Ijams Nature Center — Attraction in Knoxville

This place is absolutely beautiful! I’ve been coming to Ijams for years, and I’ve never run out of new places to explore. As far as hiking goes, this place really has it all. There are trails ranging from easy trails that are paved, to trails that require intense physical climbing. This nature preserve is divided by the road, with two main sides. One one side is the Boardwalk, visitor center, and a pavilion and two play areas for younger children. On the other side is the quarries. The quarries offer a nice place to spend a relaxing afternoon, or for more adventurous hikers you can brave the Ross Marble quarry, which offers a very scenic trail as you descend into the quarry. Though not many people know this, Ijams is actually home to several rare species of animals. I’ve seen a lot of animals here, especially salamanders, frogs, and even some snakes. There is a cave here, but it is barred to protect the rare and critically endangered Berry Cave Salamander. This is a pretty clean place for the most part, but sadly vandals will occasionally deface the quarries and damage the caves, so please do what you can to keep this place clean. Many species are facing a massive threat due to human activity, and the salamanders that call this place home are no different, so please respect nature. The quarries offer paddle boating, as well as a beer garden near the parking lot at the quarry. The water feels great during the summer, and there is a designated swimming area, though there are a lot of spots by the water where you could swim if you wanted to. A quick heads up, there is a large drop off in the water, near the more isolated spots by the water (which are a great place if you want a more secluded area that’s a little quieter) so be careful not to accidentally fall in, as you will not be able to touch. This is one of the best nature preserves I’ve ever visited, and I highly recommend that you come check this place out, whether it be for a nice afternoon or a day of adventure exploring...

Probably one of the best nature centers I've been too. Multiple trails, each one on the map marked with easy, moderate, or hard. Map is in the nature center posted at counter or you can purchase one for a dollar. Nature center has very clean restrooms, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Employees are very knowledgeable and kind, giving detailed instructions and making good recommendations. All trails are dog friendly. From the visitor's center we went to the left of the Navitat zip lining to North Tower cover trail (0.2 miles, moderate), then River boardwalk trail (0.5 miles, east), then back to the visitor center by Tower trail (0.3 miles, hard). Very brisk walk for us, we were definitely sweating by the end. They also have many many more trails and a couple of rescue birds, a hawk and a vulture. Of note, they have an interesting and fun sounding schedule of events which includes festivals, kayaking events, Shakespeare plays, and so much more, pretty much multiple things on most days. If I could give any recommendations for improvement, I would request more trail signage. There were several groups that were confused at trail forks. Or even spray painting a colored ring around a tree (red ring equals trail A, etc). If you have the map and make educated guesses you can make it. But since we weren't the only ones confused, I know it wasn't just my bad sense of directions. Otherwise, one of the best areas I've been to. 5$ parking, just use the QR code. I would rate this center WAY over the Smoky mountains national parks. Like 10...

What a lovely spot to visit.

Protecting land and practicing environmentally responsible stewardship is benefit to all of us.

Why three stars? Unfortunately, the staff member (or volunteer) stationed at the information table outside the main building on August 19th in the early afternoon, was not a benefit to all of us. This older woman let her personal issues spill over into her responsibilities at this organization.

When she discovered that my wife and I were from Connecticut, she made a face. When we asked why she referred to her news source Newsmax. She said that one of the commentators on one of their programs was from Connecticut and didn’t like the Connecticut state government. She went on to admit that she thought people from Connecticut were snobby rich people.

I reminded her that Connecticut has good and bad people, rich and poor, Democrats and Republicans. I also told her that sweeping generalizations about where people are from does not do this country a damn bit of good. It further divides us and weakens us.

She wasn’t happy to be given that response.

To the ijams organization President Andy Oakes, Emeritus member Sherri Lee, Appointed Members and Members at Large:

Please train your staff. I’m sure you are better than this. You have lost a donation from my wife and I.

To the good people of Tennessee: If and when you visit Connecticut, please understand that you will be welcomed without preconceived notions.

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