Welcome to the Chattanooga Adventure Guide’s Best Running Adventures. Below you will find information on the best runs in the Chattanooga, TN area including the Reflection Riding Trails, Chickamauga Battlefield, the Cumberland Trail and the River Walk. Enjoy!

Reflection Riding Trails (Lookout Mountain)

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This 300-acre arboretum offers gravel roads and trails for runners and walkers. With Lookout Mountain on one side, and Lookout Creek on the other, Reflection Riding is sure to have some incredible views. The Chattanooga Nature center sits at the entrance of Reflection Riding and is a great place to check out after your run or walk.

Directions: Take I-24 W to exit 175. Turn left at Browns Ferry Rd. and proceed for .6 mile to left turn onto US-11. Proceed on US-11 for .7 mile to right turn at Old Wauhatchie Pike. In .1 mile, turn right onto Garden Rd. Reflection Riding is at end of the road.

Red Trail Loop (Chickamauga Battlefield)

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This adventure offers roads and trails that will take runners past scenic views and historical Civil War sites. Many different route options to choose from with over 15 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of low traffic roads. We suggest checking out the 9 mile Red Trail Loop that is marked with red blazes.

Directions: Take I-24 E to exit 180. At the intersection of Battlefield Parkway,continue straight through the intersection onto Lafayette Rd. to the park entrance 1 mile ahead. The Visitor Center is located on the right just after entering the park.

Run the River Walk (Chattanooga)

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A great place to go for a run in downtown Chattanooga. A paved, 7 mile pathway that will take runners from downtown Chattanooga, along the Tennessee River, to the Chickamauga Dam. After working up an appetite, check out the Boathouse Restaurant located on the River Walk about 3 miles from downtown Chattanooga.                                    

Directions: Take 27 N to exit 1C (Fourth St.). Proceed to first traffic light (Chestnut St.) and take a left. Follow Chestnut St. for 3 blocks and turn right onto Hwy 58. Take Hwy 58 N (Amnicola Hwy.) for approximately 6 miles to a left turn into the entrance of Riverpark.

Big Daddy Run (Lookout Mountain)

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This area has many different trails to choose from, ranging from gradual gravel roads to steep technical hiking trails. Runners can choose the Guild Trail for an easier gravel road run, or opt for the extremely challenging “Big Daddy” run. The Big Daddy, known for its steep technical trails, is a classic run that will take runners up and down the side of Lookout Mountain.

Directions: Take Broad St. toward Lookout Mountain. Follow Broad St. until it turns into Cummings Hwy. Continue on Cummings Hwy. until left turn onto Scenic Hwy. Follow Scenic Hwy. for approx. 2.5 miles and turn right onto Shingle Rd. Continue on Shingle Rd. for .5 mile and turn right to park at the Craven’s House.

Mullins Cove Loop (Cumberland Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest)

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A 10.5 mile loop that will take runners around the east and west rim of Prentice Cooper. Be prepared for tight and technical hiking trails that seem to have a constant change in elevation. After enduring miles of challenging trail, runners will be rewarded with the overlook at Mullins Cove.

Cumberland Trail Directions:

Take US-127 N to the Signal Mountain Rd. exit. Stay on Signal Mountain Rd. for 3.1 miles until a left turn onto Suck Creek Rd. Stay on Suck Creek Rd. for approx. 9 miles until a left turn at Choctaw Rd. Follow Choctaw for .25 mile. Left turn onto Game Reserve Rd. Cumberland Trail parking approximately 4 miles on right.