Volunteer Landing – James White Fort loop from Seven Islands State Birding Park
Volunteer Landing – James White Fort loop from Seven Islands State Birding Park
3.5
(7)
62
riders
Volunteer Landing – James White Fort loop from Seven Islands State Birding Park
02:41
56.2km
480m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
22.1 km
Nesting Tree at Holston River Park
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
26.4 km
Neyland Greenway terminus
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
28.3 km
Volunteer Landing
Highlight • River
Tip by
29.3 km
James White Fort
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
56.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
42.5 km
10.3 km
3.05 km
319 m
Surfaces
41.4 km
14.3 km
480 m
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Elevation
Highest point (300 m)
Lowest point (250 m)
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 27 June
30°C
22°C
91 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Volunteer Landing – James White Fort loop from Seven Islands State Birding Park offers a truly varied road cycling route, blending serene natural landscapes with urban riverfront views. This moderate 34.9 miles (56.2 km) ride, with 1581 feet (482 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 41 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a substantial road cycling route that combines the tranquility of a state park with the vibrancy of downtown Knoxville, providing a good challenge without being overly strenuous.
What to expect on Volunteer Landing – James White Fort loop from Seven Islands State Birding Park
Starting from Seven Islands State Birding Park, you'll begin your journey in a peaceful setting, surrounded by rolling hills and views of the French Broad River, with the distant Smoky Mountains as a backdrop. The route transitions from these scenic backroads into the heart of Knoxville, connecting with the city's extensive greenway system. You'll ride along the James White Greenway and Neyland Greenway, enjoying riverfront views of the Tennessee River, passing marinas, and connecting to downtown landmarks. While much of the ride is on well-paved surfaces, expect some rolling hills and more challenging sections that contribute to the overall elevation gain, making it suitable for cyclists with good fitness.
Planning your visit
The loop begins at Seven Islands State Birding Park, located about 19 miles east of downtown Knoxville, where parking is available. Since the route covers a significant distance and includes both rural and urban sections, ensure you carry enough water and snacks, especially during warmer months. While no specific permits or seasonal closures are mentioned, checking local weather conditions is always wise for a ride of this length. This route is ideal for a morning or early afternoon start, allowing ample time to enjoy both the natural beauty and the city sights.
Trail details
- Distance: 34.9 miles (56.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 1581 feet (482 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 41 minutes
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