Exploring Reflection Riding Arboretum in Chattanooga

Destinations Southeast Tennessee Chattanooga

Exploring Reflection Riding Arboretum in Chattanooga

Reflection Riding Arboretum is a unique natural jewel in Chattanooga that offers a glimpse into the region’s ecological diversity and rich cultural history. This 317-acre property combines an arboretum, botanical garden, and wildlife refuge, making it a vital part of the area’s commitment to conservation and education. It provides a serene setting for visitors to connect with nature while learning about local flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.

Adventure Guide To Exploring Reflection Riding Arboretum:

1. Scenic Trails
Reflection Riding features over 8 miles of trails that wind through picturesque landscapes, including lush forests and open fields. Hikers can enjoy well-marked paths suitable for all skill levels, with some offering stunning views of surrounding mountains. The trails provide opportunities for wildlife spotting, including deer and various bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts.

2. Garden Areas
The arboretum showcases diverse garden areas consisting of native plants and a selection of beautiful cultivated gardens. These spaces educate visitors on the importance of these species in the local ecosystem. The vibrant flower displays change with the seasons, ensuring that each visit offers something new and colorful.

3. Educational Programs
Reflection Riding hosts educational programs and workshops that delve into topics like ecological conservation and botanical sciences. These programs cater to all ages, offering a hands-on approach to learning about the environment through lectures, guided tours, and family activities.

Local Insights:

Reflection Riding has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, originally serving as an estate for the Hargrove family. Today, it continues to function as a living laboratory for students and researchers alike.

Visitor Tips:

Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall for ideal weather and blooming gardens.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, a camera, and a picnic blanket for a relaxing afternoon.
Driving Directions: Located just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, take Broad Street to Westside Dr. for easy access.

Adventure Map

Chattanooga Info

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Reviews

Jennifer Galloway7 months ago

How does this place only have 325 reviews?! This is a hidden gem of a place. Beautiful! The views, the landscape, the treehouse (my favorite spot) is well worth the trip. Donation based (but please support them). They have concerts, outdoor seating for picnics and wonderful guides. Quick drive out of Chattanooga. Please do yourself a favor and whether you live nearby or visiting, put this on your must see list.

Lori Lawrence2 months ago

The animal encounter is expensive but we loved it!! Taylor was very informative. Wish we had more time to explore. July 2021 We scheduled an animal encounter with “Todd” the red fox and with a corn snake. We were lucky and also saw the red wolves and heard them howl as well as seeing and hearing a red shoulder hawk. Our guide “Taylor” was very knowledgeable. We then walked the boardwalk to the tree house. There is 300 acres with many trails that we didn’t have time to explore. Would love to go again, walk the trails and paddle on the creek. The encounter is expensive. Young children might lose interest. We had an 8 year old who loves wildlife and we all thoroughly enjoyed our experience. There is a 3 mile path that can only be driven if you have a handicap decal. Check their Facebook page for details but this Saturday they will begin to offer a time to see the animals. (This area is it not usually open to the public.) The area is low and floods in the spring. It can be muddy after rain other months. It wasn’t bad when we visited.

Amy Buselmeier9 months ago

We absolutely love this place! They have beautiful trails for hiking or even driving on, canoeing and native plants you can purchase. Cory Hagen took us on a tour to see the red wolves, bobcat, and sand hill crane. He was very knowledgeable. We walked on several trails around and past the lake and saw the beautiful wildflowers in bloom. Everyone here was so nice and friendly. We hope to come back soon!

Brian Mack3 months ago

We stopped by Reflection Riding today for a guided tour of the lower meadow blooms with Ailani. She was an amazing tour guide and answered all of our questions. What an incredible and inspiring asset this place and their staff are to Chattanooga. Definitely worth a visit!

Macey Kaczorowski7 months ago

My partner and I visited Reflection Riding yesterday and it was just such a wonderful experience. First, we got to meet Vlad, the cutest and most gorgeous black vulture, and Danielle, his handler, on the vulture walk. It was a busy day with a kids birthday party going on but Vlad did amazing and taught us so much :) I really loved how attentive Danielle was to him and put his needs above all else. We then got to see all the animal ambassadors RR is taking care of, included the critically endangered red wolf! Then, I spent way too much time at the native plant nursery and bought some plants of my own to take home. This place does spectacular work for conservation and educates the community while keeping the wellbeing of their animals and plants above all else. This place truly made me so happy, and I will be visiting and supporting them more in the future! Everyone, go give Vlad some love and do the vulture walk, you’ll fall in love just like I did 🖤

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Exploring Reflection Riding Arboretum in Chattanooga