Fort Dickerson Quarry is a popular outdoor spot near Knoxville that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The area features beautiful, clear water with a bluish-green color, making it a great place for swimming. Visitors enjoy relaxing on floating docks or jumping off the large docks into the water. The quarry is also a good spot for hiking, with trails like the Black Pit Viper trail providing great views of the quarry and accessible paths for all ages. Many visitors appreciate packing a lunch to enjoy a picnic on a rock while taking in the scenic views, which are often described as worth the hike.
Facilities include clean restrooms and dressing rooms for changing clothes, and the parking lot is conveniently close to the trails and swimming areas. Recent improvements by the city have made the site more family-friendly and accessible, with floating docks, free life jackets, and paddleboard rentals. While some visitors miss the natural cliff and the previous unaltered view, they acknowledge that the new construction and added safety features have enhanced the experience for families and younger visitors. Overall, Fort Dickerson Quarry is considered a beautiful, relaxing, and fun destination for swimming, hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
This is a MUST DO in KNOXVILLE. 16.00 per hour for paddle boards. 5.00 per hour for flotation stuff and free life vests. 10 mins from downtown. This is so worth the trip. Take snacks and drinks or buy when you get there.
September 2026
Absolutely beautiful scenery. Water is clean. Its so much nicer since the renovation!
September 2026
Special place to spend the night. Very close to downtown yet very quiet! Lots of trees and very clean!
