The seasons of sunshine and pretty weather are upon us, finally! As Knoxvillians begin to enjoy their morning coffee on the patio, open the blinds to let the sun shine in, and as car windows begin rolling down, I’m sure no one is more excited to see this glorious weather than those planning on participating in Outdoor KnoxFest 2013. With events beginning this weekend, if you are not one of those individuals, well…you should be! Spring is here with summer not far behind; get up, get out and go play!

Outdoor KnoxFest 2013 is an annual, three-day festival hosted by Legacy Parks Foundation, a Knoxville-based non-profit organization that promotes recreational activities and encourages the public to discover all the natural beauty Knoxville has to offer. From guided trail rides and hikes to paddle boarding, the festival offers activities for people of all ages and experience levels.
Events for Outdoor KnoxFest 2013 include:
Friday, April 19
4 – 6:30 p.m. Media Challenge at Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Local media personalities test their skills at some of the dozens of outdoor activities taking place throughout the weekend.
5 – 7:00 p.m. Last Minute Registration
For those that wait until the last minute, here’s your chance to get signed up.
Saturday, April 20
9:00 a.m. Pickel Road Rides – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
The Smoky Mountain Wheelmen Bike Club will host a ride through the scenic backroads of East Tennessee ride with the option of 20, 40, and 60 mile routes. The ride honors Harry Pickel who is fondly remembered for his friendly greetings to all that journeyed by his store, the H & H Service Mart on Thorngrove Pike, (circa 1895). All rides will start at 9 a.m. from Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. A mechanic from Tennessee Valley Bikes will be at the registration table at 8 a.m. for bike checks. Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 for $25; day-of registration is $30.
9:00 a.m. Urban Wilderness Trail Run – Knoxville Urban Wilderness
The Knoxville Track Club has charted a scenic and adventuresome 4-mile loop through Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Runners and walkers will start at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 for $25; day-of registration is $30.
10:00 a.m. Bike Maintenance Clinic – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Enjoy coffee and bagels as the folks at Tennessee Valley Bikes demonstrate maintenance skills and tips for keeping your bikes in good working condition on the road or trail. Event is sponsored by the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. Clinic is free but pre-registration is required.
10:00 a.m. Rock Climbing 101 Clinic – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Never tried climbing before? Or perhaps you have climbed before, but want to learn more of the technical details of roped climbing. The UT Outdoor Program will introduce the fundamental skills of rock climbing in a safe, supportive and fun environment. This clinic will focus on proper equipment and its use, belaying skills, knots and climbing technique. Includes all needed equipment. Clinic is free but pre-registration is required.
11:00 a.m. Fly Fishing 101 – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Tackle a few of the basic fly fishing skills as the experts at 3 Rivers Angler share their techniques on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear. Clinic is free but pre-registration is required.
11:00 a.m. Urban Wilderness Hike – Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Explore the unusual natural and man-made structures at Meads and Ross Marble Quarry at Ijams Nature Center, the heart of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Stephen Lyn Bales, naturalist at Ijams Nature Center, will lead the hike. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Hike is free but pre-registration is required.
11 – 4:00 p.m. Get Out and Play Activities – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Experience the fun of a stand up paddle board, test your skills walking a slack line or sample dozens of other outdoor activities for all ages. River Sports Outfitters, YMCA and the University of Tennessee’s Outdoor Program have teamed up to provide all the equipment necessary for hours of fun for everyone. FREE — Family friendly activities for all ages.
12:00 p.m. “First Time in the Woods” Mountain Bike Ride – Knoxville Urban Wilderness
Beginner riders will follow experienced members of the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club and Tennessee Valley Bike Shop to learn important bike handling skills for navigating the trails in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. A bike check will be offered at 11:30. Bring your own bike, or we can supply one. Riders need to wear a helmet, have water and eye protection. Snacks are provided. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Ride is free but pre-registration is required.
1:00 p.m. “Where’s the Trail?” South Knox Mountain Bike Ride – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Discover the impressive trail system just across the river from the heart of downtown in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. Riders will learn how to safely commute to the trailhead at Meads Quarry and then break into 2 groups for a 7-14 mile trail ride before heading back. Bring bike, helmet, and water. Snacks are provided. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Ride is free but pre-registration is required.
2:00 p.m. Disc Golf Clinic – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Learn the necessary skills and techniques of this competitive sport from members of the Knoxville Disc Golf Club. Good time to fine tune your skills in prep for the Disc Golf Singles Tournament on Sunday! Clinic is free but pre-registration is required.
2:00 p.m. Urban Wilderness Hike – Fort Dickerson Park
Discover one of the best-preserved earthen forts from the Civil War era that rests on a knob just across the river from downtown! The exploration at Ft Dickerson Park will be led by Missy Kane and TREK South. Civil War historian, Dr Joan Markel will share historical facts and features of the earthen forts within the Park. Meet at upper parking lot at Fort Dickerson Park, Chapman Highway entrance. Hike is free but pre-registration is required.
