Discover Knoxville
80 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Sunsphere
The Sunsphere is a reflective gold-glass observation tower from the 1982 World's Fair set in Worlds Fair Park. Photograph its mirrored sphere against Knoxville's skyline, park lawns and the Tennessee River. Best light: sunrise for soft front light, golden hour and blue hour for dramatic reflections and city lights. Easily reachable on foot from downtown; street parking and nearby garages exist. Observation deck hours vary — check ahead. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds.
World's Fair Park
World's Fair Park features the iconic Sunsphere, reflecting pools, terraced lawns and skyline views — ideal for architectural, urban and waterscape shots. Visit at sunrise or blue hour for warm light and illuminated Sunsphere; weekends host events and crowds. Accessible paths, free park entry and nearby parking garages make logistics easy.
Urban Wilderness Gateway Park
A mix of forested trails, creeks, boardwalks and overlooks that frame Knoxville’s skyline and river corridors—ideal for intimate nature scenes, long-exposure waterscapes, canopy textures and seasonal color. No entry fee; parking at trailheads (Tilson St lot). Best light: golden hour and blue hour for soft backlight through trees and glassy creek reflections. Weekday mornings have fewer people and better bird activity. Sturdy trails, some boardwalks are wheelchair-accessible; expect mud after雨and
UT Gardens Knoxville
A compact botanical garden on the UT campus with seasonal flower beds, formal borders, specimen trees, a small pond and greenhouse—ideal for close-up florals, garden landscapes and tranquil water reflections. Best in spring and early summer for peak blooms, and fall for foliage. Visit at golden hour or on overcast days for soft, even light; weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Grounds are generally accessible with nearby parking; check UT Gardens website for hours and special events.
Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park
Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park offers sweeping panoramas over Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley — ideal for cityscapes, sunrise/sunset colors, and nightscapes of downtown lights. Easy roadside parking and short trails give quick access to multiple overlooks. Best at golden hour or after dark; expect breezy conditions and occasional crowds on weekends. No entry fee; be respectful of the memorial and veterans' ceremonies.
Ijams Crag
Ijams Crag is a river-facing limestone/cliff outcrop overlooking the Tennessee River and wooded valleys — great for dramatic cliff portraits, climber action, wide landscapes and seasonal color. Visit at golden hour or early morning for warm side-light and river mist; fall offers rich foliage. Trail access from Ijams Nature Center (packed parking, small fee/donation, well-marked trails). Expect steep, uneven footpaths and active rock-climbing — keep distance and follow park rules. Weekday dawns/ℇ
Forks of the River Wildlife Parking
Small parking/access point into the Forks of the River Wildlife area on the Tennessee River—prime for wetland and waterfowl photography, riverscapes, and wooded trail compositions. Visit at dawn or dusk for soft light and active birds; migration and winter bring concentrated waterfowl. Easy roadside parking with short walks and some uneven trails; expect insects and seasonal mud. No entry fee; respect wildlife closures and stay on marked paths.
Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park
Hilltop memorial park with sweeping panoramic views of Knoxville, the Tennessee River valley and distant Smoky Mountains — ideal for cityscapes, sunrise/sunset color and commemorative detail shots of veteran monuments. Small parking lot and short paved paths make viewpoints accessible; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or clear nights for city lightscapes. Weekdays and early mornings avoid crowds; check wind and visibility for distant ridges.
Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville offers close-up animal portrait opportunities (red pandas, big cats, primates, birds) and themed habitats with naturalistic backdrops. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoons for active animals and soft light; golden hour enhances enclosures. Grounds are stroller/wheelchair accessible, paid parking on site, and tickets required (online reservations recommended). Flash is often prohibited; expect variable crowding on weekends and school holidays.
Mabry-Hazen House
Mabry-Hazen House is a well-preserved 19th-century mansion with Greek Revival/Federal details, period interiors and a tree-lined lawn — great for architectural detail, historic interiors and seasonal garden scenes. Visit at golden hour or autumn for warm light and foliage. Check museum hours and guided-tour times; interiors often require admission and may restrict tripods/flash. Street and limited on-site parking; some stair-only access to upper floors.
