Trail News: January 2026

Snowy and icy trail in Knoxville, TN.

Winter Trail Conditions

It’s finally feeling like winter, which means the trails are freezing and thawing almost daily. As the trails get wet, freeze, and then begin to thaw, it creates terrible conditions for trail use. If you want to ride locally in these conditions, please stick to:

  • Loyston Point
  • Sharps Ridge
  • Year Round Get Down

Please be a good trail steward and avoid other trails, as they are not able to dry out (esp. Baker Creek jump trails) — and always avoid riding mud trails. Check on Trail Status, which is updated regularly at AMBCKnox.org/Trails (though you may need to clear your cache for updates).

Here’s your reminder that it’s important to use extra caution on bridges! Bridges are subject to the weather just like any outdoor structure, and they get slick, icy, and unpredictable traction regularly. We are doing our best to build quality bridges and eliminate unnecessary ones.

Flow Trail Update

This icy weather is affecting our rebuild of Flow Trail at Ijams Nature Center. We’ll work around temperature swings to avoid damaging finished sections and attempt to do hand-work when the dirt is dry and workable. We should still be on track to have the trail finished and open sometime in February depending on the weather. We’ll let you know once it’s ready!

And More…

In other news, Legacy Park’s and the City of Knoxville’s SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk project has begun, starting with railroad track removal in January. We’re excited to see this project develop and add a great bike-friendly connection from Ijams Nature Center to Kern’s Bakery.

AMBC and SORBA still serve on the Halls Top Trail Project, and the team is making progress on the permitting and environmental review for this 90 mile multi-use trail network in the Cherokee National Forest.

Have questions, updates, or feedback? Let us know at [email protected].

KIDS + BIKES = TRAIL BLAZERS FUN

Trail Blazers is an 8-week program for 3rd–5th graders that blends on and off-bike games, trail exploration, and mentorship. It’s not about racing—it’s about building confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Each session emphasizes play and connection while building real-world bike skills.

Trail Blazers launches this fall with weekly sessions every Tuesday from 5–7 PM at Baker Creek Preserve, running September through October. This inaugural season is your invitation to join a new tradition of fun, adventure, and community on two wheels.

MORE INFORMATION!     REGISTER YOUR CHILD!     VOLUNTEER!     SUPPORT!

CONCORD BALLFIELD TRAIL PLAN UPDATE

With the assistance from At Large Commissioner, Larsen Jay and with financial support from the County Commission AMBC will complete 6 new trails at the Concord Ballfield Property.  Following our Trails Masterplan we will build trails, 4,5,6,7,8,and 9!!! All before next summer – Get your gloves and plan to be at the MEGA WORK PARTY Febuary 3rd 2024!!!