🐾 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

🥾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

💖 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 (or whenever the first hikers return)
☕ 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