Forks Of The River Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forks of the River Park is a beautiful park located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park covers a total area of 92 acres and is situated where the French Broad and Holston Rivers merge to form the Tennessee River.

One of the main reasons to visit Forks of the River Park is its natural beauty. The park offers stunning views of the rivers, as well as a variety of flora and fauna, including wildflowers and migratory birds. Visitors can also enjoy hiking along the park's trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Another point of interest in the park is the historic Mead's Quarry, which was once an important source of marble for buildings such as the Tennessee State Capitol. Today, the quarry is a popular spot for fishing and swimming, and visitors can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the quarry's crystal-clear waters.

Interesting facts about the area include its significance as a Native American hunting ground and its use as a transportation hub during the Civil War. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and coyotes.

The best time to visit Forks of the River Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities during each season, such as birdwatching in the winter and swimming in the summer.

Overall, Forks of the River Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning beauty, rich history, and diverse wildlife make it a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks