About High Ground Park
High Ground Park is a small, quiet, well-liked park in Knoxville known for its lookout views of the Smokies, fall foliage, and Civil War history. Visitors describe mixed paved and unpaved paths to the top, with several noting a steeper-than-expected uphill walk. Recurring complaints center on litter and graffiti along the trail and overgrowth that blocks views when trees have leaves. There are no restrooms, and one reviewer references a homeless encampment near the unpaved path. Crowding is low, and a reviewer mentions a nice parking lot.
At a Glance
Trail Score
out of 10
Why Riders Choose High Ground Park
The top themes reviewers mention most.
- scenic views7 mentions
- well maintained and clean3 mentions
- quiet and uncrowded2 mentions
- kid friendly2 mentions
- local history3 mentions
Trail Conditions
⚠️ Surface condition: Loose asphalt
⛰️ Perceived difficulty: Some climbs (riders disagree)
Crowds & Best Times to Go
🟢 Quietest: all day
Who Uses This Trail
Scenery & Views
Highlights: Smoky Mountain views, fall foliage, lookout views, shade from trees
Safety & Upkeep
🛡️ No time-of-day notes
⚠️ Concerns noted: encampments
Parking & Amenities
Dogs on the Trail
Who It's Best For
Great for
Less ideal for
What Could Be Better
- litter and trash on trail2
- overgrowth blocking views3
- steep uphill climb3
- no restrooms1
- many mosquitoes1
- graffiti1
What Riders Say
"Surprisingly nice, aesthetic, well maintained and relatively untraveled park."
"Great view but so much trash it's too bad"
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers based on what riders say in their reviews.
Is the trail paved?
There are both paved and unpaved options. One reviewer walked the paved path to the top and the dirt path on the way back, and another noted sections of loose asphalt.
Is the trail difficult to walk?
Reviewers disagree - some describe a steep uphill climb that is hard on the body, while others call it a low-impact hike that even a young child could walk.
Are there restrooms at the park?
No. One reviewer notes the park is small with no restrooms.
Is the trail crowded?
Reviewers describe it as relatively untraveled and not very crowded.
When is the best time to see the views?
Visit when the trees are bare, such as winter, for clear views. Several reviewers note that foliage blocks the view when trees have leaves.
Access Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
Ride High Ground Park
Plan your visit or open the trail on the map.