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Nature|Parks & Gardens

Take A Journey Through This One-Of-A-Kind Peninsula Park In Tennessee

Mud Island in Memphis offers a unique outdoor experience with scenic views, a topographical map of the Mississippi River, and a picturesque city backdrop.

Published Nov 2, 2022

Written by 

Chris Dodge

When you visit a city, you will be surrounded by fun activities. It may be hard to choose between so many different options, but sometimes when you are stuck in a concrete jungle, you just want some fresh air. We found a perfect way to get outside to a greenspace with a beautiful view. Mud Island in Memphis, Tennessee, is undoubtedly a unique park to enjoy the outdoors just outside of downtown.

With the city skyscrapers behind you, head on out to Mud Island for a little fresh air.

A sculptural landscape with flowing water, featuring intricate patterns and textures in a public space.
Bryan Tsunoda/ Tripadvisor

This park makes good use of the views as you look back on this impressive city. The whole park sits on a peninsula right on the Mississippi River.

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One of the coolest aspects of the park is the massive topographical map of the entire Mississippi River. You can walk along the map seeing the source of the mighty river in Minnesota all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.

A textured stone landscape with flowing water features, surrounded by trees and lampposts along a riverside path.
Wildflower01945/ Tripadvisor

From start to finish, it can take around 15 minutes to walk the whole scale of the Mississippi River Map. It can be fun to see where the river crosses states and the big cities that are marked out along the route.

Aerial view of a landscaped area featuring a winding water feature and a bridge, surrounded by planters and brick pathways.
spiney star/ Tripadvisor

There is also a fountain in the park to add a little water fun to this peninsula park.

A park scene with children playing near a fountain, surrounded by greenery and lamp posts on a sunny day.
Sal Giani/ Google

Kids can have a blast splashing in the water of the Mississippi River map or in the nearby fountain on a hot summer day. But let's be honest - adults will want to play in the water, too.

A massive 50-foot-long and 10-foot-tall Memphis sign was put in the park in 2019. This colorful monument is an irresistible draw for any photographer. The picturesque backdrop of the city is simply perfect.

Large "MEMPHIS" sign in a park with a city skyline and blue sky in the background.
scottcaps/ Tripadvisor

Mud Island boasts other great views in the park. The beautiful Hernando de Soto bridge is on full display. This massive bridge spans the Mississippi River and is simply gorgeous to look at while you spend time in this lovely park.

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A large, arched bridge spans a river, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.
Juliano Maia/ Tripadvisor

Mud Island in Memphis, Tennessee, is certainly a nice way to get just outside of the busy city and enjoy some fresh air. Enjoy the views, splash in the water, or walk the entirety of the Mississippi River map. If you like the impressive Hernando de Soto bridge, then you should stay around the city when the sun goes down. You can see the spectacular light show called Might Lights every single night.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

This Historic Park Is One Of Tennessee’s Best Kept Secrets

Chickamauga Battlefield and historic park in Chattanooga, Tennessee, offer a humbling and potentially haunted experience rich in Civil War history.

Updated Jun 19, 2024

Written by 

Meghan Kraft

If you've ever visited a southern battlefield, you know it's a pretty humbling experience. The South is infused with a dark and important part of American history, and with so much of the Civil War scattered across Tennessee soil, it's not difficult to learn about the dark curves and hidden stories tucked within our nation's history. Recently, we visited the Chickamauga Battlefield and the historic park in Tennessee in Chattanooga, which are figured to be haunted by some, and we simply had to share.

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Don - Flickr

The Battle of Chickamauga is well known as one of the largest Confederate victories in the Civil War, despite the large loss of life. It ranks only behind Gettysburg as the second deadliest battle fought during the War Between the States.

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David Brossard - Flickr

The battle was fought from Sept. 18-20, 1863, and marked the end of the Union offensive known as the Chickamauga Campaign. It was fought mainly in Georgia, although the following Battle of Chattanooga bled into Tennessee. This is why we now have a Civil War park in Tennessee as well as Georgia.

A historic cannon on a grassy field, with a tree and cloudy sky in the background.
David Arment/iStock / Getty Images Plus

Union troops experienced one of the costliest battles fought in the Civil War's western theater at Chickamauga, losing a reported 16,000 men by its end. Confederates, however, lost a heartbreaking 18,454.

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PHerit - Flickr

An interesting fact about Chickamauga: Union-owned repeating rifles were used on the battlefield, firing off a historically whopping 14 rounds per minute. Before the use of the new sophisticated rifles, most men could get two to three shots per minute.

A historic cannon overlooks a cityscape and river from a high vantage point on a clear day.
fdastudilloi/Stock / Getty Images Plus

But wait, you may be asking. Isn't Chickamauga in Georgia? Yes, yes it is. However, the Battle of Chattanooga was fought just after the Georgia-based battle, and the National Park actually encompasses both at the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, Georgia, Tennessee.

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Charlene N Simmons - Flickr

There's a broad range of both guided and self-guided tours throughout the historic park, as well as streaks of hiking trails that take you far and above the gorgeous, if haunted, place.

