Knoxville has over 60 miles of natural trails for runners, hikers, dog walkers, etc., but Baker Creek is the go-to destination for most mountain bikers and it’s common to meet people who traveled hundreds of miles to enjoy the best trails in Knoxville. Baker Creek (sometimes mistakenly called “Baker’s Creek”, but there is no “s” in Baker Creek) is a 100 acre preserve with several miles of mountain bike trails. There are five multi-use trails, three dedicated downhill-only bike trails, two asphalt pump tracks, and an asphalt jump line.
There are many great things about mountain biking at Baker Creek. To start, just the variation in trails is astounding. From the beginner-friendly Sycamore Loop trail that is, as we like to say, “mostly flat”, to the expert-level downhill only Devil’s Racetrack, with big jumps, a wooden wall ride, a lippy wooden bridge over an access road, and the source of many a broken collar bone (but sooo much fun). Baker Creek is a great place to start out slow and small and work your way up as you grow in skills and confidence. People ride everything here: cheap bikes, serious full suspensions, e-bikes, dirt jumpers, and bmx bikes.
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
One of the best things about Baker Creek is that you can enjoy all that it has to offer and then ride from Baker into Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. The Urban Wilderness comprises 1,000 acres and there is a 12.5 mile trail that joins several parks and recreation areas together, and each of these areas has multiple trails. Don’t let the city know, but the locals still call this “The Dirty South”. After all, Knoxville is known as the “Scruffy Little City“. But don’t let the trail name fool you. It’s not dirty, it’s awesome and covers some beautiful territory, including quarries, meadows, mountains, forests, rivers, parks, and more.
Another great thing about Baker Creek is that you can ride and then get great food afterwards without having to drive somewhere else. SoKno Taco has a great fun and funky vibe and is about one block away. 71 South is actually on-premises and has great food and drinks. Two very distinct flavors, both very good.