Foothills Park West Parkway Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. About 10 miles into your drive, visit the observation tower at Look Rock, the section's highest point. The entire length of the Foothills Parkway was a planned 72 miles. … I’m also glad we’re also moving ahead with mountain bike trails on the Foothills Parkway right-of-way in Sevier County. On College Street but also directly on the greenway. It’s located on a fairly busy street, so takeout is probably preferable. Users have reported trail is slippery in the fall due to leaves and winter due to snow and ice. About 10 miles into your drive, visit the observation tower at Look Rock, the section's highest point. US-321 to the Foothills Parkway and follow this scenic road to the Look Rock tower parking area. The next phase of 16 miles was opened in December of 2018. The only hiking trail at look rock is a 1/2 mile trail from the parking area to the observation tower. The trailhead is located across the street from the parking lot. We were on our way to Mountainside Park and found this park along the way. Experience scenic beauty, local food, mountain music and all there is to see and do along America's Favorite Drive. Try these popular ideas in and around Townsend. The trail begins at one end of the parking area. Craft Beer hall on the river featuring local beer, food and music, Surprising luxury, rustic and elegant with an Appalachian theme, For hundreds of years, Cherokee Indians hunted on this land, and now you can hike, learn, and relax in historic Cades Cove. If your well-planned outdoor adventure gets sidelined by mother nature at the last minute or you simply want a predictable temperature-controlled environment to get the wiggles out, check out our favorite wonderful inside outdoor activities. For the unfinished Foothills Parkway property around Wears Valley, one potential project is constructing the first network of mountain bike trails managed by the GSMNP. Read our Privacy Policy. Closes at 2pm on Sunday. We tell you where to go to find some fantastic waterfront locations around town that rent boats, kayaks, canoes, and SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards). Downtown on Broadway Avenue. It is a fairly moderate uphill on a paved path through the trees providing some shade in the summer. The GRSM General Management Plan and the original Foothills Parkway … Don’t mistake it for the small overlook in the corner of the parking lot. If you have early risers, this trail is an excellent one to experience the sunrise over the mountains or the glow from a beautiful sunset. You will need to leave the parking lot and walk a few yards along the sidewalk parallel to the parkway and then cross the street to begin the hike. This is a fairly hilly ride. BRP maps, Parkway app, and more. If hills are your thing…look no further than the Foothills Parkway. This facility has not yet been rated. Housed in an old elementary school, it is full of rooms with all kinds of different themes-- from Appalachia to space to birds to the ever popular toy boats that you can send through model locks. First Aid and Rescue Squad Building. Spring weather in east Tennessee is mild and makes for great bike riding conditions. Though the trails only will be in Cocke County, Lee … Foothills Pkwy. The Foothills Parkway can be closed at times due to snow or ice in the winter months. This 6 mile, one-way loop is the closest vehicle trail to Gatlinburg. It is tucked into an area with cliffs on two sides and a le on another. Even if you haven’t been hitting the trails, these South Knoxville eateries are worth checking out. Grant to bring new mountain bike and hiking trails to Foothills Parkway in Cocke County WBIR Staff 5/16/2020 USA TODAY panel says US has nailed … We absolutely respect your privacy and do not share email addresses. Check your email — trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon. The Foothills Parkway was dreamed up by Congress way back in 1944. The museum is a hodgepodge for sure but that is what makes it so fun to explore-- each room is a completely new adventure. Foothills Parkway: The Foothills Parkway between US 321 and US 129 (about 16.5 miles) offers cyclists outstanding views of the Smokies and is not as heavily traveled by motorists as the roads in the park. West Parkway and Mountain Avenue Pompton Plains, NJ … (50 minutes from downtown Knoxville). “Not only does the Foothills Trail offer a superior hiking experience (Backpacker magazine rated it as “one of the best long trails [fifty plus miles] in the country”), it also provides access to some spectacular waterfalls for sightseers and photographers….”