Third Creek Greenway

This was my fetish during the summer. When I discovered this I wanted to be on it every day and I did. I spent every morning starting at the beginning of the trail on neyland near the new condos and got my cardio in until the end of this greenway. It was an amazing 13 miles. You can only imagine how happy I was to be able to pig out that summer and gain nothing. My formula for the summer was the more cardio = the more food.

Knoxville has done an incredible job with its greenway system. They are a great resource and make it so much easier to get out and be active. Having just moved from a town where pedestrians/​runners were often hit by a car, I probably appreciate the greenways in Knoxville even more. I’ve run on a handful of them but Third Creek Greenway is my favorite.
First because it is so convenient. This 4.5 mile stretch connects to the Neyland Greenway, Sequoyah Greenway and Tyson park. It has a couple of entry points with plenty of parking but I usually use the Forest Park Blvd. entrance in Bearden, by the Earth Fare. I really like the way the greenways are interconnected. I could run from my house at the north end of town and end up in west Knoxville without having to deal with cars, traffic and the likes.
This greenway is also very shaded. Which is important for my heat intolerant self. Perfect for running in the summer, even at the peak of the day. The shade also makes it very gorgeous. It is pretty easy to relax and appreciate nature as you run by. It is paved and wide enough for multiple users concurrently. It is not uncommon to see cyclists, runners, walkers, nature lovers and dog walkers sharing the width of the trail.
I sometimes run in groups but often run by myself. Most times without my dogs. I have never felt unsafe running on this greenway. Naturally, I wouldn’t recommend being out alone while it is still dark, both for male and female runners. However, there are so many people out and about on the greenway almost as soon as the sun is out.

I tried this greenway out when I first moved to Knoxville, but after experiencing Lakeshore Park, I was spoiled. This 4.5 mile greenway winds between Sutherland and Kingston through Tyson Park and along a polluted creek. The water looks nice and scenic from afar, but once you get up close, be prepared.
Also, this is a linear greenway– it doesn’t conveniently go around in a circle that brings you back to your car. And, something very important to me– it’s not a good route for a single woman to run. Now, I love trees, but there are some parts of that greenway that are just downright secluded and creepy. Some parts almost seem abandoned. In short, I did not feel comfortable running there by myself.
Choosing between Lakeshore and Third Creek is like choosing between filet mignon and chitlins. Lakeshore Park is far better– it’s much more open, safe, family friendly, and conveniently circular. As an added benefit, it’s a lot more scenic.