Red Panda Village
Compact outdoor exhibit at Zoo Knoxville showcasing active, arboreal red pandas — great for close wildlife portraits, action shots of climbing and feeding, and intimate habitat detail. Visit weekday mornings or during keeper talks (often mid-morning) for peak activity and softer light; golden hour can yield warm rim light but animals may be less active. Zoo parking and paid admission required; paths and viewing areas are accessible but glass and mesh can cause reflections. No flash; respect zook
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High-elevation Appalachian ridge and forest views ideal for sweeping mountain landscapes, layered ridgelines and seasonal color. Best at sunrise and golden hour when valley fog and warm light define layers; autumn brings peak foliage. Accessible by roadside pullouts—expect narrow parking and limited facilities. Located in a protected, rural area so follow park rules (no off-trail driving, no drones where restricted). Weekdays and early mornings have the fewest visitors; dress for rapid weather变化
Ross Marble Quarry
An old Tennessee marble quarry with sheer rock faces, emerald pools and overgrown vegetation — great for dramatic textures, reflections and abstract rock-detail shots. Visit at golden hour or sunrise for warm side-light and calm water; weekdays and early mornings avoid visitors. Site has uneven trails and limited roadside parking on Island Home Ave; check local access rules and respect private property. Historically important local marble source, offering contrasts of industrial geometry and enc
Smoky Night Lights
Smoky Night Lights at Knoxville Zoo is a seasonal evening light festival—photograph illuminated animal sculptures, lit pathways, and backlit enclosures against smoky blue-hour skies. Best at dusk into early night for mixed ambient and artificial light. Family-friendly, ticketed event with gated entry and paid parking; arrive before sunset for scouting. Weeknights are quieter. Expect cold weather in winter—dress warm and protect gear from condensation.
Baker Creek Preserve
Small preserve with creek, riparian forest, boardwalks and seasonal wildflowers—great for intimate landscapes, reflections, macro flora and local birds. Visit spring for blooms, fall for color; sunrise and golden hour give warm side-lighting and mist over water. Trailhead parking on Red Bud Rd; free access, trails are easy to moderate but can be muddy—bring waterproof shoes and insect repellent. Weekday mornings are least crowded.
Parking For Ijams Crag
Small lot and trailhead for Ijams Crag — a popular rock-climbing bluff above the Tennessee River with river reflections, wooded trails and skyline glimpses. Visit at golden hour or autumn for warm light and color. Parking is limited; arrive early on weekends. Trails are short but uneven; no special permit for day visitors but respect climbers and posted rules.
Hayworth Hollow
Hayworth Hollow is a small wooded hollow with winding streams, mossy rock outcrops and layered forest slopes — ideal for intimate landscape and nature shots. Visit at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors and reflections. Access via roadside parking; trails are likely unpaved and can be muddy—wear boots. Weekdays are quieter. No formal entry fees; respect private property and seasonal closures.
Baker Creek Preserve
Baker Creek Preserve is a 110-acre urban nature preserve with oak-hickory forest, open meadows, ponds and winding trails—great for woodland, macro and waterscape shots. Best at golden hour or after light rain for saturated colors and reflections. Trails are easy; limited parking at the Lancaster Dr. lot. No fee; practice Leave No Trace. Weekday mornings are quiet.
Baker Creek Preserve - Parking Lot
Trailhead parking for Baker Creek Preserve — gateway to shaded creek corridors, boardwalks and mature hardwood forest. Photograph flowing water, mossy rocks, spring wildflowers and autumn color; golden hour and misty mornings add mood. Lot at 3700 Lancaster Dr offers free parking and no entry fee; trails are natural and can be muddy after rain. Best visits: sunrise or early weekday mornings for soft light and few people; spring and fall for peak color and blooms. Bring insect repellent and water
Augusta Quarry
Small urban quarry park with steep rock walls and a clear blue-green pool framed by trees—great for reflection, texture and seasonal color. Best at golden hour or overcast for saturated tones; autumn boosts foliage contrast. Accessible via a nearby trailhead with limited parking on Augusta Ave; follow park signage, stay on paths and daylight hours only. No cliff access or swimming; expect light crowds weekdays and mornings.