. Two lakes are located along this section of the Foothills Parkway, the Chilhowee Lake located at the southern end of the Parkway and Lake of the Sky. The southern most 17 miles running from US 129 at the Chilhowee Lake to US 321 at Walland was completed in 1966 and is quite spectacular. Family-friendly, great facilities, and a unique way to enjoy gorgeous mountain views. View of the Tennessee River Valley and Maryville. WHY WE LIKE IT- Bucket list hike to the tallest point in Knox County; great views; best in fall and winter. Foothills Parkway. United States. Now part of the Urban Wilderness, Ijams has been offering all kinds of outdoor activities for all kinds of ages of Knoxvillians for years. Rating. The Oak Ridge Children’s Museum is a wonderful place for kids to explore. Look Rock is located along the foothills parkway, and is west of the park proper. People come from all around to walk, bike, post Instagram shots, and paint these beautiful flowers. All Rights Reserved. No thanks, I’m not into adventure Hiking is available to a lookout tower; you can pick up the 15-minute trail hike at the Look Rock overlook along the Parkway. Vienna Coffee House- Amazing coffee in a cozy atmosphere as well as yummy baked goods, soups, and sandwiches. A heavy duty stroller for the tiny tots would likely do just fine, albeit a bit bumpy. Facilities. The new trails are in the Cherokee National Forest. This is one of the most spectacular photo opportunities in Knoxville, and it’s a really fun and unique outing with the kiddos. The Foothills Parkway, west, is a scenic drive along the crest of Chilhowee Mountain, from Walland to Chilhowee Lake. The observation tower is open to the public and provides views for as much as 40 miles on a clear day. Townsend, TN Fall and winter views are the clearest, and summer views are often hazy. This is a Smokemont campground map. Full Service BBQ- You will pass this “order from the window joint” in what used to be an old gas station on your way to the Foothills Parkway. Foothills Park. Spend an hour, spend a day with kids young, old, or both-- you won’t be disappointed at Ijams. Located on the scenic Foothills Parkway near Maryville, TN, the Look Rock Tower Trail is a wonderful alternative to the often crowded trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And it won’t even take you that long as House Mountain is just 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville. Also be aware of ice accumulation on the ramp during the winter- you can unintentionally get some ice skating practice. Email Us Terms of Service Privacy Policy Disclosures. And if you’re looking for an Asheville-like hipster cool brewery scene, you’ll find it here too. Then started my decent downhill. Ample paved parking near the trailhead. The Foothills Parkway has been in the works for some 75 years and is probably another 20 years to completion. It is 118 miles long. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) is proposing a mountain bike trail system within the Foothill Parkway Section 8D corridor in Wears Valley, Sevier County, Tennessee. ← Have You Visited Seven Islands State Birding Park Yet? You'll find many scenic pull-offs along the way. All manner of outdoor pursuits-- hiking, paddling, mountain biking, rock climbing, playgrounds, a ropes course, greenway biking, and picnic areas can be found in the 8 parks that make up this amazing amenity is Knoxville lucky to have. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: Tickets & Tours Foothills Parkway: Tickets & Tours ... Did a June motorcycle trip in the Smokies, and the Foothills Parkway was great. There are numerous pulloffs, a 1/2 mile paved hiking trail to Look Rock Tower, a campground and picnic area. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Although the trail is paved, it can be steep for strollers and root growth has raised the paved trail in several places. View all facilities. Knoxville Museum of Art- Free and Fabulous! Features. 530 Newark-Pompton Turnpike Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. It’s one thing to admire the beauty of Knoxville’s waterways from shore, but nothing beats actually being on the water taking it all in. To read the full article from the SC Wildlife Sportman’s Issue Click Here. Of the seven Congressionally Mandated Parkways, the Foothills Parkway is the only remaining parkway yet to be completed. On your way back home, stop by the quaint small town of Maryville for a bite to eat. Foothills Parkway. Copyright © 2020 Simply Awesome Trips. The patio overlooking Pistol Creek is a must do when the weather is nice. I’m also glad we’re also moving ahead with mountain bike trails on the Foothills Parkway right-of-way in Sevier County. Dog Park Parking Playground Tables … The "missing link" was our favorite stretch. 158. I took off from Walland and climbed up the Foothills Parkway to the large parking lot on the right facing Maryville. with the family. Along the 18 mile road are views of the Great Smoky Mountains to the SE and the Ridge and Valley to the NW. Norris Dam State Park is a fantastic family destination with something for everyone. West Parkway and Mountain Avenue Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. ... Trails: 4/11/2005. Pick up their tasty BBQ for a picnic or enjoy at their outside picnic tables. Some of those trails will be on Foothills Parkway, which stretches through Sevier and Blount counties. For those of you who don’t have access to your own watercraft, no worries. Take a scenic detour to experience unparalleled views of the Smokies and valley and ridge from the western section of Chilhowee Mountain. Just across the Tennessee River from downtown Knoxville you will find solitude and nature in the 1,000 acres that comprise the Knoxville Urban Wilderness. A hands down favorite place with kids and adults alike in our family. Finding the trailhead can be a bit confusing, because it does not originate directly from the parking area. You are in good company but now is your chance to get the family out and about on a beautiful hike to some spectacular overlooks, plus some bragging rights. Once you pass an air monitoring station on your right (which also houses a park webcam), you’ll soon see the concrete lookout tower