The list below includes some of our favorite adventures across the Southeast. To choose a specific destination, check out our curated adventure guides by clicking the links in the sidebar below.
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...
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...
Chattanooga has a solid rowing community and a great boathouse a few miles from downtown off Amnicola Highway. If you are new to the sport then check out the classes offered by the Lookout Rowing Club. If you are more of a spectator then check out the Chattanooga Head Race that takes...
This swimming spot in the North Chickamauga Pocket Wilderness area is just 20 minutes north of town. The jump from the cliffs into the 12 to 14 feet deep waters will certainly get your blood pumping. This area also includes some prime kayaking, river rafting, and hiking opportunities so...
The Blueway is a 50-mile stretch of the Tennessee River from the Chickamauga Dam to the Nickajack Dam. The real payoff of this journey is that it takes you through the Tennessee River Gorge-” The Tennessee Grand Canyon.” The Gorge section encompasses 27,000 acres and 26 miles of the river...
The Ocoee River, just 30 miles north of Chattanooga, offers plenty of whitewater rafting action. The 5 mile Middle Ocoee section starts at Ocoee Dam #2 and includes Class III and Class IV rapids with highlights such as Table Saw and Powerhouse. The Upper Ocoee’s claim to fame is that it...
Once again, a very literal trail name! A great hiking trail that takes hikers up to the cliffs of Lookout Mountain and then follows the cliffs around the nose of Lookout Mountain. This trail is quite steep at first, but once to the cliffs, the trail flattens out. Definitely worth the hard...
A must-do hike in Chattanooga filled with scenic overlooks, waterfalls, swinging bridges, and water-side campsites! A short hike from the parking lot, hikers are greeted with an overlook of the Tennessee River Gorge and downtown Chattanooga. A couple of miles further, and hikers will...
Obvious of its name, Sunset Rock offers a great place for hikers to come and watch the sun go down. A short hike from the parking lot and hikers will find themselves atop an 80 ft, cliff with a front-row view of the Sunset. Over 20 miles of trails branch off from Sunset Rock, so hikers...
A 1,180 ft. canyon located off of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon is claimed as one of the prettiest and least used parks in the state. The West Rim Trail gives hikers an amazing view of the canyon, while the Waterfall Trail will highlight the Sitton Gulch Creek that created the canyon...
The Prentice Cooper segment of the Cumberland Trail, which runs from Chattanooga to the Kentucky border, features over 30 miles of hiking trails with beautiful overlooks of the Tennessee River Gorge. For a short day hike, park at the Snooper’s Rock parking lot and hike to the Snooper’s...
The trophy section of the Hiwassee River is located between the Appalachian Dam and Reliance, TN. Fly fishing standard May Fly hatches with dry flies in the spring and fishing with nymphs year-round, produce Rainbow and Brown Trout. In the summer, anglers concentrate on Stripers that...
You’re willing to drive a little way, you can fish some of the best trout water in the southeast. Enjoy a scenic drive through the quaint towns of Cowan and Winchester to Tim’s Ford Dam. Fishing is strong throughout the year here, offering anglers ample opportunity to catch Brown and...
This family friendly area covers over 220 acres that includes the Greenway Farm and several miles of trails for hiking and biking. With the three river access points, we suggest paddling this gentle section of the North Chickamauga Creek. North Chickamagua Creek Greenway Directions: Take...
Chickamauga Lake has 810 miles of shoreline with about 40 miles of shoreline found at the 1,200 acre Harrison Bay State Park. The lake is ideal for family fun including flatwater paddling, swimming, and fishing. While the lake is certainly the attraction, check out the 5 miles of rolling...
The Pot Point Self-Guided Nature Trail is a shining example of the conservation efforts of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust and is an ideal spot for an afternoon of family fun. The 3.5-mile loop trail is a moderately strenuous trail with climbs that reach over 1,000 feet in altitude around...
Foster Falls Small Wild Area is part of the South Cumberland State Park and centers on a 60-foot waterfall that is ideal for great outdoor family fun. Start the hike at the picnic area at the Foster Falls sign and head .5 miles to the foot of the falls. Also, be on the lookout for...
These two natural wonders atop Lookout Mountain are a stone’s throw away from each other so we recommend hitting both spots for some great family fun. Rock City has many options for adventure but we recommend Lover’s Leap, the Swing-A-Long Bridge, and Observation Point for stellar...
Centrally located, the Chew Chew Canine Park offers a place for dogs to run and play. Features a few obstacles to add some excitement for the canines. Directions from Chattanooga: Take I-24 to the Broad St./US-11 exit. Keep right at the fork in the exit ramp and follow signs for N. Broad...
Suck Creek is a great place for swimming during the summer months. Park at one of the many pull offs on Suck Creek Rd., and take your dog for a hike/swim in Suck Creek. Check out the Cumberland Trail for a hiking adventure that will take you and your dog over upper and lower Suck Creek...
Located within 20 minutes of downtown Chattanooga, the North Chickamauga Creek Pocket Wilderness is centered around a ten-mile-long gorge. There are 10 miles of hiking trails that are perfect for taking your canine friend on a walk. On a hot day, the North Chickamauga Creek makes for a...
Savage Gulf is a 15,590-acre natural area known for its canyons and gorges. This 5 mile loop that starts at the Ranger Station offers several creek crossings, mostly shaded trails, and nice overlooks. At mile 1.5, a side trail leads to Savage Falls Overlook. At 2 miles, the trail leads...
A 46-mile road ride that climbs Suck Creek Mountain and Signal Mountain. In between climbs you will get to enjoy the scenic views of Sequatchie Valley and see why so many locals refer to Sequatchie Valley as “God’s Country”. For an added adventure, take the W-Road off of Signal Mountain...
This 5,500 acre National Military Park offers a great place for cyclists to ride as well as learn some history about the Civil War. The best place to park and ride is from the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor’s Center. Plan your attack by picking up a map at the Visitor’s Center. Want to...
From 3+ mile climbs to rolling trails by the beautiful Ocoee River, the Tanasi Trail system has it all. Be sure to check out the Brush Creek trail located just east of the Ocoee Whitewater Center. If one day of riding at the Tanasi Trail system isn’t enough for you, then be sure to pitch...
An intermediate trail that will send riders twisting and shouting for 5.6 miles around the shores of Chickamauga Lake. The Booker T. Trails are a great place for beginners and families but don’t worry advanced riders, this trail has plenty of tight, quick corners to keep it interesting...
Features over 17.5 miles of single-track filled with beautiful views of the Tennessee River Gorge and Chattanooga. Trails range from easy to advanced and offer everything from fun rolling terrain to serious rock gardens that will challenge the most seasoned rider. For a must-ride trail...
That Capers Island exists as an undeveloped, public island is one of the Lowcountry’s greatest natural assets. Just 15 miles from downtown Charleston, the night sky on Capers’ boneyard beach is darker (and the stars more vibrant) than on any of the populated islands it neighbors. Although...
The myriad of tidal creeks, running behind Folly Island, are a fine place to explore by kayak, and it’s only a quick 15-minute ride from downtown Charleston. From the Folly landing head left to the mouth of the Stono River (about 2 miles). The island blocking the inlet’s mouth between...
As the world’s longest free-flowing blackwater river, the Edisto is a natural treasure. With its 300+ miles of waterways, long-distance paddlers can float from narrow, winding swamp to open, coastal marshland. The river’s blackwater is caused by the tannins in the leaves of the cypress...