Who is Using Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness?

by Rebekah Goode
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An interdisciplinary study conducted by associate professor Eugene Fitzhugh (KRSS) and colleagues from Howard Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs found that while a sizable amount of people use Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, there is surprisingly little diversity among them.

Take a look at some key facts collected in the study, which focused on the Knoxville Urban Wilderness Trail System and Baker Creek Preserve Bike Park. 

Knoxville Urban Wilderness

60+ miles of trails and greenways

A nature center, lakes, historic sites, playgrounds, five city parks, and a 600-acre wildlife area

Baker Creek Preserve Bike Park

5 multi-use trails

3 purpose-built bicycle-specific downhill trails

How many people used the KUW Trail System?

300,000 estimate in 2021

51% mountain bikers

34% walkers

11 infrared counters placed on trails to count the number of people using the trails.

Who uses the trail system?

5% were people of color

White adult males were majority users

50 undergraduate kinesiology students directly observed the physical activity on the trail system for 4 days at 4 points of time each day to gather demographic information.

Why is this important?

Physical activity is necessary for the health of the community and making sure that everyone feels safe at activity venues is an important step in getting the community moving in healthy ways. Fitzhugh and his colleagues will continue to monitor the trail system and will soon release reports on the economic and health impact of the people visiting the Knoxville Urban Wilderness.

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