Fort Dickerson Park and Quarry
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Augusta Quarry at Fort Dickerson Park, a historic Civil War site with stunning natural beauty and recent upgrade...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Fort Dickerson Park and Quarry
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Augusta Quarry at Fort Dickerson Park, a historic Civil War site with stunning natural beauty and recent upgrades.
"Gorgeous, clear water that leaves you skin feeling AMAZING!"
🚗 Parking Patience
The upper parking lot fills quickly. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🤿 Safety First!
Free life jackets are available, making it a safe and family-friendly swimming spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Augusta Quarry Waters
Main Quarry Area
Dive into the stunningly clear, 350-foot deep quarry waters. Perfect for swimming and cooling off on a hot day.
Floating Docks
Quarry Lake
Enjoy private space and easy access to the water on the independently floating docks.
Civil War History
Fort Dickerson Park Trails
Explore the remnants of one of the Civil War's best-preserved earthen forts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for the Quarry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
The upper parking lot fills quickly. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🤿 Safety First!
Free life jackets are available, making it a safe and family-friendly swimming spot.
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Snack options are limited; bring your own food for a full day of enjoyment.
🥾 Explore the Trails
Beyond the quarry, discover miles of multi-use natural trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
The upper parking lot fills quickly. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.
🤿 Safety First!
Free life jackets are available, making it a safe and family-friendly swimming spot.
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Snack options are limited; bring your own food for a full day of enjoyment.
🥾 Explore the Trails
Beyond the quarry, discover miles of multi-use natural trails.
💧 Skin-Loving Water
The clear quarry water is known for leaving skin feeling amazing!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunningly clear waters and recent park upgrades, including floating docks and free life jackets, making it a safe and enjoyable swimming spot. The historical significance of the Civil War fort adds another layer of interest. While parking can be challenging and food options are limited, the overall experience is highly positive, with many calling it a must-do in Knoxville.
"Absolutely fabulous and a must do!! The city has made stunning improvements with floating docks, free life jackets and paddle board rentals. Bring a good lunch, you will get hungry and they don't sell anything but chips and drinks! Gorgeous, clear water that leaves you skin feeling AMAZING 😍."
Equestrian Wanderlust
"I give this a 5 star for a person like me just passing through Tennessee for a hike, stroll, and to be in water. It has history, community support safety providing life vest to swim in the blue 350 ft deep water, and clean bathroom/changing area. The parking lot gets pretty full during the day, but its worth spending some couple hours or more to be out door. Easy to find and people seem to be friendly depending on time of day. We went mid day and got lucky with parking. It is dog friendly and yhere are small boats, paddle board rentals available and purchase snack stands."
Sathea Fett
"Great swimming/paddling spot! Clear, clean water, friendly park attendants, and a great overall vibe. They have independently floating docks on the water for anyone looking for a little privacy and space. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good time on a hot day!"
Melissa P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Dickerson Park and Quarry is located in South Knoxville, Tennessee. It's easily accessible by car. The park has an upper parking lot near the quarry, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days.
Information on public transportation options directly to Fort Dickerson Park is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
To guarantee a parking spot, especially during peak times like weekends or holidays, it's best to arrive early in the morning.
Fort Dickerson Park is part of Knoxville's urban wilderness, with other trails like House Mountain and The Bluffs nearby for further exploration.
Yes, you can drive right up to the entrance of the quarry area, where parking is available. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Fort Dickerson Park and Quarry is generally free. Parking is also free, though it can be limited.
The park is typically open from dawn to dusk. Specific hours for facilities like restrooms or rental services may vary. It's advisable to check local listings for the most current information.
Swimming in the quarry is free. The city has made significant improvements, including floating docks and free life jacket rentals.
Yes, you can rent gear such as paddleboards at the quarry.
Yes, Fort Dickerson Park is dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their pets along for the outdoor adventure.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
You can swim in the quarry's clear waters, hike the trails around the historic fort, enjoy picnics, and rent paddleboards.
The water is generally considered safe and clean. The park provides free life jackets to enhance safety for swimmers of all levels.
Recent upgrades include restrooms, changing rooms, floating swim platforms, and snack stands selling chips and drinks.
The Augusta Quarry is approximately 350 feet deep, making it a significant and impressive natural feature.
There are snack stands selling chips and drinks, but it's recommended to bring your own lunch as dining options are limited.
📸 📸 Photography
The clear blue waters of the quarry, the historic earthworks, and the scenic overlooks offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunset.
Late afternoon and early evening, particularly around sunset, provide beautiful lighting for capturing the quarry and surrounding landscape.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local park authorities or the city of Knoxville for current drone policies before flying.
The Harold Lambert Overlook offers stunning views of the Augusta Quarry, and the trails around the fort provide various scenic vantage points.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the quarry and landscape. A waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan on getting close to the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the quarry is the main draw, families can also explore the historical fort remnants and enjoy the surrounding trails. Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as it allows for a full day of fun without worrying about limited food options.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
These trails wind through scenic areas and lead to historical points of interest, including the Civil War-era earthworks. The Harold Lambert Overlook provides stunning vistas of the Augusta Quarry, making it a prime spot for nature photography.
Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, the park's trail system offers a rewarding experience for all levels of hikers. Remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear for exploring the trails. 💰 Budget Travelers
To save money on food, packing a picnic lunch and snacks is the best strategy, as on-site concessions are limited to chips and drinks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Reimagined Augusta Quarry
The park also offers rentals for water activities like paddleboards, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the quarry's clear, deep waters. While snack options are available, many visitors recommend packing a full meal to make the most of a day spent here. The combination of natural beauty and thoughtful development makes the quarry a standout attraction in Knoxville.
Beyond the water, the park preserves the historical significance of Fort Dickerson, an important Civil War-era earthen fort. Visitors can explore trails that wind around these historic structures, offering a blend of natural recreation and historical discovery. This dual appeal is a major draw for both locals and tourists.
Navigating Fort Dickerson Park
A notable feature is the Harold Lambert Overlook, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Augusta Quarry. This vantage point is perfect for photography and appreciating the scale of the quarry. The trails around the fort itself are also interactive, offering insights into its Civil War history.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, picnic areas with shelters are available, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal amidst nature. The park's accessibility, combined with its diverse offerings, makes it a versatile destination for a day out.
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