Greetings from Knoxville Mural
A large, colorful 'Greetings from Knoxville' postcard-style mural on a commercial wall—great for vibrant, graphic city portraits and environmental street frames. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer pedestrians; golden hour enhances colors. Easily accessible from N Broadway with street parking and nearby lots; no entry fee but respect adjacent businesses and private property. Popular with tourists and locals alike—captures Knoxville pride and a sense of place.
Three Rivers Rambler
Heritage excursion train running along the Tennessee River and through South Knoxville — great for dynamic transport shots, river reflections, candid portraits of riders, and historical steam/diesel details. Best light: golden hour/blue hour for warm backlight on water. Weekdays/early departures are less crowded. Parking at the University Commons/Volunteer Landing area; buy tickets in advance for special trains. Wheelchair-accessible cars available on some runs.
Knoxville Museum of Art
Photograph the Knoxville Museum of Art's clean modern facade, Tennessee marble surfaces, and adjacent sculpture garden with water features and views of the Sunsphere. Best light is golden hour for warm textures and sunset for reflective pools. Weekday mornings are quieter; check museum photo policies (no flash/tripods often). Free/paid parking at Worlds Fair Park; museum is wheelchair accessible.
Suttree Landing Park
Riverside park on the Tennessee River with a boardwalk, grassy banks, pedestrian bridge views, and Knoxville skyline/reflections. Best for sunrise/sunset and blue hour river shots, seasonal foliage, and long-exposure waterscapes. Easy free parking at Waterfront Dr, paved accessible paths and picnic areas; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quiet; weekends and events draw crowds.
Fort Dickerson Park
Fort Dickerson Park offers panoramic overlooks of Knoxville (including the Sunsphere), preserved Civil War earthworks, stone walls and wooded trails — great for landscapes, skyline shots at golden hour and textured detail studies. Easy roadside parking at the small lot; no entry fee. Trails are short but uneven — wear good shoes. Best light at sunrise and sunset; clear nights reward skyline and Milky Way shots. Weekdays are quieter.
Golden Rayes Daylilies and Apiary
Fields of vivid daylilies and active apiary hives offer close-up floral studies, pollinator action, and sweeping patterns of color. Best at dawn for soft light, dew and bee activity; late afternoon golden hour gives warm tones. Small farm—confirm hours and ask permission before shooting hives; roadside parking available but aim for weekdays to avoid visitors. Accessible walkable rows; note seasonal bloom (peak summer).
Knoxville Walking Tours
Starting at 301 S Gay St, Knoxville Walking Tours thread through Market Square, historic Gay Street facades, murals and riverfront views — ideal for urban architecture, street scenes and candid portraits. Best light is golden hour along Gay St and Market Square; weekday mornings or early evenings reduce crowds. Downtown is walkable with public garages nearby; check tour times and fees. Accessible sidewalks but some uneven pavement in older blocks; nearby Sunsphere and Volunteer Landing extend op
Island Home Park
Small riverfront park on the Tennessee River offering shoreline, mature trees, walking trails and good views of water reflections and sunsets. Best at golden hour for warm light and colorful skies; spring and fall deliver foliage and migrating birds. Easy access from Estelle Cir with free street parking and paved paths; mostly level and family-friendly. No entry fee—expect locals walking dogs and occasional anglers.
900 South Gay Street
Urban vantage near Knoxville’s downtown and the Sunsphere/World’s Fair Park corridor — good for modern architecture, skyline slices, wide pedestrian plazas and event-driven night lights. Visit at golden hour or after sunset for colored glass reflections and city illumination. Easy pedestrian access from downtown; public garages and metered street parking nearby. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds; many areas are wheelchair accessible.
Northwest Skate Park
A concrete community skate park with bowls, rails, ledges and colorful graffiti—ideal for dynamic action shots, portraits of skaters, and abstract texture studies. Best light is golden hour for warm rim light or overcast for even skin tones and motion freezes. Public, free entry with roadside parking; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Respect local skaters and ask before shooting close portraits—events and weekend sessions can be lively. Weather: concrete stays usable when dry.
