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Have A More Sustainable New Year: Get Outside!

This week’s theme for “Have a More Sustainable New Year” is to get outside! Not only is powering off your devices great for the environment, going into nature can hold so many benefits for you personally! It is proven that a simple walk in the woods can decrease stress and increase happiness. Check out our tips below for getting outside in and around Knoxville!

Bike on the Greenway
There are so many reasons to pick up cycling as a fun activity! If you forgo the car and choose to cycle you will save carbon emissions on your trek. Cycling can also help with your cardiovascular and mental health!

Click here to check out a map of all the Knoxville greenways!

Don’t have your own bike? Check out Pace Bikes, a local bike-sharing program on campus and around the city!

Hike in the Smokies
The Smokey Mountains have hundreds of miles of trail and so much to see! Within about an hour of Knoxville, the natural beauty of the mountains are well worth a day trip.

The National Park website has tons of ideas on how to spend a day in the mountains.

Paddle in the Tennessee River
Like to be in the water? Then paddling is for you! There’s a ton of options from standing board paddling to kayaking. You can also fish along the river or take a canoe out to explore.

Outdoor Knoxville has resources for any type of water activity!

Visit a Park
Walking outside in a park or just hanging out with friends and picnicking can be so much fun! We are lucky to live in Knoxville that has a variety of parks. From city parks like Worlds Fair Park, to parks along the water like Northshore Park, there’s so much to explore!

Click here to check out all of the parks in Knoxville!

The new year is a great time to grab some friends and head outside! There are amazing opportunities around our city to explore our surroundings. Outdoor Knoxville is a comprehensive website that gives insight and detail about all the recreation opportunities Knoxville offers!