Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park

Scenic Overlook

Perched atop Sharp's Ridge, this 156.65-acre park offers panoramic views of Knoxville's skyline and, on clear days, the Smoky Mountains in the distance. Dedicated in 1953 to honor local war veterans, the park has been offering these spectacular vistas for generations.

Regardless of whether you're an amateur photographer or just want to soak in the scenery, the elevated position makes for perfect viewing any time of year. As the sun sets, the nighttime views of city lights twinkling below can be quite spectacular. There are several lookout spots along the trails where you can pause and take it all in.

Trail System

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the roughly 7 miles of trails winding through the wooded hillsides. About 4.7 miles of these are multi-use trails excellent for both hiking and mountain biking. Mountain bikers looking for a challenge might enjoy the 0.6-mile downhill-only trail with its difficult terrain - definitely not for beginners!

The park expanded its accessibility in 2020 with two adaptive mountain bike trails: the gentler North Ridge Loop Trail (rated AMTB 1) and the more challenging Independence Trail (rated AMTB 2).

The Appalachian Mountain Bike Club maintains these trails, which drain well after rain - allowing for use even when conditions aren't ideal. Most hiking paths are relatively easy and family-friendly, making them suitable for casual strolls and little explorers alike.

Wildlife Viewing

Bird enthusiasts, grab your binoculars! Sharp's Ridge is a hotspot for bird-watching, especially during spring migration when the skies fill with winged visitors. The Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society regularly leads bird-watching excursions here if you're looking to learn from the experts.

Beyond birds, you'll likely encounter plenty of other forest dwellers. It's common to spot deer cautiously moving through the trees, turtles sunning themselves, or even foxes and woodchucks if you're patient and observant. Despite being just minutes from downtown Knoxville, the park offers a surprising sense of wilderness and tranquility.

Recent Expansion

The park got even better in 2021 when the Legacy Parks Foundation generously donated an additional 42 acres on the ridge's north side. This newer section, which you can access from Tiberius Road, includes convenient parking, a fun playground for the kids, and a well-marked trailhead to start your adventures.