Forks of the River WMA
Directions and Description
Site Directions: From I-40, take James White Pkwy Exit (388A) and stay to the left to continue on James White Parkway, cross over the Tennessee River, and take Sevier Avenue/Hillwood Drive exit. Turn left onto Sevier Avenue (turns into Hillwood Drive), and turn right onto Island Home Avenue (at the bottom of the hill), Forks of the River WMA is just past the Ijams Nature Center on the left. Follow signs to the WMA. Lat: 35.952572°N Long:-83.858632°W
The WMA is open year-round during daylight hours, note hunting seasons. License fees may apply.
TWRA Contact Information: Region 4 office: 1-423-587-7037, Toll-Free: 1-800-332-0900, Email the office
Forks of the River WMA has access to the Will Skelton Greenway (paved) that runs south out of Knoxville. The WMA has mixed hardwood forests and crop fields with a cedar-lined dirt road just past the parking lot. The greenway provides views of the river in many places. Forks of the River WMA is part of The Foothills Conservation Opportunity Area.
Songbird migration can be excellent in the park along the greenway. Deer and turkey may be seen year-round. Sparrows are common in the hedgerows and old fields. General wildlife viewing is excellent at this site, especially with the paved greenway access.
Directions and Description
Special Use - All trails on the WMA used for bicycling require the High Impact Habitat Conservation Permit except the Perimeter Trail. The Perimeter trail is defined as the Will Skelton Greenway, Whaley Trail, and Western The Perimeter Trail is open year-round. All other trails are open only to hunters from Sept.1, 2024 - May 31, 2025. No hooved animal riding or motorized vehicles.
Shotguns, Muzzleloader, and Archery equipment only. Paintball guns and accessories are prohibited.
The area is closed one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise, except for raccoon and opossum hunters and scheduled events.
All animals accompanied by a non-hunting person are required to be leashed.
Big Game and Small Game are the same as statewide seasons, except as noted.
All hunting is closed from Mar. 1 through 4th Friday in Aug. each year, except for spring squirrel and spring turkey season.
Waterfowl - Early September seasons are closed.
Quail - Nov. 2, 2024 - Jan. 15, 2025.
Dove - Sept. 1, 2, and 7 with the gate opening at 6:30 a.m., and the remainder of the statewide season is walk-in only. All fields return to the same as statewide season beginning Sept. 8 and are open to all hunters. Do not block the gate.
Youth/Adult Field - Open on Sept. 1 at noon, Sept. 2 and 7 the gate opens at 6:30 a.m., youths must be accompanied by a licensed adult who may also hunt. Youth fields will be designated and posted by the Area Manager.
Pigeon - Open with dove season.
Falconry and Crow - Opens Sept. 14, 2024 and runs concurrent with the statewide season.
