Ijams Nature Center

Ijams is the primary gateway to Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, offering connections to lakes, historic sites, quarries, and parks via 50 miles of trails and greenways. – Katy Koontz

Family-friendly Nature Center

Covering over 300 acres in Knox County, Tennessee, Ijams provides a variety of rock-climbing opportunities along with more than 14 miles of trails for walking or hiking. Visitors can also enjoy paddle activities on Mead's Quarry Lake using canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards.

Starting at the Visitor Center

The visitor center is the first stop for picking up a trail map, grabbing a snack, and using the restroom. The exhibit hall, located within the center, houses non-releasable animals such as owls, snakes, and turtles. Here, you can learn about the local wildlife and how to spot them throughout the nature center.

Visitor Experience

Recent visitors have praised Ijams as a wonderful place for children, though people of all ages can appreciate the natural beauty of the area. The River Boardwalk, offering views of the Tennessee River, is a particular favorite among patrons.

Hours

Ijams is situated about 4 miles from downtown Knoxville and is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. The visitor center operates Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Admission to Ijams Nature Center is free, but there is a $5 parking fee per vehicle per day. Members of Ijams park for free.

For additional information, visit the Ijams Nature Center website.