Baker Creek Preserve - Parking Lot

For those dreaming of swapping the roar of a metropolis for the rustle of leaves, Baker Creek Preserve will be a real discovery. Located just five kilometers from the center of Knoxville, this green oasis covers about 40 hectares and is an important part of the famous Urban Wilderness network in the USA. It is a place where urban infrastructure seamlessly transitions into wild nature with picturesque hills, deep valleys, and spacious meadows.

The park serves as an ideal starting point for exploring miles of forest trails. There are over 13 kilometers of routes of varying difficulty, attracting both professional cyclists and fans of leisurely walks. The unique landscape of the preserve allows everyone to find their own rhythm: from peaceful contemplation of ancient sycamores to thrilling descents over rugged terrain.

In addition to sports tracks, the area includes modern recreation zones, such as Gateway Park with green pathways and play forests. The preserve's popularity is confirmed by high ratings from visitors who value it for its cleanliness, accessibility, and the opportunity to spend time in nature without traveling far from the city. Four-legged friends are also welcome, provided they are on a leash.

To plan your visit to Baker Creek Preserve, you may find current contact information useful. Although the park focuses on outdoor recreation and does not have an administrative building directly on its grounds, main contact details are available through city services and the official recreation portal.

Activities at Baker Creek Preserve are available for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. The main magnet for outdoor enthusiasts is the mountain biking trails. Here you can test yourself on the legendary Devil’s Racetrack descent, which has the highest "double black diamond" difficulty level, or hone your skills on a special pump track and paved jump pads.

For those who prefer a calmer pace, there are walking routes such as the 1.2-mile Sycamore Loop. Walking along it, you can admire old sycamores and enjoy the silence of Cruze Valley. Families with children should definitely visit the Play Forest—a play area with natural sculptures, climbing structures, and swings where children can safely interact with nature.

In addition, the preserve is an excellent place for trail running enthusiasts and dog owners. You can enjoy a picnic in the open meadows or head out on a long journey across the Redbud Bridge, which connects Baker Creek to the rest of the 42 miles of Urban Wilderness trails. If your visit coincides with local festivals, you can not only participate in races but also try street food from popular local food trucks.

Getting to Baker Creek Preserve is quite simple, as it is located just three miles from the center of Knoxville. If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to take the James White Parkway heading south. After crossing the Tennessee River, follow the signs for Knoxville Urban Wilderness until the turn onto Lancaster Drive, where the main parking lot is located.

For those who prefer public transport, bus routes serving the southern part of the city are available. After getting off at the nearest stop, you will have a short walk or bike ride. Taking a taxi from the downtown area is also a popular way to reach the preserve, taking no more than 10 minutes.

Many locals prefer to arrive here by bicycle using the trail system. The preserve is connected to other parts of the city's "Urban Wilderness" via the Redbud Bridge. Entry to the park is free, and you can use these coordinates for the parking lot: 35.942899, -83.8907279.

The history of Baker Creek Preserve is an inspiring example of nature restoration. In 2013, the Wood family donated about 100 acres of land to the Legacy Parks Foundation. In the past, this site was actively used for logging and was almost completely cleared; however, huge old sycamores miraculously survived and are now the pride of the park.

The development of this area was made possible through close cooperation between the city and private organizations. For example, a $100,000 grant from Bell Helmets allowed for the design and construction of the famous extreme trail Devil’s Racetrack. Professionals from the TrailBuilders association participated in the trail construction, while volunteers from a local garden club helped clear the area of invasive plants, returning the park to its original state.

The names of many trails in the preserve, such as Floyd Fox or Barn Burner, are no coincidence. They reference the era of moonshine production, which was part of South Knoxville’s culture in the past. Even an old barn located on the property became part of local history, giving its name to one of the popular biking routes.

Notably, in 2013, the neighboring South Woodlawn community was recognized as the first public wildlife habitat in the state of Tennessee. Today, Baker Creek continues the tradition of biodiversity conservation in the USA, serving as an important ecological hub where nature and people coexist in harmony.

The time you should set aside for visiting Baker Creek Preserve largely depends on your goals. If you are planning a light walk along family trails or just want to relax at the playground, 1–2 hours will be quite enough to get a feel for the place.

For active travelers wishing to explore all eight miles of nature trails or spend time at the bike park, it is better to allocate 3–4 hours. If you are a professional cyclist intending to test all the difficult descents or planning to continue your journey through the entire Urban Wilderness network, your visit may last half a day (4–6 hours).

Baker Creek Preserve is open to visitors 24/7. Unlike many other parks, there is no strict gate schedule here, allowing you to enjoy morning runs at dawn or evening walks under the stars.

Despite 24/7 access, visitors are advised to exercise caution during dark hours and check the official website before their trip for any special sporting events or temporary restrictions related to weather conditions.

A visit to Baker Creek Preserve can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the city. Thanks to its proximity to the center, you can enjoy both the silence of the forest and the cultural life of Knoxville in one day. The surrounding area offers many options—from historic homes to modern art objects.

Exploring nearby attractions will allow you to better understand the history of the region and see iconic symbols of the state of Tennessee. Below is a list of interesting sites located within a few kilometers of the preserve.