Meads Quarry in
Knoxville (TN)

This is not a family friendly place. There were people drinking cases of beer everywhere, profanity being used constantly, people smoking weed and cigarettes. Super trashy people ruining a beautiful place. There needs to be some sort of regulation.

I spend my spring there hiking and my summers swimming. The welcome center has snacks and fun activities for the kids

Not only do you have to pay to park here now, which is ridiculous in its own right, but you can't bring your personal kayaks or paddle boards here to enjoy the quarry. You have to pay to use their equipment, which is so silly for a city and area where so many people have their own kayaks. Terrible money-grabbing scheme

Love hiking here or taking a kayak out on the lake. Plenty of trails and things to explore.

Beautiful hiking trail. We went on the hike that overlooked the old quarry. It was a fantastic time. We went early, so there was a fog that hung low into the quarry over the water. Once we reached the top, the fog had cleared and left a beautiful view, and we got to see the quarry in all its glory once we finished the hike. I would recommend this hike to anyone who loves going on hills.

Beautiful place $5 parking ?️ all day ☺️ bring cash for extras they may have going on. Rentals and other things available

Definitely will not be back on the weekend way too crowded, water is not the cleanest, now you have to pay to park.

This is my happy place. There is kayak and paddle for rent. On weekends they sell food. No allows alcoholic drinks unless is sell by some of the approved vendors.-During summer water temperature is perfect. There is restrooms, there is signs everywhere to lock your car and do not leave any valuables. I did not have any problems with my stuff the times I left them close to the piers but for my own peace of mind I bought a dry bag-permeable container. If you can’t swim bring some floaters, there is not life guards. Everyone is respectful of other’s space, enjoying themselves. Dog friendly, on the other side of the lake there is picnic area. Some people left their trash behind so bring a garbage bag to take some of the trash to help keeping this place clean-I do-. If you visit do not trash it, we have less and less beautiful free places like this. Parking cost 5 dollars for the day. They close at 8:00 pm, I see most people leaving at 7pm. Get early if you want to find a good parking spot.

Beautiful view. They have piers that were full of people laying out on them. The only way to get to them was to swim around the rock to them.

Very pretty! Had a lot of people there and there's a rope you can use to climb and jump into the water. Def lots of fun.

Lots of trails many don't consider when hiking here. I think I have gone on every single one at this point, and it is beautiful. If you can manage, definitely check out the trail that does a full circle around the lake. There is a hidden graveyard up there of the quarry workers that passed away - there's a lot of history here.

It's a fun place to swim and float around for hours. There's no lifeguard so swim at your own risk. Parking can be hard to find so I highly recommend arriving early to get a closer spot unless you're fine with a walk. They also rent out paddle boards and kayaks. Make sure you don't leave any valuables in the vehicle and to keep a close eye of your bags since there are a lot of signs saying there has been a string of people coming up, taking your bags, and getting into your car. Or just breaking into your car in general. Haven't had any of that happen yet but on occasion some sketchy individuals will walk around. With that said it's a wonderful place to burn daylight.

I absolutely LOVE this area! The hikes are easy with beautiful scenery! The Meads Quarry alone is a spot I love to photograph at! Just beware of the weekend crowds (good luck finding a parking spot)!

I love this place to go swimming at. They have kayak and paddle board rentals, a dock for swimmers to hang out on to sun and even on the busiest days there is always plenty of room to swim. There are also trails to do family hikes. Parking might be an issue though so plan accordingly.

Super popular swimming area in the summer for just float on the water or a photo walk along the trails.

This place is an absolute treasure. It's free to visit and there's plenty of parking. There's also a place to rent kayaks paddle boards and tubes for 5 to 10 bucks for almost unlimited time. The water was super clear and blue with very little algae or wildlife swimming around you. Probably the best place I've ever gone swimming in a lake. Highly recommend coming here

So beautiful and peaceful guy caught a largemouth bass while we was there.

We booked the elopement package via Ijams nature center for a private spot by the quarry to get married and it was so beautiful and romantic. Lovely destination to get married!

Beautiful once again, seeing this quarry in different light and weather. This time a couple days after a snow and near sunset.

Pink marble trail going to the south end of the lake has a few little stops with ‘wild’ playgrounds for kids. Great for little kids to explore and play.

Rentals are great and good prices . They also provide a life jacket and if you ask the awesome staff will help you set it up in the water . View is breathtaking specially depending on time of day , we catch a bit of the sundown. Awesome hiking as well with multiple trails and bikes capabilities.

Gorgeous spot to take the kids for a nice walk through the easily marked trails.

It was beautiful, my only suggestion with "hiking/walking dogs is more trash cans on the trails to toss dog waste, and water bottles etc There was tons of litter, and I had to walk forever with a big bag of dog poop

Nice park stand up paddle board and kayaks in the summer. There are also many nice trails and nature center here as well. Right across from the quarry is access to a nice trail that is directly on the river. There is also an outdoor primitive gym and a old lime furnace that is very interesting to see, there is bike trail right by the quarry also.

Quiet and serene - great place for a family hike or swim, and for walking your dog!

Nice place to spend a free hot summer afternoon. Overflow parking across the street seems to be ample. People came and went all day, so there is a decent turn over. Reasonable rates on kayak and SUP boards.

A beautiful gem nestled in the woods just minutes from downtown. The former quarry is now the perfect setting for hiking, trail running, swimming and more.