Nestled in the heart of Tennessee’s Prentice Cooper State Forest lies one of the best climbing destinations in the Southeast: the Tennessee Wall, also known as T-Wall. With its stunning views, challenging climbs, and world-class reputation, T-Wall is a must-visit destination for any...
Rocktown is a boulder field located on top of Pigeon Mountain near Lafayette and the Georgia-Tennessee state line. It is internationally re-known for its high-quality sandstone boulders. The camping is primitive near the ranger’s house at the bottom of the mountain. Check for seasonal...
Great wall of southern sandstone, featuring beginner, moderate, and expert level sport routes averaging between 50-70 feet tall. Everything from slabs to steep walls lines this 2-mile long cliff. The wall mainly faces south, so it is showered by sunlight all day. The Right Bunker and the...
Horse Pens 40 is an international destination for boulderers, with acres of bulbous sandstone faces, blunt prows, tall slabs, steep overhangs, and challenging water grooves. For a small day fee ($5/day/climber), the owners, Mike and Gina Shultz, have been so kind to open up this once...
Catch a Sunrise The best way to start your Chattanooga Perfect Weekend is to take in some great views atop Lookout Mountain. Your best bets are Rock City’s seven state panoramic view or the Mountain Beautiful Trail (see Hiking Adventures) will take you around the cliffs of Lookout...
Mullins Cove Loop (Cumberland Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest) 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...
Big Daddy Run (Lookout Mountain) 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...
Coolidge Park (Riverfront Area) Coolidge Park lies on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. The park offers multiple grass fields, a giant fountain for kids of all ages to play in, a climbing wall, and a carousel with hand carved animals. Above the middle of the park...
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...
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...
With plenty of trails to choose from, Raccoon Mountain makes for a great place to take your dog on an adventure. For a nice loop with some killer views, we suggest hitting the Split Rock Trail to the Tennessee River Gorge Trail. There is not much water on this trail so load up at Laurel...
Are you an adventure seeker looking for a new way to explore the great outdoors? Look no further than M2S Bikes, an Asheville-based business that specializes in electric bikes. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. They provide a boost of power...
Raft The Ocoee: The dam-released whitewater of the Ocoee River offers southeastern whitewater enthusiasts the opportunity to sample reliable whitewater even during the hottest and driest summer months. Middle Ocoee’s numerous rapids and river formations offer a wealth of currents...
Canoe the Sequatchie (Sequatchie Valley): About 30 miles north of Chattanooga is the gentle Sequatchie River. The river winds southward through the valley, criss-crossed by old bridges and lined with hardwood stands. For a gentle float with plenty of opportunities to get wet, we suggest...
Some quality fishing can be found right in downtown Chattanooga. Fishing around the docks and the Rip Rap can produce some quality bass. For canoe and kayak access, head to Coolidge Park to launch your boat underneath the Market St. Bridge. Directions from Chattanooga: From I-24, take 27...
Intrepid fisherman looking for a fun morning should plan on fishing below the Chickamauga Dam on the shoals behind Chattanooga State and expect to catch a mixed bag of Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and an assortment of other species. Both fly and conventional tackle may...
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Tennessee River: Paddlers looking to get in a great workout while having a blast can rent a stand up paddle board before heading out on a variety of adventures near Chattanooga. The primitive, secluded beaches of Edward’s Island make for a great afternoon...
Fish The Hiawassee River: 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...
Fly Fish Sewanee: If you’re willing to drive a little ways, 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...
Fish Racoon Mountain (Chattanooga): Anglers with power boats may choose to launch at Raccoon Mountain, the same launch site used by the Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic. This section of the river is located in the heart of the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge and offers some excellent fishing...