Wildlife Watching
At the core of every outdoor enthusiast’s chosen form of recreation is the desire to connect to our natural environment. To do that, we have to stop, breathe, watch and listen. The outdoors’ most precious gifts can come from the glimpse of a bounding doe, a playful otter on the river banks, or a Great Blue Heron taking flight. Below are some of Chattanooga’s quiet refuges and wildlife havens. Places in which to slow down and connect with the outdoors and nature.
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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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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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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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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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Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge
The Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is located on 6,000 acres of land encircling the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee Rivers about one hour north of Chattanooga near the town of Birchwood.
In the summer months, the public can access all lands and waters within the refuge to observe resident and migrating birds and seasonal wildflower blooms, including great swaths of water hyacinths in Hiwassee Island’s inlets. During the winter, migrating waterfowl, including 50,000 Sandhill Cranes and some endangered Whooping Cranes, stop over at the refuge on their way south.
The Hiwassee Refuge is also steeped in Native American history, lying near the center of Cherokee Nation’s ancestral lands, which once stretched into Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Blythe Ferry, one of the debarkation points for the Cherokee Forced Removal (Trail of Tears), is now home to the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park.
Hunting
The Tennessee and Hiwassee River watersheds provide hunting opportunities for a variety of big and small game, including waterfowl and Sandhill Cranes. Drawings are held each October for seasonal blind/spots, located to the north and east of Chattanooga. Waterfowl hunting is permitted Thursday – Sunday, and the first and last day of duck season.
Waterfowl hunting permits and WMA seasons are managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Region III
464 Industrial Blvd.
Crossville, TN 38555
931-484-9571
1-800-262-6704
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Little Cedar Mountain
Located about 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Authority maintains 4 miles of hiking trails on Little Cedar Mountain, which is located on the shores of Nickajack Lake between I-24 and Nickajack Dam.
The main loop is 3 miles, follows the lakeshore and has a couple overlooks offering great views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The 1-mile Pond Trail connects the 2 sides of the main loop and passes by a small pond near the top of the mountain.
Consisting of approximately 320 acres, Little Cedar Mountain rises approximately 250 feet above the level of Nickajack Lake. Little Cedar Mountain is made primarily of limestone and hosts a diverse ecosystem. In addition to the diversity of plant life, the mountain supports an abundance of wildlife. Deer and turkey are commonly spotted and it’s not unusual to catch sight of an osprey or even a bald eagle from the overlooks.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Guides
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
400 West Summit Hill Dr.
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-632-2101
1-800-882-5263
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Maclellan Island
The Maclellan Island Sanctuary is located in the middle of downtown Chattanooga on the Tennessee River.
Owned and managed by the Chattanooga Audubon Society, the sanctuary contains a very large Great Blue Heron rookery, numerous waterfowl nesting sites and also serves as a home to muskrat, river otters, and the occasional white-tailed deer.
The public can access the island via a power boat dock on the southwest side or a canoe and kayak launch on the northeast side. The island contains a system of hiking trails, a group campground and is a designated campsite for the Tennessee River Blueway paddling trail. Day and overnight usage fees apply.
The best launch for canoes, kayaks and SUP’s in downtown Chattanooga is located on the north shore of the Tennessee River in Coolidge Park, under the John Ross (Market St.) Bridge.Difficulty
Paddling
Pet Friendly
No.
Contact
900 North Sanctuary Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-892-1499
423-892-3690
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Nickajack Lake
Nickajack Lake is the reservoir created by Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Nickajack Dam. It extends 46 miles upstream from Nickajack Dam to Chickamauga Dam, passing through the heart of downtown Chattanooga and offering spectacular views Tennessee River Gorge.
Boat ramps and fishing berms are located on both sides of the river below the dam, and a concrete fishing pier with footbridges and a wheelchair ramp is available. TVA camping and picnicking facilities are also available.
The river is prime habitat for small and largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, panfish, and catfish. When the river leaves the gorge and opens up into Nickajack Lake, anglers can access islands, sloughs and the outflow of dozens of underground springs and caverns, perfect hiding places for the perfect catch.
Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge was once used by Native Americans and Civil War soldiers. It now offers a special wildlife viewing opportunity each evening at dusk between late April and early October when thousands of endangered gray bats emerge for their nightly feeding.
