Biking
Chattanooga has improved its status to Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community and become a mountain biking mecca over the past decade. The mountains and varied terrain around the Scenic City offers a wide variety of biking opportunities for families and recreational cyclists seeking relatively flat paved pathways, for road cyclists seeking lung busting mountain climbs, and for mountain bikers seeking those fast, flowy or technical trails. With over 100 miles of singletrack within an hours drive of downtown, mountain bikers can spend hours and days exploring trails, while road cyclists and recreational cyclists can find over 75 miles of roadways, bike lanes, and paved pathways to cruise on around town. The Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System gives adult riders of all skill levels 24/7 access to 325, 7-speed cruiser bicycles and 15 electric bicycles docked in 40 stations throughout the downtown Chattanooga area. Stations are convenient to restaurants, attractions, and parks. Pick the perfect place to fit your riding style from the location list below.
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Bauxite and Biology Trails
Southern Adventist University's Bauxite Ridge Trails at Fenton Forest and Biology Trails at White Oak Mountain span more than 30 miles, stretching from the lowest point of the valley to the top of the ridge overlooking the university. The 21-miles of Biology Trails at White Oak Mountain combined with the 10 additional miles at Bauxite Ridge offer mountain bikers a well-rounded experience. The trail system features a good mix of smooth, machine-built singletrack for beginner and intermediate riders along with some technical features on a few outlying trails for advanced riders.
The two separate trail systems have a combined total of 30+ miles of singletrack trail with difficulty ratings ranging from easy to strenuous and technical. Bauxite is more beginner friendly totaling 10 miles, while Biology trails are intermediate to difficult with 21 miles of trail. The parking area for Bauxite is located off College Dr. E near Collegedale Memorial Gardens. The trailhead is across the street, between two houses. A large wooden fence marks the way. After a short climb up the ridge, riders can enjoy fast, flowing trails out and back. Bauxite is directional depending on the day and type of use (bikers vs pedestrians), so be sure to check signage before heading out. The technicality of the Biology trail ranges from easy to extremely difficult. It offers a stacked loop system, with the easiest trails closest to the parking lot and the hardest trails further away. Expect lots of roots, rocks, and pebbles offering poor traction on most trails. The trail system drains VERY well, which makes it a great option directly after a rain. The top of the ridge is the rockiest, most technical section, but it also offers incredible views into the Ooltewah valley. It's also a great location for night rides in the winter since the trails stay open until 10 PM daily.Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to 10 PM
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Southern Adventist University 4881 Taylor Circle Collegedale, TN 37315 (800) 768-8437 or (423) 236-2747 http://www.southern.edu/
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Big Soddy Gulf
The Big Soddy Creek Gulf is a pristine, 285-acre wilderness area located about 30 minutes north of Chattanooga. The Gulf offers hiking trails, mountain and gorge views, natural habitats, a waterfall, swimming holes and rock formations along Big Soddy Creek.
An easy 1-mile hike along the creek takes you to the confluence of Board Camp Creek and Big Soddy, where a blue hole and open recreation area provide opportunities for swimming and picnicking. Hikers can continue on to connect with the Soddy Creek Gorge (South) Section of the Cumberland Trail.
This trail is ADA accessible on the third Saturdays, April through October. There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead or along the trail. Please practice Leave No Trace Principles when visiting.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
City of Soddy-Daisy 9835 Dayton Pike Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379 423-332-5323
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Booker T. Washington State Park
The 353-acre Booker T. Washington State Park is the closest Tennessee State Park to downtown Chattanooga. Located on a hilly peninsula that juts into Chickamauga Lake, the scenic park is a perfect location for family outings. The park offers a swimming pool, pavilion picnic areas, a playground, multiple fishing piers, a boat ramp and 6-miles of hiking and biking trails.
Booker T’s 6-mile singletrack trail is a gnarly, twisty, rooty, challenging ride for intermediate level mountain bikers. Riders attempting the trail should have the skills to safely negotiate steep climbs, roots, and rocks. Hikers and trail runners can also use the trail and enjoy an off-road experience close to town.
