It bills itself as “a state of mind: a place where you learn to care for the earth for your whole life.” So when Ijams Nature Park, located three miles south of Knoxville, Tenn., recently added a three-acre canopy tour, it took a few extra steps to stay true to that mantra.
Bird’s nest with portholes, made from intertwined twigs.
Built and operated by Navitat Canopy Adventures, based in Asheville, N.C., Ijam’s canopy tour incorporates environmental artwork by Kelly Brown, a renowned local artist. The tour offers six different courses, 60 different elements, and seven zip lines. One of Brown’s installations resembles a bird’s nest with portholes, made of intertwined twigs. The park is set to open July 17.
“The canopy experience is a one-of-a-kind adventure that showcases the natural beauty that Ijams is so well known for,” said Abby Burt, branding and marketing leader for Navitat. “Like Ijams, we are committed to providing engaging and enriching experiences in the outdoors, and we’re really proud to be a part of Knoxville’s emergence as a top East Coast outdoor adventure destination.”
Each of the canopy tour courses begins on a central platform. Courses range in difficulty from easy to challenging, with some suitable for ages five and up. More challenging routes send adventurists 60 feet off the ground in places.
The course will be open seven days a week through August and on weekends from September through November. Tickets start at $44, including a 20-minute orientation and two hours of park time.