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Charlene N Simmons - Flickr

The park exists to preserve and protect southern history for the next generation, and it tells its shared story well. Both Georgia and Tennessee have claimed ownership and have fought to preserve not only the history of the battlefield, but the Native American presence that stretches back for years into the area's history.

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Charlene N Simmons - Flickr

Both places have special events and programs hosted by the park itself. It is worth a visit to not just the historic park in Tennessee but also the one in Georgia as well.

A small wooden cabin sits in a vast green field, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage under a cloudy sky.
John Blottman/iStock / Getty Images Plus

Have you been? Would you go? This historic space may be hotly debated in recent days, but we think it's an important part of our shared state history to remember and to never repeat.

Have you been to this TN historic park before? Let other travelers in the comments know your best tips and tricks for the area. To learn more about these parks, make sure you visit the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park website to plan your trip around the special events happening in the parks.  If you love this historic park in Tennessee then make sure you get a ticket to the National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum while you are in Chattanooga.

Still crave more details from the past? Take this Tennessee historic road trip to learn much more about the fascinating events that have shaped us into what we are to this very day. Enjoy the trip!

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Tennessee Park Worth Driving Across The State To Explore

Tannery Knobs in Johnson City, Tennessee, is a premier mountain biking park offering trails for all skill levels and stunning views.

Updated Apr 24, 2024

Written by 

Chris Dodge

East Tennessee is filled with many small charming towns, beautiful mountain ranges, and plenty of opportunities to get outside to enjoy it all. Searching high and low, we have found plenty of hidden gems scattered throughout the state, but oftentimes, the best surprises are hiding in plain sight. Tannery Knobs in Tennessee is a perfect example of this because you'd never guess that a top-notch mountain biking park is hidden only minutes from downtown Johnson City. Whether you fancy yourself an adrenaline junky or an avid mountain biker, this park is well worth driving across the state to experience.

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Only a few minutes from downtown Johnson City and located on an in-town mountain, you can find Tannery Knobs.

A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow trail surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain.
Tannery Knobs/ Facebook

Tannery Knobs is a top-tier mountain bike track covering 40 acres and offers a network of trails. The trails are well maintained and offer plenty of steep grades -- and there is even a section for kids and beginners. If you are looking for a day trip in Tennessee, then this is a great spot to bring your family.

The work that went into creating these trails was extensive and garnered lots of buzz as the project progressed. When the trails were opened, many people came on out to this little track to feel the rush and get a little air while they were at it. Flash forward to today and many people consider this one of the best places for mountain biking in Tennessee.

Two cyclists smiling on mountain bikes, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain on a trail.
Tannery Knobs/ Facebook

The perfect mix of lush forests and wide open views, the trails afford riders fantastic views of the city and Buffalo Mountain.

A mountain biker navigates a dirt trail surrounded by trees, with a scenic view of hills and a town in the background.
Tannery Knobs/ Facebook

Chances are, you will be having so much fun that you will forget you're only a few minutes from downtown Johnson City! The trails are also quite lush and give you the sense that you are deep within the mountains... all while still having all of the urban conveniences close by.

Whenever you go to Tannery Knobs, you can’t go without taking a spin on the pump track.

A cyclist rides on a dirt pump track surrounded by green hills and cloudy skies.
Tannery Knobs/ Facebook

This is a must for any mountain biker. For those who are not familiar with a pump track, it's a track that is designed to propel the rider forward without the need to pedal. Riders can cruise the curved banks and bumps ad infinitum!

In need of a bike? Trek is a downtown Johnson City bike shop and they have been very excited to show off this glorious mountain bike park. If you are traveling in from somewhere else then you can also rent a bike to take up on the trails. They even offer a few tours and help teach new riders the ins and outs of the trails.

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Exterior of a brick building featuring a Trek bicycle store, with large windows displaying bicycles inside.
Trek Bicycle Johnson City/ Facebook

After riding the trails -- and especially if you have traveled far away into town -- you will want to find a nice place to lay your head for the night.

Cozy living room with brick walls, large windows, comfortable seating, and a mix of modern and vintage decor.
Meg Greer/ Vrbo

Located right in the heart of town is an artsy apartment with a certain unique flair to it. This space is not what you would typically expect from East Tennessee, but offers a fun way to stay the night and explore more of Johnson City.

From adrenaline junky to curious spectators, Tannery Knobs in Johnson City, Tennessee, is an impressive mountain bike park. With miles of biking trails ranging from beginner to expert, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Make sure you follow along with the Tannery Knobs Facebook page for updates as they continue to improve this park. As a kid, I caught the extreme sports bug, making this park a fun and unique place for me to visit and we can't wait to hear what you think!

One of the best Tennessee state parks is just close by too, make sure to check out Roan Mountain State Park. If you plan on doing any hiking (Which I would highly recommend you do) make sure you have your AllTrails+ app ready to go and help you navigate the trails.

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