Bordering the Tennessee River and Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville, Tennessee, balances city comforts with remote natural landscapes. Dive into the extraordinary at local quarries, and hike to nearby waterfalls. Saunter down the river with the Three Rivers Rambler steam trains, or settle down for food from vegetarian and gourmet restaurants to breweries and meaty barbecue.

IF YOU HAVE ONE DAY

Open on weekends and just an hour from Knoxville, Loch Low-Minn Scuba Diving Resort in Athens, Tennessee, is a recreational dive spot worthy of a place in your logbook. Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) were stocked in this quarry, making it one of the few ­places where you can dive with this ­prehistoric fish. Paddlefish — distinguishable by their lengthy rostrum, or snout — are considered North America’s oldest surviving ­animals. They can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds, but range here from 3 to 5 feet long. They avoid dive classes and prefer the steep walls found in the quarry. There is so much to see here, it’s worth a full dive day followed by local cuisine in Knoxville.

IF YOU HAVE TWO DAYS

Start at Great Smoky ­Mountains ­National Park with sublime views from the ­observation tower at Clingmans Dome. (Just remember to give yourself about a ­12-hour break between dives and hike.) Return to spring-fed Loch Low-Minn for an afternoon dive to see its numerous ­attractions. ­Statues, artificial wrecks and even a shark sculpture entertain. Bass and ­sunfish swim in the shallows amid ­underwater vegetation. Visibility is good enough to warrant bringing cameras. Temperatures range from 70 degrees F on the surface to the 50s at depth.

IF YOU HAVE THREE DAYS

Indulge in breakfast at the French Market Crêperie before heading out for an active day. Change scenery by visiting Philadelphia Quarry, accessible year-round and just over a half-hour drive from ­Knoxville. Attractions such as boats, benches and freshwater fish keep dives engaging. Watch for nesting male bluegill sunfish in early summer. Another spring-fed quarry with good viz, this site also offers night dives. Rent a paddleboard or kayak at Volunteer Landing with Billy Lush Boards and Brew on the Tennessee River to enjoy either sunrise or sunset, depending on your dive plans.