High Ground Park

Stone pathway at High Ground Park in 2018 by Shawn Poynter.

For decades, the earthworks of Fort Higley were known to only the most intrepid Civil War buffs willing to thrash through the underbrush, and perhaps trespass, to behold it. It became better known to the public at large in the early 21st century when it was threatened with a major condo development project.

The charitable Aslan Foundation purchased the property and established High Ground Park on Cherokee Trail, completed just in time for the sesquicentennial the siege of Knoxville in 2013. Now with parking and easy paths, it offers abundant signage about the more furtive battles on the south side of the river. The “redan,” or small fortified cannon emplacement, is no bigger than a boxing ring, but a rarity.

Park at the official entrance to High Ground Park on Cherokee Trail and walk down the serpentine stone path, a half mile or more, to the circular plaza where you can take a trail heading west into the woods to find the remains of the earthen fort.

Photography by Shawn Poynter

Learn more about this park on Aslan Foundation’s website.

Learn more about the Civil War in Knoxville.

Located at 1000 Cherokee Trail, Knoxville TN 37920

Special thanks to the Aslan Foundation for programmatic support.