Tails on Trails 2026: Hike to Save Pets

Tails on Trails 2026: Hike to Save Pets

A Fall Morning Gathering

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
📍 Baker Creek Preserve – Knoxville, TN

Tails on Trails is a fall morning of hiking, music, coffee, connection, and community—all coming together to help save pets through the Nomar & Mia Compassion Fund.

Whether you're hiking with your dog, honoring a pet who's touched your life, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a beautiful October morning, you'll find a welcoming community of people who love animals and the outdoors.

This year we're intentionally creating a different kind of experience. Instead of a large vendor market, we're focusing on what people have told us they love most: the hike, the music, the conversations, the dogs, and the sense of community.

What to Expect

• Scenic Hike: Enjoy a scenic 3-mile community hike through Baker Creek Preserve. Designed for hikers, walkers, families, and dogs, we'll all share the same trail experience together.
• Live Music: Live acoustic music throughout the morning.
• Refreshments: Fresh coffee, baked goods, and campfire-inspired treats.
• Community Fire: Gather around the fire, enjoy a s'more, and connect with fellow animal lovers.
• Memory Rocks: Paint a memory rock to carry on your hike or take home.
• Golden Paw Awards: Honoring local veterinary heroes.
• Pet Portraits: Pet portraits will be available.
• Memory Wall: A memory wall honoring the pets who have touched our lives.

Why We Hike

Every dollar raised supports the Nomar & Mia Compassion Fund at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, helping pet families facing emergency veterinary expenses.

No one should have to choose between their pet's life and a vet bill.

The fund honors Mia and Nomar, two rescue cats whose lives continue to inspire this event and everyone who takes part in it.

Registration

Hiker registration is donation-based with a suggested minimum donation of $25.

Bring your dog, invite a friend, grab a cup of coffee, and spend a fall morning helping save pets.

Event Schedule

• 8:00 AM: Morning Gathering Begins - Coffee • Music • Memory Rocks • Check-in.
• 8:45 AM: Welcome & Opening Remarks.
• 9:00 AM: Flute Reflection.
• 9:10 AM: 3-Mile Community Hike Begins.
• 10:00 AM: Music, Coffee & Community - Relax, enjoy coffee, visit with friends, paint memory rocks, meet the dogs.
• 10:30 AM: Circus Dog Showcase.
• 10:50 AM: Golden Paw Awards.
• 11:10 AM: Closing Gathering & Group Photo.
• 11:30 AM: Event concludes.

For more details, please visit the event page: Tails on Trails 2026.