Fish are abundant in Lake Chickamauga and Booker T offers one of the best fishing areas near Chattanooga. Primary species of sport fish include white crappie, bluegill, white bass, channel and blue catfish, largemouth bass, and sauger. Anglers can use one of the multiple fishing piers at the park or utilize the motorized boat ramp to get out on the lake.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Booker T. Washington State Park 5801 Champion Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37416 423-894-4955
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Cherokee National Forest
The Ocoee/Tellico district of the Cherokee National Forest is located in Polk and Monroe Counties, east and northeast of Chattanooga in the Appalachian Mountains. Hiking, biking, paddling, running, camping, horseback riding, and hunting are all popular activities in the area.
Biking
The Tanasi trail system provides the intermediate to expert level mountain biker over 20 miles of single track trail to explore on two wheels near the Ocoee Whitewater Center. There's an additional 20 miles of trail at the Chilhowee Recreation area for both hikers and bikers to explore. Note, there is a $3 day-use parking fee at both areas.
Camping
Overnight accommodations are provided at more than 30 developed campgrounds in the Cherokee National Forest. Visitors can stay at developed campgrounds with large, level campsites, tables, fire rings, electricity, and bathhouses or primitive campgrounds with minimal site amenities. Most campgrounds are on a first come, first served basis. However, reservation services are now available for several popular campgrounds in the Cherokee National Forest including Parksville Lake Campground, Indian Boundary, and Chilhowee Recreation Area, along with others. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Hiking
Over 600 miles of non-motorized trails traverse Cherokee National Forest including nearly 150 miles the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) Take a day hike or hike several days on the national forest trails system.
Horseback Riding
The Little Citco Horse Trail system offers more than 15 miles of backcountry trails in the Citico Creek Wilderness section of the Cherokee National Forest. The Trailhead is located at the Young Branch Campground, near Vonore, Tennessee, about 2 hours northeast of Chattanooga. The campground accommodates up to 25 horses and 35 people in 7 campsites. Sites can be reserved.
Hunting
Covering a combined 298,456 acres, the South Cherokee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Region III is open for hunting small and large game, including wild hog, black bear, whitetail deer, turkey, and grouse. All hunting areas are managed in cooperation with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and all hunters are subject to TWRA rules and regulations.
Paddling
Cherokee National Forest is home to both the Hiwassee and Ocoee rivers. Each has diverse paddling options like whitewater rafting, kayaking, and playboating on moderate to difficult rapids as well as flatwater sections and lakes suitable for calm kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and paddle boarding.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Free, unless posted otherwise. Some areas require a $3 day-use fee. Camping fees vary based on location and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Tellico Ranger District 250 Ranger Station Rd.
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
423-253-8400
Cherokee National Forest—Ocoee Ranger District 3171 Highway 64
Benton, TN 37307
423-338-3300
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Chickamauga Battlefield
Part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, the Chickamauga Battlefield provides gently rolling, groomed trails that meander for several miles through woods, pasture lands and restored Civil War era homesteads.
The park’s system of paved roads post slow speed limits and are perfectly suited for cyclists and runners, especially Glen Kelley Road, which has a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle lane. Maps and brochures offering self-guided interpretive tours are available at the Battlefield Visitors Center.
Horseback Riding
The well-marked, non-technical trail system is good for beginner trail riders and offers unique views of the Civil War battlefield. Horse trailers may park in a gravel lot on the western edge of the park on Dyer Rd. Before riding, please stop by the park’s Visitors Center for information and a trail map.
Biking
Chickamauga Battlefield offers several road cycling options for families and adults. The National Park’s self-guided Auto Tour runs over roads with speed limits of 20-35 mph. The 6-mile loop travels by beautifully restored monuments, wood, and pasture lands and contains multiple stops at historic points of interest.
Use other lightly trafficked park roads to lengthen rides to 12-14 miles. For a shorter, family-friendly ride, park at Wilder Tower and ride the Glen-Kelley Road bike path to Lafayette Rd. and back.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Horseback Riding
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Closed on December 25
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military Park 3370 LaFayette Rd. Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9241
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Chilhowee Recreation Area
Located in the Cherokee National Forest, the Chilhowee Recreation Area is an excellent hub for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, camping and wildlife viewing. The 7-acre McKamy Lake offers a swimming area with a sandy beach, fishing from the bank and flatwater paddling opportunities. There are 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the easy 1.5-mile trail to Benton Falls. Wildlife is abundant in the recreation area and scenic overlooks on the drive up the mountain provide great sunset views of Parksville lake (pictured), so have your camera ready and tread lightly.