3:00 p.m. Fly Fishing 101 Clinic – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Tackle a few of the basic fly fishing skills as the experts at 3 Rivers Angler share their techniques on casting fundamentals and choosing the right gear. Clinic is free but pre-registration is required.
3:00 p.m. Bikes ‘N Blooms Scenic Bike Ride South – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Observe the beauty of the Dogwood Trails from the seat of a bicycle as you ride from the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center to the colorful gardens that frame Island Home Boulevard. Riders will enjoy river views and tranquil forests as they continue on the greenway to Ijams Nature Center before returning. This is a scenic 8-mile ride for everyone to enjoy and will be led by Tennessee Valley Bikes. Riders must wear helmets. Young riders must be skilled at on-road riding, suggested age is 8 and up. Ride is free but pre-registration is required.
3:00 p.m. Advanced Mountain Bike Ride – Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
Experience the more challenging side of the Urban Wilderness with leaders from the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club as they tackle the more technical sections of the Urban Wilderness Trail system. Riders will break into 2-3 groups according to fitness and skill levels, — no one gets left behind. Route will be 10-20 miles and is designed for proficient trail riders. This is a good prep ride for Sunday’s Mountain Bike Checkpoint Race. Bring bike, gear, snacks and water. Ride is free but pre-registration is required.
4:00 p.m. Get on the Greenway Runs – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Take a sprint along the scenic Neyland Greenway located behind the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center. The Knoxville Track Club will host 2 events — the 1-mile Kids Fun Run course takes the younger sprinters out to the splash fountains at Volunteer Landing Park while the 5K participants continue on to Tyson Park before returning. Prizes awarded. Runs are free but pre-registration is required.
4:00 p.m. Group Paddle on the River – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Delight in the beauty of Knoxville’s waterfront on a guided paddle that skirts the shoreline of the Tennessee River. The UT Outdoor Program and the City of Knoxville will be providing the boats and gear. Paddle is free but pre-registration is required.
Sunday, April 21
9:00 a.m. Bike Maintenance Clinic on the Trail – Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
Learn how to fix those on the trail mountain bike repairs. Mechanics from Fountain City Pedaler Bike Shop will teach you how to do crucial in the woods wrenching to get you back on two wheels and on with your ride. Bring your bike, gear and water. The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club will provide snacks and breakdowns. Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Clinic is free but pre-registration is required.
11 – 4:00 p.m. Mountain Bike Checkpoint Race – Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
Teams of two will race between checkpoints on South Knoxville’s trails, greenways and roads. Prepare for riding up to 40+ miles if attempting all checkpoints. Sponsored by Tennessee Valley Bikes and the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club. TVB will be providing maps and prizes! All ages and skills are welcome. Teams must have a reliable digital camera so they can document the checkpoints! Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 for $40/team; day-of registration is $50/team.
2:00 p.m. Sunday Singles Disc Golf Tournament – Morningside Park
New and experienced players can compete in the Singles Tournament that will be held on the newly designed 18-hole course at Morningside Park. Players may want to take the Saturday Disc Golf Clinic for some expert tips from experienced members of the Knoxville Disc Golf Club. Meet at Morningside Park. Pre-register by Thursday, April 18 at $15; day-of registration is $20.
2:00 p.m. “Where’s the Trail?” North Knox Mountain Bike Ride – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Discover Knoxville’s newest singletrack trail on the forested slopes of Sharp’s Ridge Memorial Park, just north of downtown. Learn the
safest route to the trails then join the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club on a ride through the woods before returning. Be prepared for a steep climb to the trailhead at Sharp’s Ridge (walking your bike permitted). Bring bike, helmet, and water. Snacks are provided. Ride is free but pre-registration is required.
2:00 p.m. Urban Wilderness Scramble – Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
Scramble over the boulder fields and through the keyhole at Ross Marble Quarry, as you make your way to the old lime pit. Route will explore new trails with exceptional overviews. Discover the amazing diversity of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness with Sarah Brobst, naturalist with Ijams Nature Center. Be prepared to get dirty! Meet at Meads Quarry in Ijams Nature Center. Hike is free but pre-registration is required.
2:00 p.m. Group Paddle on the River – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Delight in the beauty of Knoxville’s waterfront on a guided paddle that skirts the shoreline of the Tennessee River. The UT Outdoor Program and the City of Knoxville will be providing the boats and gear. Paddle is free but pre-registration is required.
3:00 p.m. Bikes ‘N Blooms Scenic Ride – Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center
Spring is a wonderful time to be on a bicycle to behold the colorful displays of our native dogwood trees that line our boulevards and gardens. Leaving the Outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center, riders will ride through downtown and loop through historic neighborhoods in North Knoxville. This is a scenic 8-mile ride for everyone to enjoy and will be led by Tennessee Valley Bikes. Riders must wear helmets. Young riders must be skilled at on-road riding, suggested age is 8 and up. Ride is free but pre-registration is required.
All events require pre-registration. For more information and to register, visit www.OutdoorKnoxville.com.





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