Fort Dickerson Quarry — Attraction in Knoxville

After driving around for 30+ minutes to find this Quarry (it's not easy to find and there are no signs pointing the way) I found this beautiful place. I was so excited to finally get there, I walked a ways down the gravel trail to see if I had to carry my kayak down the trail to the water (it is a long trail). There were 2 City Park "workers" lounging at the beginning of the trail and I had asked one if I could drive down the trail (it appeared as if vehicles had driven on it) to which one worker responded and said he would help me carry my kayak down. How nice right?! The other worker who was lounging in a hammock listening to music spoke up and said "no kayaks allowed". I asked "since when!?!" He shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know but that's what the sign says". Apparently the sign went up about 2-3 weeks ago banning any kind of water craft except personal blow-up floats etc. Talk about a huge disappointment!!! I really hope the city retracts this ban. I feel much safer paddling around in my kayak than I would on a blow-up float in a Quarry. This is a huge site, plenty of room for everyone and all types of...

Really nice place to go and take a quick dip in the water to cool off on a hot summer day. Water is cool not cold and seems cleaner than most of the lakes in the area. There was plenty of shade even though it was quite busy. The city parks and recreation department has a couple of their people there Memorial day thru Labor day from what I was told. The city had signs posted no smoking or drinking but I seen several people doing both. They're a couple of portable bathrooms on site and they promptly close the gates at 8pm!! You definitely want to be gone by then, not only do you get a ticket but you will not be able to get your vehicle until 9 am the next day. I also saw several families grilling with those small portable grills so I guess that's allowed. Also no glass containers! (Which I definitely agree with around water) You should probably use your GPS, if it's your first time going, it can...

Really cool spot right in the middle of Knoxville. In the summer it's a great "swimming hole" but the crowd is eclectic. You'll see everything from college students and families to pot smokers and homeless people. People bring their instruments and play whatever the marijuana and nature speaks to them :oD There are garbage cans, but there's a lot of litter also which is kind of sad. I've been down to the quarry when no one is there also and it can feel sketchy if I'm being honest. We passed some crack heads on the way out. They didn't mess with us but it felt pretty unsafe for 2 women. The water is beautiful and it's surely worth going at least once! Go in a group or if you girls want to go, swallow your pride and bring some dudes for presence. Note: There are 2 parking lots if the gate is open drive to the lower and it's literally a 3 minute walk in. There are porta potties there in...