Chilhowee Campground offers more than 70 campsites, electric hookups, RV sites, tent only sites, and multiple bathhouses with warm showers. The Campground is open from early April to late October, with an overflow area and day use area open year-round. The recreation area is in close proximity to Parksville Lake (Ocoee Lake), the Ocoee River, Big Frog Wilderness, the Tanasi trail system at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, and the Hiwassee River.
Reservations can be made for Chilhowee Group Camp and individual sites at Loops A, B, E, and F. To make a reservation, please call 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Early April-Late October, Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Day use, $3/vehicle. Camping varies based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash. However, pets not allowed on the beach.
Contact
Ocoee Ranger District 3171 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307 423-338-330
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Cloudland Canyon
Cloudland Canyon is a 3,488 acre Georgia State Park located near Trenton, GA on Lookout Mountain, just 45 minutes southwest of Chattanooga. The park features some of the most spectacular scenery on the Cumberland Plateau and the rugged geology of the trail system includes multiple waterfalls, 1000 ft sandstone cliffs, and multiple caves to explore. The park boasts over 64 miles of hiking/running trails, along with 30 miles of mountain biking trails at the 5 Points Recreation Area that can be accessed via the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail (CCT).
This Georgia State Park is a great weekend destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels including day hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, cavers, mountain bikers, disc golfers, and campers. The park offers every type of overnight camping experience possible! Choose from fully-equipped and comfortable Cottages, quirky Yurts to several different types of Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites including Walk-In Campsites and Backcountry Campsites.
The park’s 18-hole disc golf course features moderately hilly, open and wooded fairways with concrete tee pads and DISCatcher holes. The intermediate level fairways range from 192 to 347 feet long. The park also includes wild caves for touring during select months of the year, a fishing pond, 16 miles of horseback riding trails, picnic grounds, group shelters, a playground and numerous interpretive programs.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Backpacking
Caving
Guides
Hours and Cost
Park Daily, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
Office Weekdays, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Interpretive Center Saturday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: $5 day use/parking fee Camping, cave tours, disc golf costs vary Annual passes available
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Cloudland Canyon State Park 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road Rising Fawn, GA 30738 Park 706-657-4050 Reservations 800-864-7275
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Crockford-Pigeon Mountain
Located in Walker County, near Rock Springs, Georgia, Crockford-Pigeon Mountain is a 20,657-acre state-owned Wildlife Management Area that contains approximately 100 miles of trails and forest service roads. This area features abundant wildlife, unique natural features, and gorgeous views. It's a favorite hunting destination for deer, turkey, squirrel, quail, and rabbit. Many protected species call this area home. Locations popular to visit include Rocktown, Lost Wall, Pocket, Pettyjohn’s Cave, Sawmill Lake, Bluehole Springs, Civil War Wayside. This WMA boasts 5 designated camping areas, numerous trails and trailheads, and historic Mountain Cove.
Hunting
Crockford-Pigeon Mountain is open to large and small game hunting, including deer, wild (feral) hog, bear, and turkey. For more information, visit Georgia Department of Wildlife Resources interactive hunter’s guide.
Horseback Riding
Most hiking and riding trails are situated on the tabletop of the mountain, which is a finger jutting northeast from the Lookout Mountain escarpment. In particular, riders can access the trails and roads at Rape Gap, Pocket Loop, and Chamberlain trailheads.
Rock Climbing
There are two climbing areas on Crockford-Pigeon Mountain. Rocktown is a world class bouldering area known for its bullet hard sandstone, tough iron bands, and slopey top outs. The Lost Wall is primarily a small trad crag. The parking area is halfway up the mountain on the way to Rocktown.
Caving
There are several caves within Crockford-Pigeon Mountain, the largest of which is Petty Johns Cave. These caves feature long rappels and dangerous scrambling. Only experienced cavers should enter into the deep without a guide.
