Folks in Nature
Hiking Club
Nature is for All!
The Folks in Nature Hiking Club is a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone is empowered to show up as their authentic, unfiltered selves while exploring the joy that nature has to offer. We welcome those who have been historically excluded or discouraged from finding community in and with natural spaces, as well as their friends, to gather together on monthly hikes throughout Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.
Who can sign up for Folks in Nature?
Anyone 18+ can sign up for the Folks in Nature Hiking Club!​
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PRICING AND POLICIES
Full Year Membership - $55
- 2 guest passes for friends
- t-shirt included
- 9 naturalist led hikes at various scenic locations
Guest Pass- $7
- Don't want to commit to all 9 hikes? Feel free to buy a guest pass for the specific hike that excites you the most!
- Each guest pass permits entry to 1 guided hike
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HIKE INFORMATION
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The Folks in Nature Hiking Club meets once a month from April to December. Most hikes will be between 3-5 hours long.
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Most hikes will be based in various locations throughout Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, but there are some "field trips" during certain months. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to these "field trips" but will be provided with all parking information available at each site. We recommend that as participants become more comfortable, they attempt to carpool to lower the environmental impact of vehicle emissions and continue creating deeper connections with the group!
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Each hike is detailed below including some information on accessibility, difficulty, and theme. However, the exact time and meeting location are obscured for safety. Once you register, you'll be sent all the info!
SESSION TIME AND INFORMATION
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Ijams Nature Center
April 19, 2025 I Morning, 3 hours I Easy
Our Folks in Nature program will start out at Ijams Nature Center where everyone will meet each other and the Ijams staff who will be attending many of the hikes. We will take a trip through the trails of Ijams and have the opportunity to spy some beautiful spring ephemeral wildflowers while getting to know each other! Participants can expect to walk no more than 3 miles during this time over natural trails with terrain such as rocks, roots, and gravel. ​​​
FIELD TRIP: Seven Islands State Birding Park
May 17, 2025 I Morning, 4 hours I Moderate
Calling all bird nerds! Join us for a hike and birding expedition at Seven Islands State Birding Park. Binoculars will be provided for this excursion where we hope to encounter the colorful plumage and catchy tunes of various songbirds. Participants can expect to walk no more than 5 miles over a mix of paved paths and rough trails.
Ijams Nature Center
June 15, 2025 I Evening/Night, 3 hours I Easy
It's firefly season! These little creatures create a beautiful show in the evening reminiscent of the starry night sky. We will take a night hike no longer than 4 miles over rocks, roots, and gravel aiming to spot some of these firefly colonies and admire their beauty!
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Fort Dickerson Park
July 19, 2025 I Morning, 3 hours I Easy
Cannonball! Who doesn't love a dip in the water during the summer heat? After a pleasant hike around the Quarry, those brave enough can venture down and cool off with a swim! Participants can expect to hike approximately 3.5 miles on a mix of paved greenway and natural trails.
FIELD TRIP: Obed Wild and Scenic River
August 10, 2025 I Morning, 3 hours I Moderate to Difficult​
It's gonna be gorge-ous! Challenge yourself in one of East Tennessee's most pristine wilderness areas where we will hike to an isolated view of the Obed River Gorge. If you still have energy leftover after this adventure, the Obed is an excellent place to participate in other cool activities like paddling, rock climbing, or a peaceful afternoon of birdwatching! Participants should expect to hike approximately 4 miles total on moderate to strenuous terrain.
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Helix Trails
September 20, 2025 I Morning, 4 hours I Moderate
Another hidden gem of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, Helix Trails provides a lovely wooded area for an autumn morning hike. While on this hike, we hope to spot some migrating birds, fun fungi, and other treasures of the natural world! Participants should expect to walk approximately 4 miles over natural trails including terrain such as rocks, roots, and the occasional wooden bridge.
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FIELD TRIP: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
October 4, 2025 I Morning, 5 hours I Moderate
As the nation's most visited National Park, the Smokies are a must-see when looking for hikes near Knoxville. Between wildlife, waterfalls, and the changing leaves, there is always something exciting to see in the park! Participants can expect to walk 5.5 miles on moderately challenging terrain including root-filled trails and a few stream crossings. *Please note that each vehicle parked in the Smokies requires a parking pass for the day which is not provided by Ijams Nature Center.*
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Forks of the River WMA
November 8, 2025 I Morning, 4 hours I Easy
Between river views, active bird populations, and plants galore, Forks of the River is an excellent green space right here in Knoxville! Participants can expect to hike approximately 5.5 miles on paved trails, stopping at multiple spots along the way.
House Mountain
December 6, 2025 I Morning, 3 hours I Moderate to Difficult
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This strenuous hike is well worth it to see the scenic view offered at the top of the Mountain! In addition to the panoramic view, House Mountain offers a variety of plant life and unique rock formations to explore on our way up. While the uphill is a beast, the way down is a much more pleasant downhill stroll. Participants should expect to hike around 3 miles total across difficult terrain such as roots, rock scrambles, and steep hills.
Please email publicprograms@ijams.org with any questions about this program.