Hiking the Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail in Soddy-Daisy
Hiking the Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail is a unique outdoor experience located in Soddy-Daisy, close to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The trail offers scenic views, diverse terrain, and the chance to connect with nature, making it a favored spot for both locals and visitors. The rugged beauty of this trail provides an ideal setting for hiking enthusiasts looking for adventure and exploration within the lush landscapes of the region.
Adventure Guide To Hiking the Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail
Trail Features
The Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail is approximately 5 miles long and features a series of switchbacks that lead to breathtaking vistas overlooking the creek below. Along the way, hikers will find remnants of various rock formations and interesting geological features that contribute to the trail's allure.
Wildlife Viewing
This trail is home to an array of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Early morning hikes offer the best chances for wildlife sightings, enhancing the hiking experience with opportunities for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Amenities and Access
While the trail does not have formal amenities, parking is available nearby at the trailhead, which can accommodate several vehicles. Ensure you are equipped with sufficient water and snacks, as there are limited facilities along the route.
Local Insights
The Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, marking a significant historical region in American history. Information signs along the trail sometimes provide context about the area's historical relevance during the Civil War.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: The fall season is particularly beautiful, with vibrant foliage, while spring showcases native wildflowers.
What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, a camera, and a first-aid kit.
Driving Directions: From Chattanooga, take Highway 27 North for about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead.
With captivating views and abundant wildlife, the Big Soddy Creek Gulf Trail is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts in Soddy-Daisy.
Adventure Map
Soddy-Daisy Info
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Reviews
Cristy Cardwell6 months ago
Best swimming hole I've found here yet! This is my first summer in Chattanooga and this place did not disappoint! The water is clear, and cool, it's well kept, and everyone was respectful.
It is rocky and I suggest water shoes. Simple short walk to get to this spot. You can go down another mile or so and hit the famous Blue Hole. It's a great place to spend the day!
Amanda Bullington3 months ago
City Park with plenty of free parking. Once you park you have to go through the yellow gates and follow the trail to the swimming area. There are some paths off the side but they are pretty steep. The walk down to the beach area is 10-15 minutes. Swimming is great, water is chilly.
Janet Pasquantonio (Never Stop Exploring)3 months ago
Two parking lots help to ease access into this area. One 1/4 mile hike and you’re at this cute little swim spot. The water was nice and some fishy friends were about.
I highly recommend water shoes, but you can function here without them. Rocks are slippery and there are some that pop up out of nowhere. The jump off spot is only about 6’ deep, so better for kids than us big people.
Overall a beautiful area, they have installed trash cans and there are port a potty’s in the area. It was beautiful!
Megan Bissonette3 weeks ago
Recently tried this hike and discovered it's a fantastic area for bringing young kids and dogs. The first bit is quite wide and flat, and some strollers can even travel on the path well. There are a couple of areas with easy water access to cool off in the summer. We did a hike that was about six miles, and our halfway point where we turned around was this new bridge. The path seemed like easy to moderate, and there were a couple times where we had to be careful going up or down narrow rock steps. Overall, nice hike!
Getting there note: I arrived to the parking lot where the road was blocked by a yellow gate and the Big Soddy Gulf Creek sign. My Google Maps was trying to take me farther down the road, but those two parking lots are where you need to park and get out.
Michelle M9 months ago
Pretty easy hike, a few hills but nothing too crazy. Lots of rocks to climb on towards the end of one of the trails that goes to the left if you'd like a little more adventure or a deeper work out. Definitely plenty of sights to see and sounds to hear. Restrooms seemed to be kept up pretty well and picnic tables with benches have been added recently. Every 3rd Thursday of the month the gates can be opened to allow easier access. There is a telephone number on the front of the gate if you need to plan a trip where they would need to be opened due to a disability or other impairment. People were fishing and the area was extremely clean and kept up. Overall a wonderfully enjoyable experience. A nice little work out next to some beautiful views, relaxing sounds and friendly people along the way. I would highly suggest this hike and will definitely be going back to explore some more.
