Fort Dickerson Quarry

Imagine a turquoise lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush greenery — all virtually within the city limits. Knoxville hides a surprising gem on its southern edge known as Fort Dickerson Quarry (or Augusta Quarry). This abandoned limestone quarry has been transformed into a scenic recreation area, becoming a true discovery for tourists in the USA.

The park covers more than 34 hectares and is an important part of the "Urban Wilderness" natural network. Here, the rugged beauty of the industrial past harmoniously blends with a rich historical heritage: well-preserved earthwork fortifications overlook the deep lake. The panoramic views of the Tennessee River from the heights make this one of the best vantage points in the region.

Today, the former industrial site has become a popular public space for relaxation. Visitors are drawn by the opportunity to trade the city bustle for the silence of forest trails and the coolness of deep waters, which reach an impressive 90 meters in some places. In 2019, the quarry was officially renamed Augusta Quarry, receiving updated infrastructure for the convenience of guests.

When planning your visit to Fort Dickerson Quarry, it's helpful to have current contact information on hand. Although the park is an open public area, the official services of the city of Knoxville oversee its maintenance and safety.

The main draw for visitors during the warmer months is swimming in the lake's turquoise waters. Since 2017, swimming has been officially permitted here, making it the perfect spot to relax on an inflatable ring while admiring the steep rocky shores. However, safety is key: due to the significant depth, jumping and diving from the cliffs is strictly prohibited.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are about 6.4 km of trails in the park. You can take an easy walk along the Pit Viper Trail, which connects the lake to the historical fortifications. These trails are also excellent for mountain biking. Along the way, be sure to stop at the overlooks above the quarry — the views here resemble tropical lagoons and are perfect for photos.

If you're interested in history, take some time to explore the fort's earthworks. Information plaques and replica cannons are installed here, allowing you to imagine how the defenses were organized in the 19th century. For those who prefer a relaxing break, there are cozy picnic areas and pavilions where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch with a view of the Tennessee River and the Knoxville skyline.

Getting to the park is easy, as it's located just 1.6 km from the city center, right across the Henley Street Bridge. The most convenient way is to take a car or taxi from downtown Knoxville, heading south on Chapman Highway and then turning onto Augusta Ave. Free parking is available for visitors at the updated entrance.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take buses heading to South Knoxville and then walk the rest of the way. Additionally, Fort Dickerson Quarry is part of the Urban Wilderness network, making it easily accessible by bike or on foot via a system of connecting trails, offering views of the river and surrounding ridges.

The park and fort were named in honor of Captain Jonathan C. Dickerson. The earthworks themselves were constructed between 1863 and 1864 on a strategically important ridge about 90 meters high. Fort Dickerson was one of 16 key defensive structures protecting Knoxville. Interestingly, in November 1863, after evaluating the powerful artillery and challenging terrain, an intended assault was called off, preserving the site.

The industrial history of this location began in the mid-1930s. For a long time, limestone was actively quarried here for road construction and architectural needs. The quarry changed owners several times, including the Lambert family, whose name the site bore for many years, and Vulcan Materials, which operated here until the mid-1990s.

The transformation from an industrial zone into a recreational one was gradual: the territory officially became a public park in 1957. The park took on its modern appearance in 2017 when, thanks to the Aslan Foundation, the Fort Dickerson Gateway grand entrance was created, and the lake became officially accessible to the public.

Usually, a brief visit to the site takes about 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to walk to the main viewpoints, explore the historical fortifications of the fort, and take some stunning photos against the backdrop of the turquoise water.

If your plan includes a full day of relaxation, swimming in the quarry, or a long hike through all the forest trails with a picnic, it's better to set aside half a day. This will allow you to enjoy the atmosphere of seclusion and the natural beauty of this unique spot in Knoxville without rushing.

Fort Dickerson Park and Augusta Quarry are open to visitors daily. The official operating hours are based on daylight — from dawn to dusk. During the summer months, this usually corresponds to the period between 09:30 AM and 08:00 PM.

Please note that swimming and hiking the trails are only permitted during daylight hours. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the current status on the official city portal, as there may be temporary changes or seasonal restrictions.

Exploring the surroundings of Fort Dickerson Quarry will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Tennessee and see the city from different perspectives. Just a few minutes' drive from this natural oasis are cultural and historical sites that will perfectly complement your itinerary.