Knoxville's Urban Wilderness Grows With New Trails

  • Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Through a public/private partnership the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club, The Drop Inn and neighboring landowners, four new multi-use trails are being added to Knoxville's Urban Wilderness. They will include two rowdy progressive all-weather downhill mountain bike trails that will provide users of all abilities new experiences. 

“We’re thrilled to be working with local and national partners who understand the value that trails bring to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness,” said Appalachian Mountain Bike Club Executive Director Matthew Kellogg.

The Drop Inn has donated permanent access to the land and a majority of the funding for trail construction, valued at more than $300,000. Under the watchful eye of professional trail builder Knight Ide, the Ide Ride build team is creating year-round trails that will stand the test of time and test skills. Trail construction will be wrapping up this month and the public will be able to enjoy this addition to Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness during the summer. 

Out of an international applicant pool, AMBC was the chosen recipient of Santa Cruz Bicycles' PayDirt Program and with their assistance the first $10,000 of donations will be matched. To donate visit ambcknox.org/45in45.

Knoxville's Urban Wilderness is an outdoor adventure area where you can hike, bike, climb, paddle, or just wander in the woods – all within the heart of the city. Over 50 miles of trails and greenways connect to a beautiful nature center, the head of the Tennessee River, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five city parks, mile of trails on private land, and a 500-acre wildlife area. 

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