Best Dog Friendly Hiking in Knoxville This Winter: Easy Loops to Summit Views

If you're looking for dog friendly hiking in Knoxville this winter, you're in luck! Winter brings milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning views through bare trees. It's the perfect season to hit the trails with your leashed pup for fresh air, exercise, and quality bonding time. All the spots below welcome dogs on leash, and many connect to Knoxville's extensive greenway system.

Always pack layers, water, waste bags, and watch for icy patches. Let's explore!

Top Dog Friendly Hiking in Knoxville Spots for Winter Adventures:

Sharp's Ridge

Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park offers panoramic views of Knoxville from its ridgeline trails, making it a top pick for winter hikes when the bare trees open up the vistas. The loop trail is about 4.7 miles of dog-friendly soft-surface paths, rated moderate to difficult, with options for shorter loops if you're easing into your fitness goals.

Dogs are welcome on leash, and the park's wooded hills provide plenty of sniffing opportunities. In winter, the trails are less crowded, but watch for slippery spots on inclines. It's a great spot to build endurance while enjoying city overlooks—think of it as your resolution to conquer new heights with your pup.

Seven Islands

Head to Seven Islands State Birding Park for a more relaxed winter outing. This 416-acre haven along the French Broad River features over 9 miles of trails, including the easy 1-mile Seven Islands Loop with river views and open fields—ideal for birdwatching or a gentle stroll to kick off your active year.

Leashed dogs are permitted throughout, and the flat terrain makes it accessible for pups of all ages. Winter brings fewer bugs and clearer skies for spotting wildlife, tying into resolutions for mindfulness and nature appreciation.

IC King

IC King Park boasts 8 miles of easy-to-moderate trails winding around Knob Creek Reservoir, perfect for a scenic winter escape close to town. The Easy Peasy Loop is family- and dog-friendly, passing by the dedicated dog park for off-leash play before or after your hike.

With leashed dogs allowed on trails, this spot encourages bonding and exercise—aligning with New Year's aims for health and pet-inclusive activities. Winter hikes here offer serene water views without the summer heat, and the trails connect loosely to broader county greenways for longer adventures.

Aspire Park

Just a short drive from Knoxville in Clinton, Aspire Park spans 370 acres with 22 miles of multi-use trails through forests, meadows, and along the Clinch River. Opt for easier paths like the Clinch River Loop for winter hikes, where the crisp air enhances the riverside scenery.

Dogs are welcome on leash (with an off-leash bark park available), making it a resolution-friendly choice for building stamina amid diverse landscapes. While not directly on Knoxville's main greenway map, its trails offer a fresh extension to your outdoor routine.

Fort Dickerson

Fort Dickerson Park combines history and nature with trails around a Civil War-era quarry lake. The 3-mile loop to the fort overlook is moderate, offering quarry swims in warmer months but stunning reflections and fewer visitors in winter.

Leashed dogs can join the fun, and the park's greenway connections make it easy to extend your hike. It's a solid pick for resolutions focused on historical exploration and fitness—imagine reflecting on the past while stepping toward a healthier future.

House Mountain

For a challenging winter workout, House Mountain State Natural Area delivers with its 3.8-mile loop to the summit, gaining over 1,000 feet for 360-degree views. It's Knoxville's highest point, just 15 miles east, and the bare winter trees amplify the panoramas.

Dogs on leash are allowed, but ensure your pup is up for the steep sections—it's great for those resolution-driven fitness pushes.

Ijams Nature Center

Ijams is a 315-acre gem with over 12 miles of trails, including the River Trail Loop for easy winter rambles along the Tennessee River. Part of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, it's interconnected with greenways for seamless exploration.

Leashed dogs are welcome, and the center's educational vibe supports resolutions for learning and wellness. Winter hikes reveal hidden quarry lakes and wildlife, making it a rejuvenating start to the year.

Baker Creek Preserve

Within the Urban Wilderness, Baker Creek Preserve features multi-use trails like the Devil’s Racetrack for thrill-seekers or easier paths for casual hikes. Its 100 acres and 8 miles of trails include creek views and connections to Ijams via greenways.

Dogs on leash can explore, blending adventure with your pet-bonding goals.

Whether you're craving easy riverside loops or rewarding summit climbs, these winter options are some of the best dog friendly hiking in Knoxville. Grab your leash, hit the trails, and enjoy the crisp air and beautiful vistas with your four-legged adventure buddy!