Top Rated Parks to Visit in Gatlinburg

"World’s Fair Park, one of Knoxville’s most popular attractions, is not just a park but also an event venue and a family-friendly hangout spot. Climb The Sunsphere, the park’s prominent landmark, to catch 360-degree views of the city and the Smoky Mountains on a clear day. Depending on when you visit, you may find live music and festivals happening in this park."

"Worlds Fair Park has the iconic Knoxville Sunsphere in the background. There are also walking paths, bridges and some really great textures for photographing people.Or just for going for a walk on your own photography adventure."

"Set right in the heart of downtown Knoxville, this green space was once the fairgrounds of the 1982 World’s Fair. Today, it serves as a public park, and is one of the can’t-miss free things to do in Knoxville."

"It’s not so much a destination, but more an excellent place to enjoy some takeout from one of the nearby restaurants. There’s a water feature and a few art exhibits to check out too."

"A photo posted by Scott Groth (@scott.groth) on Oct 30, 2016 at 8:34pm PDT. The 87-acre Sequoyah Hills Park is a runner’s dream come true, perched on the river with scenic views along its paved surface’s entire length. What makes it great : The Sequoyah Greenway, which is unpaved, runs alongside the park and branches off past Kingston Pike, offering lengthier stretches for those who want to get a few miles in, and for visitors who’d rather get on the water than lace up their running shoes, the park offers two put-ins at the river’s edge."

"Here’s another place on the water, and it comes with some impressive views. This West Knoxville park is right on the water. It’s all about staying active at Sequoyah – they have an exercise area, and trails for running and biking."

"Reduce your stress and help your health along the 10 miles of greenways, trails, and pathways around Sevierville. As part of an initiative to improve communities and improve open spaces, the Sevierville Greenways project continues to expand and develop more paths."

"This spot made its RootsRated debut in our 8 Ways to Wile Away the Summer post, but we thought this stunning overlook was well-deserving of an encore. In South Knoxville at 1121 Cherokee Trail, you'll find a dirt parking lot near High Ground Park. Follow the gravel trail that begins in the lot all the way back through the River Bluff Wildlife Area to what is probably the most beautiful view of Knoxville."

"Bojangles’ began in 1977 and saw an opportunity to develop a quick-service restaurant chain based on three attributes: a distinctive flavor profile; wholesome, high-quality products made from scratch; and a fun, festive restaurant design with fast, friendly service..."

"Since 1977, Bojangles' has been serving our perfectly seasoned chicken, made-from-scratch biscuits, signature fixin's, and Legendary Iced Tea. Our biscuits are carefully prepared by our Master Biscuit Makers and served hot and fresh all day every day..."

"Burgermaster Townsend – great burgers, hot dogs, and soft serve. Located right next to the Smoky Mountain River Rat, so it’s awesome for when you finish tubing!"

"This extravagant house is sometimes called the Confederate Memorial Hall, and it’s one of the most visited historic sites in Knoxville. It was originally gifted as a wedding present to Congressman Robert Houston Armstrong and Louise Franklin. It also served as the Confederate army headquarters during the Siege of Knoxville; bullet holes in some of the walls are a vivid reminder of its wartime past."

"This spot made its RootsRated debut in our 8 Ways to Wile Away the Summer post, but we thought this stunning overlook was well-deserving of an encore. In South Knoxville at 1121 Cherokee Trail, you'll find a dirt parking lot near High Ground Park. Follow the gravel trail that begins in the lot all the way back through the River Bluff Wildlife Area to what is probably the most beautiful view of Knoxville."