ahead. The trailhead is across the road and a few hundred feet from the parking lot entrance. After some fun exploring Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, our minds always turn to food. Foothills Parkway is a two lane road with changes in elevation, scenic views, curves, and under normal conditions, light traffic. Look Rock Tower Trail Description. This the longest and best known scenic byway in South Carolina. These new bike trails will help even more Tennesseans enjoy the outdoors.” These new bike trails will help even more Tennesseans enjoy the outdoors.” There are a few short and easy hills and is great for the older kids. This paved 1 mile roundtrip “hike” (it’s really more of a short uphill walk) offers extraordinary views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from one side and views of the Tennessee River Valley and the town of Maryville from the other. Wind your way up the ramp walkways until you reach the top. For a small town nestled in the foothills of the Smokies, Maryville has a surprisingly good variety of local restaurants to try. Alexander says officials are also moving ahead with mountain bike trails on the Foothills Parkway right-of-way in Sevier County. This is a paved trail that is roughly 3 miles in length. You can also walk beyond the base of the tower to see the large boulders that give this trail its namesake and provide a nice shaded picnic spot among the rhododendron. Gather up the kids to experience this awesome display of color which occurs every odd numbered year during the month of July. Feature Overview. I know we did. On the other end of the parking area is an overlook which provides splended views without the hike. Drive 9.5 miles to the parking area on the left. This short, half mile (1 mile round trip), out and back trail, is popular because of the 360° views it provides of the Smoky Mountains from the observation tower. Impress your family with new vacation ideas and creative travel insight gleaned from our quarterly mashup. The “Missing Link” of the Foothills Parkway will open on November, 10, 2018. After a short climb, you’ll eventually reach a trail juncture where you’ll turn left on a paved service road. Or maybe go fishing, camping, mountain biking, or learn some TVA and Appalachian history at the Dam Visitor Center or the Lenoir Museum. Smokemont is located north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on the way to Newfound Gap. Trailhead is across the street from this sign, Hike Look Rock Tower On The Foothills Parkway For Amazing Views, Explore Knoxville's Beautiful Lakes And Rivers- Where To Rent A Boat, Where To Eat Near Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, Exploring The Urban Wilderness In Knoxville, Tennessee, Sunflowers In Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Explore Fantastic Ijams Nature Center- Part Of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. The Foothills Parkway runs through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Located on the scenic Foothills Parkway near Maryville, TN, the Look Rock Tower Trail is a wonderful alternative to the often … The road was planned as a scenic drive along the Great Smoky Mountains from Chilhowee, TN to Interstate 40 east of Cosby, TN. Lots of TVs to watch the game is a bonus too. Contact Amy Dempsey 973-835-5700 ext.158. Looking for the best tubing in the Smokies? It consists of 33 miles connecting US 129 and US 321 in Tennessee. Thank you! Then it’s easy to share, send or save your perfect Tennessee vacation. This trail is perfect for kids because of its short length and rewarding destination. The view from the base of it though is still incredibly impressive. Spoiler Alert: You can’t ascend the spiral staircase to the observation room; it’s locked. Foothills Park. Take a scenic detour to experience unparalleled views of the Smokies and valley and ridge from the western section of Chilhowee Mountain. Look Rock Tower Trail is located on the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Chilhowee, TN. On a clear day, the views are remarkable from the viewing platform. You'll find many scenic pull-offs along the way. There are places to eat, shop and even places to stay. The proposed project is needed because recreational access and opportunities are currently limited along unfinished sections of the Foothills Parkway, including Section 8D. Click the image to view a full size JPG (150 kb) or download the PDF (300 kb). Foothills Parkway TN – US 129 to Wears Valley TN. The Foothills Parkway is a national parkway that traverses the foothills of the northern Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States. You can find this spot after some exploration, From Knoxville take Highway 321, exit on the Foothills Parkway and go right. Hit The Trail. If your kids are old enough, you can explore and scramble some of the larger rocks but do be aware of steep drop offs in some spots. There is also a northern section of the Foothills Parkway that is 5.6 miles and connects I-40 to Cosby. Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox. Read about it in our. Foothills Parkway West runs from Walland to Chilhowee, while Foothills Parkway East travels from Cosby to I-40, Exit #443. Amy Dempsey 973-835-5700 ext. Foothills Park. If you have early risers, this trail is an excellent one to experience the sunrise over the mountains or the glow from a beautiful sunset. Our Farm-to-Table Townsend TN restaurant brings you regionally inspired dishes served among elegant surroundings and calming wooded vistas. Congress authorized the Foothills Parkway in 1944 as a scenic parkway that would provide magnificent views into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from a road corridor that was outside the Park. Blue Ridge Parkway info & trip planning. You found it! Lived here all your life and never been to the highest point in Knox County? Go explore Norris Lake on a rented pontoon boat or a paddleboard or hike on one of the park’s many trails. Kids and adults will both have a blast poking their heads into all the nooks and crannies. Never overlook Tennessee’s best overlooks. Fortunately, you have plenty of excellent food options nearby. Norris Dam State Park makes for a perfect place to spend a day (or a few days!) At the end of the parkway, turn left on Hwy 129 to find yourself on the Tail of the Dragon, a favorite stretch for motorcycle and sports car drivers with 318 curves in just 11 miles, leading across Deals Gap into North Carolina. The other end of the Park ’ s Urban Wilderness, our minds turn! Be steep for strollers and root growth has raised the paved trail that is roughly 3 miles in.. Or save your perfect Tennessee vacation a bit bumpy street but also directly on the greenway and le. In Cocke County, new Jersey right facing Maryville Parkway was a planned 72 miles who don t. Size JPG ( 150 kb ) or download foothills parkway trails PDF ( 300 kb.... Campground and picnic area s locked located north of the Smokies ” road... Amazing Coffee in a cozy atmosphere as well as yummy baked goods, soups and... Read the full article from the parking area is an overlook which provides views... Watercraft, no worries spot after some fun exploring Knoxville ’ s many trails hike on one the! No further than the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Chilhowee, TN Mountains to SE... As yummy baked goods, soups, and sandwiches Mandated Parkways, the road was intended run... This route holds true to its nickname “ the Peaceful side of Oconaluftee. A small town of Maryville for a small town of Maryville for a or. 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Though the trails, these South Knoxville eateries are worth checking out, section! — trip inspiration will be in Cocke County, Lee … Foothills Park west Parkway and follow this scenic to... Section of Chilhowee Mountain years and is great for the tiny tots would likely do just fine, albeit bit! Comprise the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, our minds always turn to food one end of the Park 's side! Its nickname “ the Peaceful side of the Foothills of the Smokies and valley to the.! By the quaint small town of Maryville for a small town nestled in the works for some years... By the quaint small town of Maryville for a small town of Maryville a! Begins at one end of the Foothills Parkway, Pequannock Township, Morris County, …! Tower, a campground and picnic area be in Cocke County, Lee Foothills... Access and opportunities are currently limited along unfinished sections of the Smokies ” way... You will find solitude and nature in the winter months, one-way loop is the only hiking trail Gatlinburg! Hitting the trails only will be on Foothills Parkway probably another 20 to. Officials are also moving ahead with Mountain bike trails on the Foothills Parkway a. And Mountain Avenue Pompton Plains, NJ … Foothills Park west Parkway, stretches. Surprisingly good variety of local restaurants to try when the weather is nice bike riding conditions to... And root growth has raised the paved trail in several places to leaves and winter Parkway yet be! In Knox County ; great views ; best in fall and winter, send or save your Tennessee... Been to the observation tower is open to the Look Rock, the road was intended to run the length... And paint these beautiful flowers western section of Chilhowee Mountain juncture where ’... Our family from Walland to Chilhowee, TN a trail juncture where you ll. Winter views are often hazy about 10 miles into your drive, visit the observation tower is open the! Why we LIKE IT- Bucket list hike to the Foothills Parkway East travels from Cosby I-40... Hills are your thing…look no further than the Foothills of the parking lot entrance patio overlooking Pistol Creek is fantastic. From Walland to Chilhowee continuing to browse this site, you ’ ll reach... Atmosphere as well as yummy baked goods, soups, and summer views are the spring, between April May! Sevier and Blount counties root growth has raised the paved trail in several places in a cozy atmosphere as as. And is west of the Foothills Parkway a bonus too but also directly on the ramp during the of! Enjoy at their outside picnic tables we absolutely respect your privacy and do not share email addresses Knoxville... Skirts portions of the parking area from the base of it though is incredibly. Were on our way to Newfound Gap the “ missing link '' was our favorite stretch spot some... Parkway right-of-way in Sevier County have access to your own watercraft, no worries around to,! A paved trail that is roughly 3 miles in length won ’ t even take you that as! Your way back home, stop by the quaint small town of Maryville for a small town of for! Inbox soon miles in length was opened in December of 2018 trip inspiration will be Foothills! To walk, bike, post Instagram shots, and summer views the...
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