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
Photograph the Beck Cultural Exchange Center's historic brick façade, interior galleries, community exhibitions and occasional outdoor murals and events that celebrate African American history and culture. Best photographed mid-morning for even light inside and at golden hour for warm façade and mural tones. Weekday mornings are quieter; check the center's website for hours, exhibit access and any photography restrictions. Street parking and a small lot are usually available; be respectful and (
Sunnheim Arbor Frithyard
Small, peaceful arboretum with mature oaks, winding paths and a shaded arbor—great for intimate nature and foliage studies, seasonal color and textured tree trunks. Best at golden hour or overcast days for even light; spring and fall offer strongest color. Easy street parking on E Oak Hill Ave; likely free and informal access. Narrow paths mean small groups or weekdays are best for uncrowded shots.
Arlington Garden
Small community-style garden with winding paths, native plantings and intimate garden rooms that make for close-up florals, botanical detail and serene environmental portraits. Best visited in spring–fall for peak blooms; early morning or late afternoon provides soft directional light and fewer visitors. Free entry, street parking on N Broadway; compact layout makes handheld shooting easy and is generally accessible via paved paths. The garden’s local, low-key character is ideal for quiet, study
Chilhowee Park
Chilhowee Park is a historic urban green space next to the Knoxville Zoo featuring a Victorian-style bandstand, open lawns, mature trees, seasonal flower beds and frequent festivals. Photograph wide park vistas, intimate tree-lined paths, event setups and candid crowd scenes. Best at golden hour for warm light on the bandstand and trees; spring for azaleas and fall for color. The park is free and wheelchair-accessible with on-site parking; weekends can be crowded during fairs—check the event cal
Cradle of Country Music Park
Small museum and outdoor plaza celebrating Appalachian and country music roots — good for detail shots of instruments, exhibit displays, interpretive signage, murals and plaza architecture. Best at golden hour for warm façade light or during evening events when stage lighting adds drama. Downtown location with paid museum entry and nearby street parking; wheelchair accessible paths. Weekdays and early mornings avoid crowds; check event schedule for live performances and permit rules for tripod/fl
Holston River Park
Holston River Park offers river bends, wooded trails and wetlands for reflective waterscapes, seasonal color and wildlife. Best at sunrise and golden hour for low-angle light on the river; autumn brings vivid foliage. Small parking area with easy trail access and mostly flat boardwalks—no fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; check weather for misty river shots. Good for accessible landscape and nature photography within Knoxville.
Start of Greenway
Trailhead for the Knoxville Greenway network — good for shooting riverside paths, river reflections, bridges and wooded corridors. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side light and calm water; blue hour works for riverside lights. Easy access with roadside parking, wheelchair-friendly sections, no entry fees. Weekdays are quieter; watch for cyclists and walkers.
Baker Creek Preserve MTB Trails Entrance
Baker Creek Preserve MTB Trails Entrance is a compact, wooded trailhead offering classic Appalachian singletrack compositions: mossy roots, narrow dirt ribbons, and layered forest canopies. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm sidelighting and long shadows; after rain for saturated greens and mist. Small parking area near the road—no formal fee; trails are shared-use (expect cyclists). Weekday mornings are quieter. Great in fall for color and spring for fresh growth.
Little River
Little River offers forested river scenes, riffles and small cascades framed by hardwoods—great for intimate waterscape and seasonal color shots. Best at golden hour or after rain when flow and reflections are strongest. Access is roadside or via short footpaths; parking is limited at pullouts and trailheads. No formal entry fees, respect private property and riparian habitats. Spring and fall provide peak foliage and wildflower interest.
Knoxville Outdoor Tours
A gateway outfitter for paddling, hiking and guided outdoor adventures around Knoxville — ideal for photographing action shots of kayakers, river reflections, wooded trails and seasonal foliage. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for soft golden-hour tones; weekday mornings reduce crowds. Site has parking and easy access to launch points; confirm tour bookings and any waiver/gear requirements in advance. Weather is variable—bring layered clothing and waterproof protection for camera.
Marie Myers Park
A 35-acre community park with open lawns, playgrounds, walking trails, mature trees and a small creek—good for intimate nature shots, family lifestyle images, seasonal foliage and pastoral wide shots. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light. Free entry, parking onsite; easily walkable paths and accessible facilities. Weekday mornings are quieter; spring and fall offer peak color.
210 East Jackson Avenue
210 E Jackson Ave sits in Knoxville’s Old City — a compact streetscape of red‑brick commercial buildings, industrial details, colorful murals and lively street activity. Shoot building textures, storefront reflections, alleyways and candid street scenes. Best at golden hour for warm façades and at blue hour for neon signs; weeknights and weekends host events but weekday mornings are quieter. Street parking and nearby public lots; exterior shooting requires no entry. Compact walkable area with a活
World's Largest Rubik's Cube
A 8-foot-tall, colorful public sculpture near World’s Fair Park—ideal for bold graphic compositions, scale shots with people, and playful portraits. Best at golden hour for warm light on the panels or after dusk when nearby city lights add contrast. No entry fee; roadside and park parking available. Weekday mornings are quieter; watch for events at the park that change crowd levels and light reflections. Wheelchair accessible pathways.
Knoxville Municipal Golf Course
A classic municipally run course with rolling fairways, mature oaks, small ponds and manicured bunkers that make for clean landscape photography and reflective waterscapes. Best at golden hour — sunrise for mist over tees and sunset for warm backlight on tree lines. Accessible public course with parking at the clubhouse; check the pro shop for photography permission and avoid busy tee times. Spring brings vivid greens and azaleas, fall offers warm foliage; weekdays and early mornings minimize on
I.C. King Park
Small riverfront park on the Tennessee River with a boat ramp, docks, picnic shelters and walking paths. Shoot river reflections, passing boats and low-tree shorelines — good for sunrise/sunset golden hour. Easy roadside parking, free entry, wheelchair-accessible paths; weekdays and early morning reduce crowds and boat traffic.
William Hastie Natural Area
Small urban-natural preserve of mixed hardwood forest, creek corridors and boardwalks offering intimate woodland scenes, reflections, seasonal wildflowers and migratory songbirds. Easy access from Margaret Rd with a small parking area; free entry. Best at golden hours for warm sidelighting, spring for blooms and breeding birds, fall for color; trails can be muddy after rain—wear waterproof shoes. Quiet weekday mornings reduce human traffic; compact size makes it good for short shoots.
Charles Krutch Park
Small urban pocket park next to Market Square offering tree-shaded paths, seating, and views that pair green space with downtown architecture. Great for candid street scenes, intimate environmental portraits, and details of brickwork and street furniture. Visit at golden hour for warm light on facades; weekdays and early mornings reduce foot traffic. No entry fee; accessible on foot from downtown, paid street or garage parking nearby. Weather in spring/fall offers best foliage and light.
Alex Haley Heritage Square
Small heritage park honoring Alex Haley with preserved 19th-century houses, interpretive panels, sculptures and tree-lined streetscapes. Photograph period architecture, close-up details (porches, ironwork, plaques) and context shots that show community scale. Best light is golden hour or overcast for even detail; weekday mornings are quieter. Outdoor, wheelchair-accessible paths; street parking and nearby lot. No formal entry fee; check hours for special events and guided tours that add photo-op
James White Fort Association
A reconstructed late‑18th‑century frontier fort and homestead with authentic log buildings, period tools and landscaped grounds — ideal for textured close‑ups of timber, documentary shots of historic architecture, and environmental portraits. Best light is golden hour and overcast afternoons for even detail; weekdays and morning hours avoid school groups and tours. Small on‑site parking and short walking paths; some structures have limited wheelchair access. Check seasonal hours or event days (m
Rowing Man Statue in Knoxville, TN
A dramatic suspended sculpture of a rowing man above the intersection of W. Church Ave and S. Gay St — an eye-catching urban subject for silhouettes, reflections in nearby windows, and night-lit compositions. No entry fee; accessible from sidewalks with nearby street and garage parking. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for rich sky color and fewer pedestrians; weekdays are quieter. Compact location makes it easy to combine with nearby Market Square and downtown skyline shots.
