Hiking Knoxville, Tennessee

As a follow-up to two previous posts…

• Ijams Nature Center In Knoxville, TN
• Old Quarry In Knoxville, Tennessee

Yesterday I visited Ijams Nature Center a second time, hiking around Mead’s Quarry Lake along a 1.1 mile trail known as Tharp Trace –

Looped trail, steep in places. Named after Minnie Tharp who championed the restoration of Mead’s Quarry. Views of the lake and Mt. LeConte, plus the historic Stanton Cemetery, punctuate long stretches of woodland canopy along the trail above the cliffs.

This sign greets hikers at the beginning of the trail –

After a short walk along the north edge of Mead’s Quarry Lake, the trail inclines for a more strenuous hike. In some areas, stone steps and the roots of trees provided helpful footholds along a damp, slick path –

Here are some more photographs I shot along the Tharp Trace trail –

 

Near the end of the hike, an informational display provides an historical perspective of the early years at the quarry, including these two black & white photographs –

Despite overcast weather, the temperature was tolerable and I had a very nice hike through the woods. On my way back to the parking lot, I passed a few more spots beckoning to be photographed –

Enjoy the great outdoors in Knoxville, Tennessee!