Because the best paths are shared.
WHAT IS KMC TRAILS & HIKING?
KMC Trails & Hiking is Knoxville Movement Collective’s home for outdoor exploration.
We bring people together to hike, ruck, and trail run through Knoxville’s best paths and mountain views. Each outing is a chance to move your body, connect with others, and experience the outdoors in a new way.
Every trail brings new friends, new energy, and a new perspective on Knoxville.
Meet the Team
KMC Trails & Hiking is led by passionate outdoor lovers who believe Knoxville is best experienced on foot. Our coaches bring people together for hikes, trail runs, and rucks that make movement feel social, welcoming, and fun.
Whether it’s chasing sunrises, tackling new trails, or just getting outside with friends, our leaders make every adventure feel approachable, safe, and full of good energy.
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Janie Peacock
HEAD COACH, KMC TRAILS & HIKING
Janie leads KMC Trails & Hiking with a focus on trail running and adventure. She’s passionate about helping people find joy in movement — whether that’s running through the woods, hiking a new route, or joining a weekend ruck with friends.
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Alexander Thumler
HIKING CAPTAIN
Alexander is passionate about exploring Knoxville’s trails and sharing that experience with others. He brings a calm, positive presence to every event, helping people feel confident, capable, and connected as they take on new adventures together.
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Roch Monnig
RUCKING CAPTAIN
Roch brings strength, grit, and community to every ruck. He loves turning hard work into something meaningful and fun, creating space for people to challenge themselves, build endurance, and connect with others along the way.
Outside's better with friends
Outside's better with friends
HOW WE EXPLORE
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HIKING
Our hikes are about connection, movement, and good company. From local favorites to hidden gems, we explore Knoxville and the surrounding mountains at a pace that lets you enjoy the views and the people around you.
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RUCKING
Rucking combines fitness and fun — think of it as hiking with purpose. Whether you’re carrying a light pack or challenging yourself with weight, our rucks build strength, endurance, and camaraderie one step at a time.
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TRAIL RUNNING
For those who love a little dirt under their shoes, our trail runs bring energy, challenge, and adventure to every mile. We welcome all paces and focus on having fun, staying safe, and celebrating every finish together.
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WALKING
Our community walks are a chance to get outside, catch up, and move without pressure. They’re easygoing, social, and perfect for anyone who just wants to breathe some fresh air and be part of the crew.
“I’ve found the trails to be one of the more grounding places to be, whether you’re running, walking or hiking. Every time I head out on a trail I come back feeling fully reset and at peace.”
— JANIE PEACOCK, HEAD COACH, KMC TRAILS & HIKING
FAQs
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We host group hikes, trail runs, and rucks across Knoxville and East Tennessee. Some are easy and social, others are more challenging — there’s something for every pace and experience level.
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Not at all. Our events are open to everyone. We list difficulty levels in each event description so you can pick what feels right for you. Whether it’s your first group hike or your fiftieth, you’ll fit right in.
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We recommend comfortable shoes with good traction, weather-appropriate layers, and plenty of water. For rucks, a weighted pack is optional. Headlamps are required for any low-light or night events.
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Each event listing includes details about distance, elevation, and pace. If you’re new to hiking or trail running, start with an “all-levels” or beginner-friendly event — our leaders will make sure you feel comfortable the whole way.
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Bring water, a small snack, and any essentials you like for the trail. For longer hikes or rucks, a light pack and extra layers can help. And don’t forget your sense of adventure — that’s the most important part.
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Join KMC for free to get access to our private calendar, GroupMe, and weekly event updates. We also post our biggest community events on Instagram and Strava.
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Absolutely. All events are open to the community — we just ask that everyone completes a KMC waiver before joining.
THE BEST VIEWS COME WITH FRIENDS
THE BEST VIEWS COME WITH FRIENDS
We move together every week — runs, rides, hikes, and everything in between. You’ll see our biggest events shared on social media, but members get the full inside scoop through our private event calendar, GroupMe, and weekly email updates.
Join KMC for free to unlock the full schedule and be part of Knoxville’s outdoor community.