Running
The rolling hills and high plateaus that surround Chattanooga offer miles and miles of running routes, from greenways to rugged singletrack trails. Host to marathons, triathlons, world-class trail races and over one hundred 5K and family running events every year, the Chattanooga region loves runners.
The city’s downtown bridges, the Tennessee Riverpark and Stringers Ridge offer beautiful places to run, easily accessed from the downtown area. The Tennessee River valley’s surrounding mountains hold over 150 miles of singletrack trails, ready to challenge the most ardent trail runner.
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Audubon Acres
Located east of Chattanooga off of I-75, this beautiful sanctuary serves as the headquarters of the Chattanooga Audubon Society and provides a peaceful retreat in the middle of a vast suburban shopping and residential district.
The 132-acre Elise Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary at Audubon Acres contains a rich diversity of plant and animal life. The property includes access to the South Chickamauga Creek, 5 miles of trails, a Visitor's Center, gift shop, a timeline museum tracing the human habitation of the property, and structures that are significant to the area’s Native American History. Field trips and group tours are available.
Hiking | Running
Discover 5 miles of trails on 130 acres. A swinging bridge carries visitors over South Chickamauga Creek to explore forest, riparian, wetland, meadow, and hilltop habitats.
Paddling
Access to South Chickamauga Creek is available seasonally for paddling, swimming, and floating. Picnic tables and a fire ring make a great setting for group gatherings.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Adults $6, Seniors $5
Students $5 (with student ID)
Children (5-12) $3, under 5 Free
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
Audubon Acres 900 North Sanctuary Rd. Chattanooga, TN 37421 423-892-1499
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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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Benton MacKaye Trail
The Benton MacKaye Trail stretches nearly 300 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Davenport Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lower 200 miles (closest to Chattanooga) follow the western crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The trail is named for Benton MacKaye, the forester, conservationist, and co-founder of the Wilderness Society who originally envisioned this route for the Appalachian Trail (AT). Passing through GA, TN, and NC, it forms a giant figure-8 loop with the AT, a total distance of over 500 miles.
Although there are many access points along the 290 miles of trail, the most convenient access point from Chattanooga is at Thunder Rock Campground, adjacent to TVA Powerhouse No. 3 (hydroelectric) on US HWY 64, a half-hour east of Cleveland, TN or a mile west of the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
Cherokee National Forest Map of Thunder Rock CampgroundDirections
Difficulty
Backpacking
Hiking
Running
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: 24/7
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
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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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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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Cumberland Trail
Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park is a Tennessee State Park and scenic hiking trail. When complete, it will run the length of the Cumberland Plateau from Chattanooga to the Kentucky-Virginia-Tennessee border. As of November 2016, over 210 miles of the trail are open for hiking. These miles are divided into 14 different segments. Between these segments, land acquisition for the proposed trail corridor is an ongoing process, so gaps in the proposed trail route do exist. There are two long sections located within half an hour’s drive of downtown Chattanooga.
The Tennessee River Gorge segment begins at the Signal Point unit of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in the town of Signal Mountain, 15 minutes northwest of downtown Chattanooga. The segment extends 24 miles across the Suck Creek Gorge and into Prentice Cooper State Forest. The Three Gorges segment – Soddy, Possum, and Rock Creeks – are some of the most beautiful sections of hiking trail in the entire Southeast. The rugged, rock-strewn trail rolls over 40 contiguous miles by boulder fields, rhododendron thickets, and dramatic overlooks.
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Backpacking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on 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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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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Foster Falls
Enjoy one of the most scenic and wild areas in Tennessee with a visit to the Foster Falls Small Wild Area. Located near Tracy City, 45 minutes from Chattanooga, this recreation area serves as a home base for exploring the south end of the Cumberland Plateau. An easy hike will take you to the top of Foster Falls. A short, but steep downhill hike takes you over a suspension bridge for a spectacular view of the 60-foot waterfall plunging into a deep pool. Mountain laurel, azaleas, and hemlocks add to the beauty of this area.
Foster Falls is known in the climbers' world as one of the premier climbing destinations in the Southeast. Foster Falls cliff offers difficult, but scenic sport climbs and the south facing cliff provides climbers with plenty of warm sunshine most of the day. Climbers can expect highly technical routes on steep, compact rock, with strenuous wall and roof climbs averaging 60 feet in height. Most climbs are in the 5.10+ range. The cliff line begins at Foster Falls, and runs downstream for nearly two miles, following the curving contour of Little Gizzard Creek.Directions
Difficulty
Climbing
Hiking
Running
Backpacking
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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Great Eastern Trail
The Great Eastern Trail is a project of the Great Eastern Trail Association, working with the American Hiking Society and local trail partners, to create America’s newest long-distance hiking trail extending from Alabama to New York! Still under development, the Great Eastern Trail (GET) runs through Chattanooga using parts of the Cumberland Trail, North Chickamauga Creek Greenway, Tennessee Riverpark, and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park’s Lookout Mountain trail system.
When complete, the GET will connect the Florida National Scenic Trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail in New York State, as well as making connections to the Benton MacKaye, Pinhoti and Appalachian Trails. Currently, long-distance hikers can access nearby backcountry sections of the GET from downtown Chattanooga using temporary routes on city rights of way and greenways.
Chattanooga was designated a GET Trail Town in 2013.
Directions
Difficulty
Backpacking
Hiking
Running
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: 24/7
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on leash
Contact
Great Eastern Trail Association 118 Park St. S.E. Vienna, VA 22180
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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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Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park, is an 883-acre Tennessee State Park located an hour and a half Northwest of Chattanooga, on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake at the confluence of the Caney Fork, Collins and Rock Rivers. The park is best known for its dramatic waterfalls, fishing, and boating opportunities as well as year-round camping and cabin rentals. Popular points of interest include Great Falls, Twin Falls, the Blue Hole, the Cold Hole, and the Warm Hole. This gorge is comprised of slick limestone bedrock cut by the swift currents of the Caney Fork River.
Rock Island State Park has 60 campsites, each equipped with 30 amp electrical and water hookups, grill, and picnic table. Three modern bathhouses (with hot water showers, lavatories, commodes) are located in the camping area. There is a dump station at the far end of the campground for the convenience of self-contained camping rigs. Campers must register at the park office. Campsites can be reserved online up to one year in advance, maximum stay limit is two weeks. Tent camping is also allowed. This facility is open year round.
A park boat ramp provides access to the upstream end of Center Hill Lake and just west of the main park entrance, on the south side of Highway 287, the short Kings Launch Road will take you to a boat ramp on the Collins River, both of which are excellent flatwater paddling locations.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Day use free. Camping costs vary based on site amenities and length of stay.
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Rock Island State Park 82 Beach Rd. Rock Island, TN 38581 931-686-2471
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Rocktown
Located in Walker County, near Lafayette, Georgia the Crockford-Pigeon Wildlife Management Area sits on a finger of the Lookout Mountain plateau, jutting northeast towards Chattanooga.
The mountaintop has several acres of exposed rock formations, from 30-40 feet high, all carved into indescribable shapes. Gnarled with cracks, handholds, overhangs and other climbing features, the place is called Rocktown.
Climbers of all skill levels can find accessible boulders within the field. The first time you go, take an experienced friend and plan on doing a lot of exploring.
A Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass (GORP) is required.
Check Crockford Pigeon Mountain hunting dates before visiting in late fall.Directions
Difficulty
Climbing
Hiking
Running
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: GORP Pass or Georgia Hunting/Fishing license
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Georgia Department of Natural Resources 2592 Floyd Springs Rd. Armuchee, GA 30105 706-295-6041
Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Armuchee Ranger District 806 E. Villanow St. P.O. Box 465 Lafayette, GA 30728 706-638-1085
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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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Starr Mountain
Starr Mountain is a popular area of the Cherokee National Forest for horse riding and camping with nearly 20 miles of trails and a number of service roads available for riding. Trail options can take riders over the ridge of Starr Mountain and through the bottomlands along Bullet Creek.
The Lost Corral Horse Camp and Trailhead provides the easiest access to the area and is located across Spring Creek Rd. from Gee Creek Campground within Hiwassee-Ocoee Scenic Rivers State Park.
Starr Mountain is also a favorite spot for hunting deer, bear, boar, and turkey. The extensive system of Forest Service roads provides excellent access. Spring Creek Shooting Range is located on Forest Road 27, about six miles east of US 411.
Horses are not allowed in the Gee Creek Wilderness area, but there is a 2.6 miles roundtrip moderately strenuous hike to Gee Creek Falls.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Cherokee National Forest—Starr Mountain Area 3171 Highway 64 Benton, TN 37307 423-338-3300
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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.