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.

🐾 Our 2026 Top Dog Presenting Sponsor

A huge thank you to VEG ER for Pets – Knoxville, our 2026 Top Dog Presenting Sponsor, for supporting Tails on Trails and the Nomar & Mia Compassion Endowment at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

🌿 What to Expect

🥾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 acoustic music throughout the morning

☕ Fresh coffee, baked goods, and campfire-inspired treats

🔥 Gather around the fire, enjoy a s'more, and connect with fellow animal lovers

🎨 Paint a memory rock to carry on your hike or take home

🏆 Golden Paw Awards honoring local veterinary heroes

📸 Pet portraits

🐕 Dog-friendly atmosphere

❤️ Memory Wall honoring the pets who have touched our lives

🔥 Our 2026 S'mores Experience Sponsor

A big thank you to Traveler's Caffè, our 2026 S'mores Experience Sponsor, for supporting Tails on Trails and the Nomar & Mia Compassion Endowment at UT.

Thanks to their sponsorship, we'll be enjoying s'mores around the fire throughout the morning on October 24! 🔥🐾

💖 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

Registration is donation-based. There's no required fee to participate, with a suggested donation of $25.

🌎 Not in Knoxville? Hike From Anywhere!
Join Tails on Trails from wherever you live by completing the same 3-mile hike in your own community on October 24. Hike your favorite trail, walk your neighborhood, bring your dog, or invite some friends and be part of Tails on Trails from wherever you are.

Whether you're joining us at Baker Creek or hiking from somewhere else, spend the morning helping save pets.

🗓️ Event Schedule

8:00 AM
☕ Morning Gathering Begins
Check-in • Coffee • Baked Goods • S'mores • Memory Rocks • Memory Wall • Live Music with Cale Charney

Coffee, baked goods, s'mores, and activities available throughout the morning.

8:40 AM
🐶 Circus Dog Training Showcase

9:00 AM
🥾 Pre-Hike Stretch with Lindsay from Climbing Roots

9:15 AM
🥾 3-Mile Community Hike Begins

9:15–10:05 AM
🎶 Live Music with Michael deLisle

10:20 AM
🎶 Live Music with Mike Jones

11:00 AM
🏆 Golden Paw Awards
Recognizing outstanding veterinary professionals in our community.

11:15 AM
🎶 Closing Music with Mike Jones

11:30 AM
👋 Event Concludes