Getting active during springtime in Maryville
The weather is warming up, so getting outside is starting to feel more palatable. While curling up on the couch with a good book is a tried and true way to enjoy every season, getting outside in the warmer weather is a wonderful way to feel good and take advantage of the beauty spring brings.
Maryville is full of accessible outdoor spaces to make the most of the warm days. A fantastic spot is Pearson Springs Park. This park is just a ten minute drive from downtown Maryville and features walking trails and sports fields. Grab a friend, a frisbee and some food to make a day of it. It is easy to spend hours there!
Another perfect outdoor destination is Mizell Bluffs. While this short hike is technically outside of the Maryville area, it is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Maryville and very worth it. After a half-mile hike, you will find yourself at a rocky outlook onto Tellico Lake. Spread a blanket on the rocks for a picnic or go just a few feet down the hill to hammock between some trees. Whatever you choose to do, the view will blow you away!
If you have a dog and an inkling to take a walk, the perfect place to go is the PetSafe dog park along the Maryville Greenbelt. About a seven-minute trip from downtown, the park has both a big dog and small dog area, so there is a safe area for your pup! The trail to the dog park is lined with green grass, trees and flowers, making for a beautiful walk.
Right on the edge of Maryville College’s campus are the Maryville College Woods, which provide the campus and surrounding Maryville area with miles of walking trails to ensure there is always somewhere to go to explore. Just enter the woods through the driveway by the Maryville College pavilion, and try to identify the variety of trees in the 140-acre area!
If you’re looking for more laid-back options, you may consider driving over the Foothills Parkway, which covers 17 miles from Chilhowee Lake to Walland. This scenic drive provides overlooks to the Great Smoky Mountains, which are becoming more and more green as spring continues to develop. Roll down your windows; play some good music; and enjoy the views!
No matter what you enjoy, there is something for everyone outdoors. Spring is only just beginning, and more fun is waiting to be had as the season continues.