Knoxville’s Best-Kept Secret: A Day at “The Beach” (Yes, Really!)
Okay—so we’re not exactly oceanside here in Knoxville. But if you’re craving sunshine, water, and a good dose of outdoor fun, let me introduce you to our very own local “beach”: The Cove at Concord Park! It’s one of those places that, once you know about it, becomes an absolute go-to for sunny weekends, paddleboard mornings, and casual lakefront hangouts.
Nestled right along Fort Loudoun Lake and stretching across 500 acres (yes, you read that right), Concord Park offers something for everyone—and I do mean everyone. Whether you’re an early-morning runner, a kayak kind of girl, a mountain biker, a dog mom, or someone who just loves to kick back by the water with a picnic, this place checks every box.
Let me break it down for you like a local:
☀️ The Cove: Knoxville’s “Beach” Vibes
This is the heart of the action. It’s where you can dip your toes in the water, rent a kayak from River Sports (open in the warmer months), and enjoy the lake views with a cold drink in hand. There's a little swimming area, lots of green space, and plenty of picnic tables if you're packing lunch or grabbing takeout nearby (which I 10/10 recommend doing).
🚣♀️ On the Water
Love being out on the lake? There are multiple boat ramps, fishing piers, and places to launch your paddleboard or kayak. The marina’s right there too if you’ve got a boat (or a friend with a boat—let's be honest, that's the dream!).
🏃♀️ On Land
Not feeling the water? No problem. The park has everything from paved walking loops to natural trails for mountain biking and hiking. Bring the whole crew—there are soccer fields, tennis courts, a golf course, a playground, and even a skatepark at one of the entrances.
🐾 Concord Dog Park!
For my fellow dog lovers—get excited. A brand new dog park is opening soon, and I already know it's going to be a hit. Concord Park is already super dog-friendly, but now your pup will have their own official space to play.
🎯 Pro Tips:
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The park is big, with different entrances depending on what you want to do. Want to hike? Head toward the east entrance. Want to paddle or swim? The Cove is your spot.
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Trails are open from dawn till dusk, and parking is free.
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If you're showing out-of-town guests around, this is such a fun "locals only" kind of stop.
📍 Need-to-Know Info:
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Address for The Cove: 11808 S. Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN
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Park Size: 500 acres
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Trails: 9.4 miles of natural trails + paved walking loops
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Rental Info: River Sports rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards in season
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Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
So if you’ve been itching for a beach day but your schedule (or location!) says otherwise, now you know where to go. Concord Park is such a gem—especially in the spring and summer—and it’s one of the many things I love about living here in East Tennessee. Whether you’re relocating to Knoxville or just looking for a new weekend hangout, I highly recommend spending the day at “our beach.”
Grab a towel, pack your Yeti, and I’ll see you lakeside.
