Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Knoxville

"The UT Gardens are the official Tennessee botanical gardens, so it’s natural that they’re among Knoxville’s tourist attractions. Over 4,000 annuals, herbs, trees, perennials, tropical plants, vegetables, shrubs, and ornamental grasses live on the beautiful grounds, maintained by the UT Institute of Agriculture. The UT Gardens are wonderfully kept, carefully noted with signs that provide useful information about each plant you may see."

"The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is one of many cool things to do in this lovely Tennessee city – and, better yet, it’s 100% free!. Termed as one of the most beautiful places in the USA, the property spans 47 acres and can be dated back to 1786 when it was a horticultural business privately owned by a family. The patriarch of the family was David Howell, a veteran of the Revolutionary War."

"In East Knoxville, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum was founded to preserve the Howell family’s history, who owned the property in the late 1700s. American Revolutionary War veteran David Howell planted an orchard, where he began selling fruits and vegetables to local families. He also started selling trees, seeds and small plants to westbound settlers."

"Photo Credit @amandastrav. Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretumis another natural spot that isn't far from downtown. The 47-acre site was the former home of Howell Nurseries."

"This water hike in the Smoky Mountains is only 1.1 miles roundtrip, making it the perfect nature walk for anyone!. The trail is marked, so it is easy to navigate the path. You’ll walk past streams and across a foot bridge."

"Baskins Creek Falls is located along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, which is a beautiful area in the Smoky Mountains in the fall. You’ll see the fall colors and a waterfall along this 3-mile round trip trail. At the beginning of this hike, you’ll have some great views of the mountains covered in fall foliage."

"Relative to their popularity, this 40-foot, two-tiered waterfall just might be the most underrated falls in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's also a great place to kick back and enjoy a picnic."

"If you’re up for a solid 12-mile (roundtrip) challenge, head to Sequoyah Park and back. Otherwise, enjoy the relative calm of the Tennessee at your own pace until you’re ready to shower up and ease into the evening with a hearty dinner before a night out on the town.7:00 pm"

"Here’s another place on the water, and it comes with some impressive views. This West Knoxville park is right on the water. It’s all about staying active at Sequoyah – they have an exercise area, and trails for running and biking."

"You South Knox folks surely are familiar with this family-run venture on Chapman Highway that has been serving Cajun-inspired cuisine for more than 25 years. The menu has definitely expanded over the years and now includes a wide selection of appetizers (Oysters Rockefeller, Cajun hot wings, steamed snow crab legs, etc.) and classic Cajun bowls (starter or entree sized) such as seafood gumbo, seafood Creole, Crawfish Etouffee and jambalaya. For an entree, take your pick of fried specialties like clam strips, catfish fillets, alligator, soft-shell crab or even frog legs."

"Located on the borders of Knoxville, Bayou Bay Seafood House is a really good Seafood Restaurant. Payment options are: Visa, American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Debit Card. They're a decent Seafood Restaurant in Maryville."

"Next to Heaven Ranch offers unguided trail rides, so the duration varies. For children under the age of 5, the single-rider price is halved. If the scenic views that you get on horseback aren’t enough, you can check out its zip-lining operation too."

"Patriot Park is a quaint park that’s dedicated to wartime veterans and sits along the river’s edge. It’s a perfect spot to go for a picnic, have some time of quiet reflection or respect the county’s veterans. The park isn’t huge, at only 16 acres, but its proximity to nearby shops and restaurants makes this green space perfect for a quick outdoor getaway in the middle of the day."

"For a slow, casual day out, spend it in Patriot Park along Old Mill Square. This park is dedicated to the veterans of war who lived in Sevier County."

"The Log Cabin Pancake House is a landmark that has been family owned and operated since 1976!. This breakfast spot is so popular due to its mouthwatering selection of specialty pancakes in Gatlinburg, including such unique offerings as Butterscotch Chip Pancakes, Caribbean Pancakes and White Chocolate Chip Pancakes!. The Log Cabin Pancake House is also famous for their amazing French Crepes and the French Toast Royale, where luscious French Toast is topped with bananas and their own special Royale Sauce!"

"Another pancake house in Gatlinburg is the Log Cabin Pancake House, which has been family owned and operated since 1976. There are tons of amazing flavors available on the menu, such as Butterscotch Chip Pancakes, Caribbean Pancakes, and Raisin Nut Pancakes. Some of the other breakfast specialties include French crepes, country fresh eggs, sugar cured ham, and all-you-can-eat biscuits n’ gravy."

"Another one of the top pancake houses in Gatlinburg you need to visit during your vacation is the Little House of Pancakes!. While this restaurant might be small, the breakfast plates are huge and filled with some of the most delicious pancakes you have ever tasted!. If you are feeling especially hungry, go for the all-you-can-eat pancake special where you can see how many flapjacks you can finish off!"

"When you wake up ready for breakfast, head out to Little House of Pancakes. They have delicious food at some of the best prices as far as Gatlinburg restaurants go. Your favorite breakfast staples at Little House of Pancakes include eggs cooked the way you like, bacon, sausage, grits, biscuits, and, of course, pancakes."

"The Little House of Pancakes in Gatlinburg has a delicious breakfast menu that not only includes pancakes, but has waffles and omelette too!. Don’t skip over them at lunchtime, though. Their hamburgers and salads can really hit the spot."