IC King Park
South Knoxville's waterfront gem with scenic trails for hiking, biking, fishing, and a popular dog park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer ticks, pleasant hiking
IC King Park
Best Time
Fewer ticks, pleasant hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
South Knoxville's waterfront gem with scenic trails for hiking, biking, fishing, and a popular dog park.
"A great community park with beautiful trails and lake views, perfect for a quick outdoor escape."
Use a Hiking App 🗺️
Trails can be basic and unmarked; a hiking app is crucial to avoid getting lost .
Tick Protection is Key 🦟
Be prepared for ticks, especially in warmer months. Use repellent and check yourself and pets thoroughly .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Hiking & Biking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore miles of trails offering beautiful woodland scenery and lake views. Great for a quick escape!
Waterfront Views & Fishing
Along the lake shore
Enjoy peaceful vistas of the water, perfect for fishing or simply relaxing by the shore. Great Blue Herons are sometimes spotted here .
Community Dog Park
Near park entrance
A well-maintained, enclosed dog park offering a safe space for pets to play with scenic surroundings .
Mountain Biking Trails
Designated bike trails
Newly improved trails cater to mountain bikers, offering a fun and sustainable riding experience .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Navigation & Safety
Tick Prevention & Best Seasons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Use a Hiking App 🗺️
Trails can be basic and unmarked; a hiking app is crucial to avoid getting lost.
Tick Protection is Key 🦟
Be prepared for ticks, especially in warmer months. Use repellent and check yourself and pets thoroughly.
Pack Out Your Trash 🗑️
While cleaned up, some areas can still see litter. Help keep the park beautiful by packing out what you pack in.
Check Gate Status 🚗
The gate to the main trailhead can be closed sometimes; check if access is open before you go.
Tips
from all over the internet
Use a Hiking App 🗺️
Trails can be basic and unmarked; a hiking app is crucial to avoid getting lost.
Tick Protection is Key 🦟
Be prepared for ticks, especially in warmer months. Use repellent and check yourself and pets thoroughly.
Pack Out Your Trash 🗑️
While cleaned up, some areas can still see litter. Help keep the park beautiful by packing out what you pack in.
Check Gate Status 🚗
The gate to the main trailhead can be closed sometimes; check if access is open before you go.
Great for Dogs! 🐕
The park features a nice dog park and trails are generally dog-friendly, but always leash up.
New Bike Trails! 🚵
Recent improvements mean great new trails for mountain bikers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise IC King Park for its beautiful trails, scenic lake views, and community amenities like the dog park. While some mention past issues with trash, recent clean-ups have improved the park's appearance. The main drawbacks are the sometimes unclear trail markings and the prevalence of ticks in warmer months.
"Beautiful trails. I heard there used to be a lot of trash but they cleaned it up. I didn't see any trash there. I went in May and there were tons of ticks. My dog ended up with 15-20 ticks on him I had to flick off, pull off of him. Maybe they could do a possum release there to decrease ticks.
There are restrooms by the park/dog park entrance. Seem well maintained. The dog park looked really nice and had pretty views of the surrounding nature, though we didn't go in.
I would use the dog park and I'm planning on going back when the weather is colder and there are less ticks."
Hayley
"Cool community Park. Enclosed Dog Park included. Lots of trails. Do not use the map at park for reference. Very basic markings.
Use a hiking app if you do not want to constantly back track.
Otherwise great series of trails for a 1-2 hr run, if you plan it well.
Good amount of parking."
Tootsie Roll Patrol
"No real parking lot. Park no longer maintained by knoxville. Trails not clearly marked. As a novice hiker I would rate what I hiked as easy to moderate. Could hear car traffic most of my hike. Not heavily trafficked if you prefer a walk with less people, the few I encountered were very friendly and pleasant. The woods were very pretty. People left lots of garbage at an obvious fishing spot. Water looked very dirty, would not recommend swimming."
Renee Lombardi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
IC King Park is located in South Knoxville. Access can be via various entrances, with some trailheads having limited parking. Be aware that the main gate to the trailhead area may be closed at times.
Parking is available, though it's described as not a 'real parking lot' in some reviews. It's generally sufficient for visitors, but can fill up during peak times.
Information on public transport to IC King Park is limited. It's best to check local Knoxville transit routes for options, though driving is the most common method.
Yes, restrooms are available near the park/dog park entrance and are generally well-maintained.
Absolutely! IC King Park features a nice trail system for biking, including newly improved mountain biking trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
IC King Park is a community park and generally does not have an entrance fee for general access.
Park hours can vary, and the gate to certain trailheads may be closed. It's advisable to check local park information or visit during daylight hours.
No, tickets are not required for IC King Park. It's a public park open for recreational use.
While not a primary concert venue, IC King Park has hosted community events and volunteer clean-ups.
Access after dark may be restricted, especially if gates are closed. It's best to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and full access to trails.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a series of trails for hiking and running, suitable for 1-2 hour excursions. While not heavily marked, they provide pretty woodland scenery.+1
Some users have expressed concerns about safety when hiking alone, though others found the few people encountered to be friendly. It's recommended to hike during busier times or with a companion if safety is a concern.
Yes, the park is suitable for non-motorized boating and kayaking on the lake.
IC King Park features a nice, enclosed dog park that is popular with visitors.
Visitors have reported spotting Great Blue Herons along the banks of the lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within IC King Park. Visitors often bring their own food or dine at nearby establishments.
Yes, IC King Park is a great spot for picnics. There are scenic areas along the lake and trails where you can enjoy a meal.
The park is located in South Knoxville, which has various dining options. Some visitors have enjoyed meals at places like The Round Up after their park visit.
While restrooms are available, there are no specific water fountains mentioned. It's recommended to bring your own water, especially for longer hikes or bike rides.
Yes, IC King Park is a popular spot for fishing along the lake shore and pier.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakefront offers beautiful vistas, especially during sunrise or sunset. The woodland trails also provide scenic backdrops, and Great Blue Herons can be a great subject.
Regulations regarding drone usage in local parks can vary. It's best to check with Knox County Parks and Recreation for specific rules before flying a drone.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting for photos. Early mornings can also be serene, especially if you're hoping to spot wildlife.
While not featuring specific man-made landmarks, the natural beauty of the lake, the trees, and the wildlife like the Great Blue Heron offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, IC King Park is very dog-friendly, and the dog park and trails provide great settings for capturing photos of your pets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚴 Mountain Bikers
The park offers a multi-use trail system that is sustainable and enjoyable for riders. While some trails are shared with hikers, the new additions cater specifically to the MTB community, providing a fun and challenging ride without having to travel far into the mountains.🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Recent improvements have enhanced the mountain biking experience with new, sustainable trails.
While the park is generally less trafficked than mountain destinations, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially if hiking alone.Wildlife and Nature Spotting
However, visitors should be aware of potential tick populations, particularly during warmer months like May.
Community and Amenities
Basic amenities include restrooms located near the dog park entrance, which are generally kept in good condition.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit