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Tag Archives: canoes

The River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville, Tennessee

5 May 20243 May 2025

A beautiful canopy of hardwood forest, The North Cove Trail off of the Visitor’s Center leads to the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center.  Depending on the season, there are blooms of silverbell and hydrangea or bloodroot and cut-leaved toothwort.  In late spring, the strong scent of bugbane acts as a natural insect repellent as hummingbirds feed off of the sweet-smelling trumpet creepers.

Halfway through the .2-mile trail is a bridge.  It is the scene of yellow-billed cuckoos and indigo buntings that look like blue, chubby cardinals. The sight of eastern box turtles during the warm summer months and sound of barred owls year around are what draw visitors to this trail throughout the year.

The River Trail was marked by a placard along the path and connected North Cove Trail with the Will Skelton Greenway. Along the .7 mile trek grew American bladdernut and the spicebush which produces bright red fruit in the fall.  Yellow trillium and yellow celandine poppy come into sight during early spring, while Christmas ferns appear during the holiday season.

Located on the trail is the Boardwalk that runs along the Tennessee River.  One of the highlights of this section of the walk is the geological rock formations and Maude Moore’s Cave.

A group of boy scouts paddle their canoes along the quiet, calm Tennessee River.  It was a cool, peaceful morning for earning their badges as they identified plants and trees on the banks of the waterway.  Along the river were sounds of the yellow and grey prothonotary warblers and swallows flying overhead.

Granite rock structures protruded from the cliffs.  The serene landscape and solitude were interrupted by the sounds of birds perched in the nearby sycamore trees. The area is home to the white-eyed vireos, common yellow-throats, bald eagles and ospreys.

It was early enough in the morning where the coolness of the day appeared as a mist hovering over the river.  We noticed a fisherman in a kayak trying his luck at catching bluegill and sunfish.

We soon approached one of the entrances to Cave Springs Caves, which were carved out by an underground stream.  These entryways have been boarded up with wood to protect the bats and salamanders that live inside.  Known by the locals as Maude Moore’s Cave, it was given this name because Maude, after having shot and killed Roy Harth, she hid in this cave system until giving herself up to law enforcement.  She was later found not guilty for acting in self-defense.

On occasion, we looked over the side of the Boardwalk into the Tennessee River to see if there were turtles, lizards or snakes resting along the rocks.   There was also the potential to see blue herons, belted kingfishers and crested cormorants that frequent the area to snack on a fish or two.

Although we couldn’t feel it, the earth beneath us was moving, creating  faults and folds that are eventually exposed at the surface.  Along the River Trail at Ijams Nature Center, there is a geological fold of rocks as a result of the pressure from the underground movement, but lucky for us, we hadn’t even noticed.

We came to a point where we had to decide whether to follow the River Trail or stay on the boardwalk.  A set of rock stairs led up into the sugar maples, but we opted to continue towards the gravel road that leads to an old quarry and cedar glade.  We eventually passed an obstacle course and noticed a placard  that informed us of the meadow habitat up ahead.

We crossed through the field and found a small pond, home to frogs, salamanders and newts.  The Visitor’s Center was within view, ending our hike and so we decided to go in for an opportunity to learn more about the Ijam’s nature center and its habitat.

Have you had the chance to visit Ijam’s Nature Center in Knoxville?  What was the most fascinating aspect of your visit?  I would be interested in hearing about your time spent at Ijam’s if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my hike and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ijam’s Nature Center
2915 Island Home Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37920
Telephone:  865 577 4717

Where to Stay:

Four Points Sheraton Knoxville Cumberland House
1109 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN  37916
Telephone:   865 971 4663

Where to Eat:

Babalu
412 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN  37902
Telephone:  865 329 1002

Check out my write up on this fabulous tapas restaurant, Babalu.

What to Eat in Knoxville:

  • Brunch at Bistro on the Bayou
  • Chicken pot pie
  • Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Mac and Cheese
  • Meatloaf
  • Tennessee Whiskey

What to Read:

  • Historic Knoxville: The Curious Visitor’s Guide to Its Stories and Places, by Jack Neely

Photo Guide to Knoxville: 

  • Bike Sculpture
  • Bridge Sunrise
  • CityView Sunset from SoKno
  • Fort Dickerson Quarry
  • Gay Street
  • Greetings from Knoxville Postcard Mural
  • House Mountain
  • Sunsphere
  • Tennessee Theater on the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue
  • A View from the Bluffs
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Finding Solitude at Sylvan Lake

15 September 201815 September 2024

After a restful night, I woke up bright and early at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn in Custer, South Dakota. It was a perfect overnight stay where the hotel staff were friendly and helpful.  At the breakfast bar, there was a large selection of food items and the dining area was very clean with modern furnishings.  The hotel was centrally located (about 20 minutes) from the attractions I wanted to visit and I couldn’t wait to check out and explore.

DSC_0287

It was Sunday morning and I wanted to visit Lake Sylvan to read my Bible and devotional before  reaching my next stop, Deadwood.  In awe of God’s creation, I started along the path where I could circle the lake, taking in the beauty of my surroundings.  With my camera in hand, I captured the reflection of the rock formations on the water.  The walking path continued along the banks with an additional route where one could walk the main thoroughfare for a shorter hike.

Sylvan Lake is one of five mountain lakes within the Custer State Park and is the one most visited.  Used as a scene in “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets”, it is also popular with photographers and nature lovers.  For those who like to fish, the lake is fully stocked with trout, crappies and perch and canoes and kayaks are available for rent as well.  Although I could have stayed to enjoy a few of the amenities at Sylvan Lake, I came for the solitude. And as I finished my hour of devotions, I prayed for safety and began my drive towards Deadwood.

Have you visited Sylvan Lake while touring Custer State Park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading by post and Happy Travels!

For more information about Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park, visit South Dakota’s state park website at www.gfp.sd.gov.

DSC_0288

For those of you that may be interested in my hotel evaluation at Custer, South Dakota, I have provided a very brief opinion of my experience at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn located at West Mount Rushmore Road.

Hotel Information:

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
310 W. Mount Rushmore Road
Custer, South Dakota  57730
Phone: 605 673 2275
Rate: 80.90 (AAA rate) + tax = 89.87 (includes $2 lodging tax)

Hotel Rating:

The hotel is a great hotel with friendly, helpful staff. There were great food options for breakfast including omelets, yogurt, hot oatmeal, cereal, toast, fresh fruit and danishes. The only fast food option in the area was Dairy Queen, but there were several places to eat along Mount Rushmore Road. Perfect location…about 20 minutes from each of the attractions. Very, very clean with modern furnishings. The television did not work that night, but I was too tired to watch it. I would highly recommend the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn. There is also wi-fi service available as well.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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