All horse, bike, caving, hiking, rock climbing, parasailing and hang-gliding trails are closed during firearm deer seasons. Additionally, all horse and bike trails and areas are closed before 10:00 a.m. during archery deer and turkey season. No ATVs on the property.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Climbing
Caving
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Hunting License or GORP Pass Required
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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DeSoto State Park
Desoto State Park is nestled atop Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama. The 3,502-acre Alabama State Park features waterfalls, abundant spring wildflowers and stunning, historic facilities that were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
DeSoto’s improved campground has 94 full hookup tent and RV sites. For the more adventurous, there are also primitive camping sites for tents as well as two backcountry campsites with shelters.
Other amenities include a restaurant, meeting rooms, pavilions, picnic area with playground, Olympic-size swimming pool (seasonal), an ADA accessible boardwalk trail, a nature center featuring interpretive programs and live animals, a Civilian Conservation Corps museum, and more than 30 miles of hiking trails and 11+ miles of mountain biking trails that vary in terrain from easy to strenuous.
Trail maps can be found at the Lodge, Country Store, & Nature Center. All mountain bike trails are marked silver on the trails and by diamonds on the trail map.
Desoto Falls is located 7 miles North from Desoto State Park in Mentone Alabama. It's definitely worth the drive to see in person. Paddling options are available upstream of the falls on the Little River.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Varies based on campsite amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
DeSoto State Park 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE Fort Payne, AL 35967 256-845-5380
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Enterprise South Nature Park
Hamilton County’s 2,800-acre Enterprise South Nature Park is located off I-75 in Northeast Chattanooga, adjacent to the Volkswagen manufacturing plant. The park is best known for its vast recreational trail network that winds among dozens of sealed ammunition storage bunkers.
The park offers over 35-miles of paved and unpaved trails open for day hiking, trail running, mountain biking, road biking, horseback riding and ADA accessible recreation. The park also offers 4 picnic areas, historical exhibits, a visitors center, bike rentals and a 7-mile driving loop.
The nature park boasts 15-miles of singletrack mountain bike trails that range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate with built boardwalks and other technical features. The trails are directional depending on the day. Please check signs before riding.
The recently added 10-mile Summit Knobs Trail was added in 2018 and is the first public facility in Hamilton County designed specifically for horseback riding. The trailhead features a large gravel parking area specifically designed to withstand trucks, trailers, and horses and is located off Highway 58 behind the Central High School football field, separate from the main park entrance. The facility also includes handicap-accessible restrooms, two water trough stations, mile marker trail posts, an information kiosk with trail maps and hitching posts.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: 7 a.m. to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls State Park, near Pikeville, is Tennessee's largest and most visited state park. It offers 26,000 acres of outdoor recreation on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee at 256ft and is one of several spectacular waterfalls located throughout the park.
The park contains over 56-miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, a lodge, RV and primitive camping, a challenge canopy course, swimming pool, playground, along with specialized programs and events throughout the year. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks, fish on the lake, challenge themselves on a high ropes course, or play golf on an award-winning 6,669-yard course.
The park has 222 campsites in five different areas. All sites have tables, grills, water, and electricity and are served by six bathhouses. 92 sites have sewer connections, and some can accommodate an RV up to 65 ft in length. In addition to the 222 campsites, there are 16 primitive sites, nine are walk-in the other seven are park-on. Most campgrounds are ADA accessible. There are 16 backcountry campsites located in four different areas along the overnight backpacking trails. Reservations are required for all lodge and camping facilities.
Cane Creek Overnight Backpacking Trails
Lower Loop: 12 miles of medium difficulty trail, located in the State Park. The trail descends and climbs scenic Cane Creek Gorge and passes several overlooks and waterfalls including Fall Creek Falls.
Upper Loop: 13 miles of easy rated trail, located in the State Park. The trail follows the plateau of Fall Creek. A campsite is located on an isolated upper section of Cane Creek.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Backpacking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily
Cost: Day use is free. Camping cost is based on campsite amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
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Five Points Recreation Area
Located 30 minutes south of downtown Chattanooga, the Five Point Recreation Area is a network of multi-use trails on the scenic plateau of Lookout Mountain.
Five Points offers 25 miles of interconnected singletrack trails that feature steep climbs, rolling descents, and technical features through the mountain gorges and former mining areas surrounding Lula Lake. It also includes the Cloudland Connector Trail (CCT), which links Cloudland Canyon State Park to the Lula Lake Land Trust on Lookout Mountain in North Georgia, and eventually, all the way into downtown Chattanooga.
