KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — If you're fed up with being stuck inside, Mother Nature and your fellow Knoxvillians have just the diversion: 85 miles of scenic roadways that celebrate spring.
The Dogwood Trails "officially" are open April 1-27th. But area plants and trees - redbuds, cherry trees, tulips and daffodils, for example - already are busting out, so now is a good time to get in the car or put on a pair of sneakers and start exploring our local beauty.
Keep in mind, of course, that you should stay at least 6 feet away from everyone else to ensure we're keeping the threat of COVID-19 at bay.
Dogwood Arts organizers, which showcase the trails annually, say they're paying close attention to government directives about how people should conduct themselves.
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According to the Knox County Health Department, for the next couple weeks at least it's best just to assume that anyone you see is carrying the virus even if they don't look like it.
Dogwood Arts spokesman Shannon Herron said crews have been busy painting those distinctive pink lines and arrows on the dozen or so area trails since early March. They're meant to be a helpful guide to motorists -- or bikers, runners or walkers, for that matter -- to explore the trails.
We tend to take the trails for granted, which are meant to show off the diversity of area neighborhoods. They've been around for 65 years.
This year's featured trail is Sequoyah Hills, which was also the very first designated trail. A drive this past weekend shows there's a lot already in bloom in the neighborhood, with plenty more set to burst out in the coming weeks.
"Our trails manager thinks in about two weeks we'll be at peak bloom," Herron said.
You'll also find trails in North and South Knoxville, the Deane Hill area, Halls and Holston Hills, to name just a handful.
Herron said Dogwood Arts folks realize not everyone will be able to get out this spring. Because of that, the arts group is encouraging others to take photos and share them.
The best way to do that is by tagging Dogwood Arts on social media. Use @dogwoodarts for Twitter and Instagram. Use @dogwoodartsknox for Facebook.
That way Dogwood Arts will get to see and can curate what you share.
"That's the easiest way," Herron said.
One note from the arts group: "Due to the spread of COVID-19, several of the 'Open Gardens' listed in the guide may not be open. Please only enter gardens that have an 'Open Garden' sign displayed in the yard."