Fort Dickerson Park

Historical Significance

Fort Dickerson Park is an 85-acre urban park located in South Knoxville, Tennessee. The park is named after the Civil War-era Fort Dickerson, which was built in 1863 as part of the defense system protecting Knoxville during the American Civil War.

Today, the fort's earthworks remain well-preserved and serve as a historical landmark within the park.

Natural Features

One of the park's main features is the Augusta Quarry, also known as Fort Dickerson Quarry. This former limestone quarry has filled with water, creating a deep, clear lake that is popular for swimming and non-motorized boating activities during summer months.

The quarry reaches depths of up to 350 feet in some areas.

Trails and Recreation

Fort Dickerson Park offers approximately 4 miles of multi-use natural trails that wind through forested areas, connecting various points of interest within the park. These trails are suitable for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.

The park also includes a 0.5-mile crushed gravel greenway.

Scenic Views

The Harold Lambert Overlook provides visitors with impressive views of the quarry lake and surrounding landscape. This vantage point is accessible via a short walk from the upper parking area off Chapman Highway.

Urban Wilderness Connection

As part of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, Fort Dickerson Park connects to a larger network of parks and natural areas in South Knoxville. It serves as both a recreational space for outdoor enthusiasts and an educational site for those interested in Civil War history.

Park Access

The park is open from 7AM to 8PM and offers two main entrance points: the upper entrance off Chapman Highway, which provides access to the fort area, and the lower entrance on Augusta Avenue, which leads to the quarry lake.