Weaving Rainbow Mountain
Small specialty fiber shop showcasing colorful yarns, woven goods and artisanal looms — great for close-up texture shots, vibrant color studies and environmental portraits of makers. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoons for softer window light; expect a compact interior so aim for a wide lens and ask staff for permission before shooting. Street parking and nearby lots on Cumberland Ave; wheelchair accessible entry may vary—call ahead for access and to confirm any closures or events.
Muse Knoxville
MUSE Knoxville (a hands-on science and discovery center) offers colorful, interactive interiors and playful exhibits ideal for candid portraits, close-ups of hands-on installations, and bold architectural details. Best visited on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid families; lighting is mostly mixed artificial — bring gear for low light. Museum is accessible, has nearby paid parking and street options; check front desk for photo policy and tripod restrictions.
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture
Indoor natural history and cultural exhibits — dinosaur mounts, dioramas, minerals, Native American artifacts and university campus architecture. Best visited weekday mornings for fewer crowds; lighting is mostly museum-controlled (low light in dioramas). Free admission at the University of Tennessee; campus parking available and accessible entrances. Confirm flash/tripod policy with staff. Great for detail, texture, and contextual museum storytelling.
West Hills and Bynon Park
Small neighborhood park with rolling West Hills terrain, mature trees, a creek and grassy overlooks—good for intimate landscapes, seasonal fall color, and golden-hour panoramas. Easy street parking on Sheffield Dr, free entry, short accessible trails and family-friendly facilities. Best light at sunrise/sunset for warm side-light and long shadows; weekdays are quieter. Expect typical Tennessee weather and occasional muddy paths after rain.
Fort Kid
Fort Kid is a colorful, interactive playground in Knoxville's World's Fair Park — ideal for vibrant, dynamic shots of play structures, water features and candid family moments with the Sunsphere and downtown skyline as context. Visit early weekday mornings or golden hour for soft light and fewer crowds. Free parking at the park; paths and many features are ADA accessible. Respect privacy when photographing children and events.
Adair Park
Small neighborhood park with mature trees, lawns, walking paths and neighborhood views — good for intimate landscape, seasonal color and lifestyle/street scenes of locals. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm side-light and long shadows; fall offers peak color. Easily accessible by car with street and small lot parking; paths are mostly paved and stroller/wheelchair friendly. Weekday mornings are quiet. No entry fee.
Morningside Park
Small neighborhood park with wooded trails, creekside edges and open lawn areas — good for intimate nature scenes, seasonal foliage, and low-key landscape compositions. Best light is early morning or late afternoon; golden hour enhances warm tones and mist over the creek in cooler months. Easily accessible from Dandridge Ave with free street parking; no entry fee. Expect short walking trails and sometimes local dog-walkers or community activity. Visit weekdays for fewer people and after rain for
Gary Underwood Park
Small riverside park with trails, shoreline and mature trees offering intimate landscape and waterscape frames. Best at golden hour and during fall color; early mornings and weekdays reduce crowds. Easy street parking and level paths make gear transport simple. No entry fee; watch for wet/muddy banks after rain. Great for reflections, minimalist compositions and local nature scenes.
S & J Colquitt Memorial Park
Small memorial park with plaques, benches and mature trees offering intimate compositions—good for close-up detail shots, environmental portraits, and seasonal foliage. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and soft shadows; weekday mornings are quieter. Easily accessible with street parking, no entry fee; paths and open sightlines make handheld or tripod shooting simple. Respect memorials and local users.
Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center
Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center offers broad lawns, a historic bandstand/amphitheatre, exposition halls and tree-lined paths—good for event, architecture and park photography. Best at golden hour for warm light on the bandstand and long shadows across the grass; early weekday mornings minimize crowds. Large parking lots and easy pedestrian access; most areas are free outside ticketed events. Seasonal festivals (State Fair, concerts) add color and action—check event calendar before visiting.
Cumberland Estates Park
Cumberland Estates Park is a neighborhood greenspace with walking trails, mature trees, open fields and playground areas ideal for seasonal foliage, intimate nature scenes and candid family/community shots. Best light is at golden hour and after rain when colors pop. Easy street parking, level paths make it accessible; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Expect typical suburban park activity rather than dramatic vistas.
Clayton Family Kids Cove
Clayton Family Kids Cove at Zoo Knoxville is a vibrant splash-play area with colorful sculptures, water jets and shady picnic zones — great for energetic candid family and detail shots of water motion, textures and playful expressions. Best visited weekday mornings for soft light and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for warm backlight; golden hour can produce nice rim light but check zoo hours. Entry requires Zoo Knoxville admission; free parking on site. Paths are stroller- and wheelchair-access
Maloney Road Park
Small neighborhood park with mature hardwoods, walking trails and a seasonal pond—good for intimate landscape scenes, tree canopies, reflections and local birdlife. No entry fee; street parking on Ginn Farm Dr. Best at golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon) for warm side light and long shadows; spring and fall offer strongest color. Weekday mornings are quieter. Trails are mostly flat and accessible; bring waterproof shoes after rain for shoreline access.
Holston-Chilhowee Dog Park
Small off-leash dog park and green space near Holston Drive—good for photographing lively dog action, candid owner-pet interactions, close-up fur/face portraits and seasonal trees/grass textures. Best light is golden hour or overcast for even tones; weekdays and early mornings are quieter. On-site parking along Holston Dr; public park etiquette applies—ask owners before shooting pets. Easily accessible by car, flat terrain and clear sightlines make framing fast-moving subjects easier.
Houser Rd # 2 Park
Small neighborhood park with tree-lined paths, open lawn and a playground — good for intimate nature studies, seasonal foliage and quiet dawn/dusk scenes. Easy street parking and free entry; accessible paths make it practical for short shoots. Best at golden hour or in fall for color; weekdays are least crowded.
Scott-Roberts Park
A neighborhood green space with woodland trails, small streams and open lawns — good for intimate nature and landscape shots, seasonal foliage and close-up plant/texture studies. Best at golden hour or after rain for saturated colors and reflections. Easily accessible with street parking, no entry fees; expect limited facilities and quiet weekdays. Modest elevation changes create simple compositional lines; bring insect repellent in warm months.
Thomas "Tank" Strickland Park
A neighborhood green space along Asheville Hwy in Knoxville offering open lawns, mature trees and simple park amenities — good for intimate landscape and environmental portraits. Best at golden hour or overcast days for saturated greens; weekdays and early mornings minimize cars and people. Public, free entry with small on-site or street parking; mostly flat and wheelchair-accessible paths. Useful as a quick stop for seasonal foliage, candid local life, and low-key nature studies.
Fire Street Alley
Small mural-lined alley near downtown Knoxville featuring vibrant street art, textured brick, fire‑themed murals and intimate urban details. Best at golden hour or after dusk when soft side light and artificial lamps enhance color and contrast. Easy public access from W Jackson Ave; street parking and nearby lots. Weekday mornings quieter. No entry fee; be respectful of nearby residences and businesses.
Dr Walter Hardy Park
Small neighborhood park with mature trees, open lawns and walking paths — good for intimate landscapes, seasonal foliage, portrait sessions and quiet street-edge urban scenes. No entry fee; street and small lot parking on Bethel Ave. Accessible paths; best light at golden hour for warm tones and long shadows. Weekday mornings are quieter; check weather for vivid skies and fall color.
The Ruff Life Hideout
A dog daycare/boarding facility with energetic play yards, agility equipment and varied breeds — great for pet portraits, action shots of dogs at play, and documentary-style lifestyle images. Visit mid-morning or late afternoon for soft natural light in the outdoor runs; weekdays outside peak drop-off/pickup are less chaotic. Request permission from staff before shooting; expect on-site parking and simple access from Callahan Dr. Bring proof of credentials and follow any vaccination/waiver rules
Wildlife Resources Agency
State wildlife agency offices with vehicle bays and informational signage, set at the edge of mixed woods and ponds along Rifle Range Rd. Good for documenting conservation infrastructure, interpretive panels, service vehicles and nearby riparian habitat or passerine activity. Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft light and bird activity; weekdays are quieter. Site is public property but respect staff areas and any posted restrictions; free parking at the lot. Seasonal foliage and wet-mc
Bearden Middle School 9/11 Tribute Tree
A small outdoor 9/11 tribute tree and memorial on Bearden Middle School grounds—photograph the tree, flags, plaques and surrounding landscaping to capture solemn commemorative detail and community context. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm side-light and soft shadows; weekdays outside school hours are quieter. Site is on school property with parking nearby—stay respectful, avoid disrupting school activities, and expect easy wheelchair access on paved paths.
Babe Ruth Park
Small community baseball/softball park with well-kept diamond, bleachers, scoreboard and surrounding trees — great for sports action, environmental portraits of players, and wide-field compositions at golden hour. Public park with free access and parking; no entry fee. Best light: sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and long shadows; weekday evenings or weekend games for candid sports moments. Paths and low fences offer accessible shooting points.
West Hills Pickle Ball Courts
Small suburban pickleball complex with bright courts, strong graphic lines and active player scenes — good for energetic sports and environmental portraits. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm side light and long shadows; evenings under floodlights offer contrasty night-sports shots. On-site parking and public access; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. No formal entry fee; be respectful of players and avoid interfering with play.
Craft Axe Throwing - West Knoxville
Indoor axe-throwing venue with gritty, action-filled scenes: competitors, flying axes, scored target boards and moody industrial interiors. Best visited during evening league sessions for dynamic motion and emotive faces. Easy parking at the strip mall; wear closed-toe shoes. Ask staff for permission before close-ups; expect mixed lighting (warm fixtures + fluorescents). Weeknights are less crowded than weekends.
Houser Road #1 Park
Small neighborhood park with mature trees, open lawns and streamside vegetation — good for intimate nature, seasonal color and quiet landscape shots. Best at golden hours for warm light and long shadows; autumn brings peak foliage. Easy street parking and no entry fee; trails are short and mostly flat (comfortable for gear). Weekday mornings are least crowded. Expect typical East Tennessee weather and light wind around water.
Inskip Ballfield
A neighborhood baseball/softball diamond offering strong geometric compositions — fences, dugouts, bleachers and the infield textures — with mature trees and nearby houses adding context. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and long shadows; weekday mornings or late afternoons avoid league crowds. Public park with free on-street parking, easy walk-in access and no entry fee. Capture local community sport atmosphere and close-up action during games.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Indoor action venue with colorful trampolines, foam pits, obstacle courses and party rooms — great for dynamic sports and lifestyle shots. Best visited on weekday mornings or early evenings for smaller crowds; weekends are busy. Lighting is mixed fluorescent/LED so expect flat, high-ISO shooting. Public access requires regular admission; parties may restrict areas. Free parking on site and wheelchair-accessible entry. Ask management for permission to shoot during events or birthday bookings.
Breakout Games
Breakout Games is an indoor escape-room venue—photograph group interactions, themed sets, close-up puzzle details, props, and candid emotional reactions. Best visited on weekday afternoons or early evenings to avoid crowds; reservations are required and staff permission is needed for photography. Lighting is low and mixed (practical lamps, LEDs), located in a shopping/office complex with nearby parking and wheelchair access; ideal for storytelling, portrait-style shots and environmental detail.
Volunteer Rifle & Pistol Club
Private shooting range and clubhouse set along Rifle Range Dr — photograph the utilitarian architecture, long sightlines of outdoor pistol/rifle bays, range backstops, signage and textured wood/metal targets. Best visited at golden hour for warm light on earthen berms and building facades; weekdays or non‑event days are less busy. Note: this is a member club — obtain permission before photographing on site, avoid photographing shooters during live firing for safety and privacy. Parking is on‑lot