The Cloudland Connector Trail is a multi-use trail for horseback riding, hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Be respectful of other users and always yield to horses and pedestrians.
Developed and backcountry camping is available nearby at Cloudland Canyon State Park.Directions
Difficulty
Biking
Hiking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: $5 parking fee per car
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
Cloudland Canyon State Park 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd. Rising Fawn, GA 30738 706-657-4050
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Fort Mountain State Park
Located near the Cohutta Wilderness in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Fort Mountain State Park is a 3,712-acre mountain getaway in North Georgia.
Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders will find some of the most beautiful trails in Georgia, winding through hardwood forest and blueberry thickets, crossing streams and circling a 17-acre lake. Hikers can explore a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and an ancient rock wall that stands on the highest point of the mountain.
During summer, visitors can cool off by swimming at the lakeside beach or renting a paddle craft to play on the lake. The Park's stables offer guided horseback rides and stall rental throughout the year. Park guests may stay overnight in fully equipped cottages, at the campground which has 80 tent, trailer or RV campsites with hookups and bathhouse facilities, walk-in sites, a group shelter or pioneer campsites or at one of the 4 backcountry campsites.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: $5 day use parking. Camping varies based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Fort Mountain State Park 181 Fort Mountain Park Rd. Chatsworth, GA 30705 706-422-1932
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Harrison Bay State Park
Designated Tennessee’s first state park in 1937, Harrison Bay State Park is a 1,200-acre park located off Hwy 58, just 25 minutes from Chattanooga. This beautiful wooded park is a haven for campers, golfers, boaters, and anglers, as well as picnickers and other day-use visitors. With almost 40 miles of shoreline on Chickamauga Lake, it has one of the most complete marina facilities available on any of the TVA lakes and all types of boats and watercraft are allowed at the park.
The park has a 4.5-mile loop trail that is perfect for trail running, family hikes or as an introduction to singletrack mountain biking. The twisty singletrack runs around a peninsula offering views of Chickamauga Lake. Hybrid and kids bikes can readily handle the terrain on this trail.
There are 128 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups and a limited number that can accommodate RV’s up to 65 ft. There is one centralized dumping station. Bathhouses are located in each of the 4 camping areas as well as a playground.
Rusty's Kayak and Paddleboards offers rentals throughout the year near the park entrance. There are fishing piers, a swimming pool, self-guided star-walk and a wildlife exhibit at the park. And the scenic Bear Trace Golf Course is nearby.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free for day use. Camping rates vary based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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Lookout Mountain Trails
The Guild-Hardy Trail begins on Ochs Highway and climbs up Lookout Mountain along an old railroad bed comprised mostly of crushed gravel. The trail passes under the Incline Railway, by Ruby Falls and numerous monuments and structures from the Civil War including Craven's House, until it ends at Scenic Highway, near the Lookout Mountain Battlefield.
More adventurous hikers and bikers may leave the Guild-Hardy Trail at Craven’s Terrace and access Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park’s 40+ mile trail system. The Upper Truck Trail in particular increases in grade and difficulty at it ascends to Och's Gateway for another 4 miles.
The trail system is particularly beautiful in the winter when seasonal streams cause ice falls on the mountain’s rocky bluffs, and in the spring, when mountain laurel, azaleas, and wildflowers are in bloom.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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Moccasin Bend
Located on the banks of the Tennessee River just across from downtown Chattanooga, the Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District is easily accessible from I-24. Named by Native Americans for its distinctive boot shape when viewed from the bluff of Lookout Mountain, Moccasin Bend can trace its human history back 12,000 years. Added in 2003, the Bend is the newest unit of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
There are two easy trails suitable for family outings and trail runners seeking an off-road option close to downtown. The 3-mile Blue Blazes trail loop or the 1.2-mile out and back Brown's Ferry Federal Road trail are best to visit during fall and winter to avoid the swampy low lying areas that occur in the rainy spring and summer months.
Moccasin Bend is a popular road biking destination that takes cyclists through a busy industrial area before transitioning into a scenic, green peninsula that is heavily populated by deer and wild turkey. The ride is best early in the morning or in the evening after rush hour has cleared.
The back half of the loop runs through a residential area before spilling onto Cherokee Blvd., through the Stringers Ridge Tunnel for a fast downhill finish back into town.
The route is well suited for adults and older teenagers who want to begin riding on trafficked roads or who desire a shorter, scenic route close to downtown.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: 6 a.m. to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Moccasin Bend National Archeological District - Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
3370 LaFayette Rd. Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9241
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North Chickamauga Creek Greenway
The Greenway Farm Park is a 180-acre city park along North Chickamauga Creek in Hixson, TN, located off Hamill Road approximately 1 mile east of Highway 153. The 220 total acres managed by the City of Chattanooga as the North Chickamauga Creek Greenway features 6 miles of walking, running, hiking, and biking trails, and 2 canoe access points along a 2.5 mile stretch of North Chickamauga Creek. Facilities at the Greenway Farm include the farmhouse with space available for rent for events, an off-leash dog park, and bathroom facilities.
Outdoor Chattanooga and the non-profit North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy maintain offices at the Farm. The Outdoor Chattanooga Barn houses the City of Chattanooga’s fleet of canoes, whitewater and sea kayaks, and serves as a hub for their outdoor recreation programming.
Running, Hiking, Biking
The main Greenway Trail along North Chickamauga Creek is a mixed-use trail of asphalt or crushed rock surface. There are spur trails that include mowed grass trails and single-track dirt trails. The Boy Scout Trail within TVA’s Big Ridge Small Wild Area is restricted to foot traffic only. The Small Wild Area is a sensitive preserve of plant and animal habitats and includes a population of the federally threatened wildflower Scutellaria montana, or large-flowered skullcap. The Boy Scout Trail is a steep trek up the side of Big Ridge that makes it a challenging 1.25-mile loop.
Paddling
North Chickamauga Creek begins on the Cumberland Plateau, spilling Class IV/V whitewater down the ridge until it flattens in the Tennessee River valley. When the creek reaches the community of Hixson, it becomes a perfect creek for families and beginners in any type of paddle craft to enjoy an afternoon paddle along the 2.5-mile stretch that bends around a peninsula at the City of Chattanooga’s Greenway Farm Park. There are two public canoe/kayak launch points at the park for convenience. Creek levels can fluctuate due to water releases from TVA’s Chickamauga Dam on the Tennessee River. Be aware of release schedules before launching.Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes. Fenced dog park for off leash play Dogs must be on leash every where else in park
Contact
City of Chattanooga Parks 423-425-6311
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Prentice Cooper
Only 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Prentice Cooper State Forest and Wildlife Management Area overlooks the Tennessee River Gorge on a rugged outcrop of the Cumberland Plateau.
The section of Prentice Cooper west of Suck Creek holds approximately 100 miles of forest service roads and trails, open to equestrians, OHV’s, hikers, runners and mountain bikers.
The terrain varies, from rolling hills on top of the plateau to steep grades along the side of the ridge. Trail and road surfaces are a mix of dirt, gravel, or rocks and depending on the time of year, can include multiple stream crossings.
Camping is permitted at two designated campsites: Davis Pond and Hunter's Check Station. Campsites are primitive with pit toilets and campfire rings only. Camping is first come, first serve.
Prentice Cooper is closed to all visitors except hunters on select dates in April for managed turkey hunts. Hunting licenses are available through Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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Raccoon Mountain
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain offers 30 miles of intermediate to advanced singletrack trails for the experienced mountain biker, intense trail runner or avid hiker. The trail system winds around the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility, which creates a large reservoir on top of the mountain.
Thanks to SORBA Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain is a popular mountain biking destination for locals and visitors seeking intermediate to advanced trails, fast descents, and technical features. Road cyclists can take advantage of the steep climbs up and fast descents down the mountain, or enjoy a leisurely paced pedal along with the one-way paved roadway that circles the reservoir on top of the mountain. Be sure to pause at the visitor center to learn more about TVA's largest hydroelectric facility.
The public access boat ramp located at the base of the mountain on the Tennessee River is popular with recreational paddlers and fisherman. You can use it for an out and back paddle or as part of a longer paddle down the TN River Blueway. Finally, Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground is home to Tennessee's highest rated cave and offers a premier RV park & campground. Tour the nationally recognized cave system, pan for gemstones, or relax by a campfire while taking in the spectacular views of Lookout and Raccoon Mountains.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Caving
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Trails Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free access to all trails + visitor center
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Tennessee Valley Authority Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility 800-882-5263 Email: tvainfo@tva.gov
Raccoon Mountain Caverns & Campground 319 West Hills Dr. Chattanooga, TN 37419 (800) 823-2267 Cave Email: cave1@rvcoutdoors.com Campground Email: camp1@rvcoutdoors.com
SORBA Chattanooga For Mountain Bike Trail Information
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South Chickamauga Creek Greenway
The South Chickamauga Creek Greenway is a multi-use trail and boardwalk that runs parallel to the South Chickamauga Creek as it winds its way through Chattanooga. As of 2018, the Greenway has two complete sections but is not continuous. The connector trails extend 5 miles from Tennessee Riverwalk to Faith Road and the Brainerd Levee is 5.5 miles between Shallowford Road to Camp Jordan Arena and Park in the City of East Ridge. The connector trail can be accessed off Lost Mound Drive at the Riverpoint parking area on the Tennessee Riverwalk or Sterchi Farm Park.
The connector trail to Sterchi Farm Park section is paved and features boardwalks that wind above the creek, through towering oak-hickory forests, rolling farmland and neighborhoods. Sterchi Farm Park also has a public boat launch. The Brainerd Levee/Camp Jordan section of the trail runs next to wetlands that provide stopover habitat for flocks of migrating songbirds and waterfowl. This section of the greenway is gravel and rough pavement. There’s free parking and boat launches at both Camp Jordan and the Shallowford Road trailhead.
Paddling
As part of the Tennessee River Blueway trail system, South Chickamauga Creek is a quiet paddler’s retreat flowing through Chattanooga’s thriving industrial core. The creek is navigable from Graysville Road (Ringgold, GA) to its confluence with the Tennessee River. There are several boat launches that give paddlers a variety of options for both short and long day paddling trips. The section from Sterchi Farm Park upriver or downriver for 4 miles is a perfect beginner paddle.
Recommended paddle trips and list of boat launches: (shuttle required for all)
*Graysville Road to Audubon Acres: 2-hour paddle, 1 portage at beginning of trip. *Audubon Acres to Camp Jordan: 2-hour paddle. *Camp Jordan to Shallowford Road: 2-hour paddle, 1 portage-river left of pipeline after Brainerd Rd Bridge. *Shallowford Road to Sterchi Farm: 2-hour paddle. *Sterchi Farm to Riverpoint at TN Riverpark: 1-hour paddle or 2 hours out and back paddle.WARNING: Creek levels and current can fluctuate due to water releases from Chickamauga Dam on the Tennessee River. Check the United States Geological Survey Water Gauge before paddling.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
423-425-6311
202 Tremont St.
Chattanooga, TN 37405
423-265-5229
323 Camp Jordan Pkwy.
East Ridge, TN 37412
423-490-0078
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Stringer's Ridge
Stringers Ridge is a 92-acre urban wilderness park located in the heart of North Chattanooga. The ridge overlooks the North Shore, the Tennessee River, and downtown Chattanooga's revitalized waterfront. There are 7 miles of multi-use trails for both bikers and pedestrians, with some spur trails designated as foot-traffic only. The trail terrain consists of well-groomed singletrack with rolling hills and some short steep sections. Some of the trails are beginner friendly and family oriented, allowing for a leisurely stroll, while other sections are designated for more experienced hikers and bikers.
The park has two trailheads; one on the south end on Old Bell Avenue, the other is on the north end located on Spears Avenue, which has ample parking, restroom facilities, a bike repair station and a pump track. An outlook structure was added near the top of the ridge to provide a spectacular view of the city. The park is a result of a citizen-based effort to preserve one of the last large natural areas within the City of Chattanooga limits. Over the course of almost three years The Tennessee River Gorge Trust, the City of Chattanooga and The Trust for Public Land lead this project from conception to completion. SORBA Chattanooga assisted by coordinating trail construction days and providing tools as well as training volunteers for continued trail maintenance.
Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
City of Chattanooga Parks 423-425-6311
Outdoor Chattanooga 200 River St. Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-643-6888
Tennessee River Gorge Trust 1214 Dartmouth Street Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-266-0314
Trust for Public Land 202 Tremont St. Chattanooga, TN 37405 (423) 265-5229
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Tennessee Riverpark
The Tennessee Riverpark is a 13-mile paved, urban greenway, that connects downtown Chattanooga to Chickamauga Dam, 8 miles to the east and to the Historic St. Elmo neighborhood 4 miles to the south. Open to cyclists, runners, skaters and walkers, the popularly named “Riverwalk” connects neighborhoods and business districts within Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
The Riverpark can be accessed from various parking areas and trailheads from Chickamauga Dam to St. Elmo. The Riverwalk connects to the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway at Riverpoint off Lost Mound Drive to add an additional 3 miles out to Sterchi Farm Park.
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE TENNESSEE RIVERPARK FROM CHICKAMAUGA DAM TO THE BLUFF VIEW ARTS DISTRICT.
The Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System has stations located at the Riverpark’s Hubert Fry Center, Curtain Pole Road Trailhead, 100 Walnut Street, Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, Spring Hill Suites, Blue Goose Hollow Trailhead, and Wheland Foundry Trailhead on Middle Street offering the ability to cycle along the greenway and access restaurants and shops in town.
Paddling, Boating, Fishing
The Tennessee Riverpark also offer paddlers and boaters several access points to the Tennessee River Blueway for options of short to multi-day/overnight paddling trips. There are several fishing piers and overlooks to quietly observe the variety of wildlife that call the Tennessee River home.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
No. Pets are not allowed in Coolidge Park or on the Riverwalk from the Bluff View Art District to the Chickamauga Dam.
Types of Biking in Chattanooga
Road Cycling | Bike Commuting
Road cycling is the most widespread form of cycling. It includes recreational, racing, and utility cycling. Road cyclists are expected to obey the same rules and laws as other vehicle drivers.
Chattanooga’s rolling rural landscapes, surrounding valleys, and challenging mountain climbs are great options for all skill levels. Chickamauga Battlefield, Moccasin Bend, Raccoon Mountain, and Enterprise South are all great places for road cyclists to explore.
Paved Greenways | Non-motorized pathways
Paved greenways are non-motorized pathways open to cyclists and pedestrians. They are an excellent choice for the casual cyclist to get out on two wheels without the worry of riding in traffic or having to have a specialized bike for off-road riding.
Chattanooga has several greenways around town including the popular Tennessee Riverpark, South Chickamauga Creek, and North Chickamauga Creek Greenway.
Greenways | Rail Trails
Off-road greenways often surfaced with light gravel, are the best option for families and beginners. They do not require special equipment and can be ridden with most hybrid and kids bicycles.
In the Chattanooga area, the Brainerd Levee/Camp Jordan Loop and Lookout Mountain’s Guild/Hardy Trail are excellent greenways for beginning off-road and recreational cyclists.
Forest Service Roads | Double Track
Old forest service roads, sometimes called “double track,” or multi-use off-road trails can offer the beginning to intermediate level mountain biker the challenge of varied terrain without the technical expertise needed for singletrack.
Prentice Cooper State Forest on the Cumberland Plateau, the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail on Lookout Mountain and the Cherokee National Forest, one hour east of Chattanooga, all have an abundance of these types of trails.
Singletrack
Singletrack is usually an 18″ wide trail that requires a higher level of skill and confidence on a purpose-built mountain bike. The terrain requires quick reflexes and the ability to ride over logs and boulders, through creeks, and up and down severe elevations.
Raccoon Mountain, 5 Points, Stringers Ridge, Enterprise South Nature Park, and the Biology Trails, offer beginner friendly to difficult singletrack. Most area singletrack is for the intermediate to the advanced level mountain biker.
Area Bike Shops, Rentals and Resources
Bike Rentals | Chattanooga
Bike Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System
Certified Electric Bike Specialists
Bicycle Tours | Chattanooga
Bike Adventures+Rentals | Cherokee National Forest
Mountain Bike Rentals | Cloudland Canyon
Biking Organizations | Chattanooga
Southeast Youth Corps Trips for Kids
TN Youth Mtn. Bike Racing Series
Velo Vixens Women’s Multisport Club