Two boat launches on either end of the cave’s inlet allow for easy access by paddle craft to the mouth of the cave, which provides the best vantage point for viewing the bats. NOTE: Paddlers should be equipped with a white stern light or headlamp, as they will be paddling back to the launch after dark.
The Maple View Public Use Recreation Area has a swimming area, picnic tables and a trail with an observation deck that leads to the mouth of the cave, giving those without a watercraft access to view the bats.Difficulty
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville TN 37902
(865) 632-2101
1-800-882-5263
tvainfo@tva.com
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John A. Patten Island
John A. Patten Island is a primitive, wooded retreat located in Harrison Bay State Park. The 100-acre island and its sister islands are all that remain of the town of Harrison, which was flooded by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) when Chickamauga Lake was formed in 1940.
In addition to seeing a wide range of wildlife on the island, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, eagle and osprey, adventurers can also see remnants of the old town, especially when road beds and house foundations are exposed by low lake levels in winter.
The island can be accessed by canoe, kayak, and SUP from launches at Harrison Bay State Park to the east and north.
WARNING: There are no trails on John A. Patten Island, so a compass is highly recommended.Difficulty
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
1-800-882-5263
Harrison Bay State Park 8411 Harrison Bay Rd. Harrison, TN 37341 423-344-6214
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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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Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
Nestled at the base of Lookout Mountain just minutes from downtown, Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center is located in one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America and one of Chattanooga’s most beloved settings. Incorporated in 1956 by the Chambliss family, the center provides tremendous opportunities for everyone to experience and connect with nature on its 317-acre property by focusing awareness on native plants and animals and encouraging visitors to actively engage with the environment.
Visitors can fully appreciate the diversity of the region’s landscapes by exploring meadows, glades, forests, and even a bamboo patch all within a stone’s throw of one another—and those are just the natural elements of Reflection Riding. Other features include sensory gardens, historic structures, an apple orchard, and a variety of exciting learning opportunities.
Hiking, Biking, Running
Hikers, runners, and bikers of all levels will enjoy the 15 miles of trails on the property, including the ADA-accessible Blue Heron Boardwalk, which takes visitors through the heart of the center’s seasonal wetlands and along the edge of Lookout Creek. The trails are interwoven, making it easy to create short or long hikes. The 2.7-mile Profile Trail is one of the most popular day hikes at Reflection Riding, and gives visitors a thorough tour of the many landscapes in the area. Hikers can also easily connect with 40+ miles of trails in the Lookout Mountain trail system, such as Skyuka Springs or the Lower Truck Trail, and challenge-seekers can even venture a stiff climb up to the picturesque Sunset Rock.
Paddling
Located on Lookout Creek, a peaceful tributary of the Tennessee River that’s mild enough to paddle easily in either direction. From the boat launch, you can head upstream past Paddler’s Perch, a designated stop on the Tennessee River Blueway, or downstream toward Cummings Bottoms and the Tennessee River. Keep an eye out for turtles, fish, and birds, but remember to cast a glance skyward for a gorgeous view of Sunset Rock. Visitors are welcome to bring their own watercraft or to rent canoes from Reflection Riding for an additional fee.Directions
Difficulty
Hiking
Running
Biking
Paddling
Guides
Hours and Cost
Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 a.m. -6:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Cost: Free. However, donations are encouraged
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
Contact
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
400 Garden Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37419
423-821-1160
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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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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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Tennessee River Gorge and Blueway
The Tennessee River Gorge, 27,000 acres of land carved through the Cumberland Mountains by the Tennessee River, is one of the most unique natural treasures in the Southeast. It is the only large river canyon bordering a mid-size city and is the 4th largest river canyon east of the Mississippi. Designated as a National Scenic River Trail in 2002, the Tennessee River Blueway flows through Chattanooga and the Tennessee River Gorge for 46 miles, from Chickamauga to Nickajack Dam.
The Blueway’s unique paddling experience offers kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders the opportunity to visit wildlife preserves and camp primitively on public lands or stay in downtown hotels and take advantage of urban amenities. The Tennessee River flows through the heart of downtown Chattanooga’s thriving entertainment district and then continues through the high, forested walls of the river gorge. There, towering bluffs and protected forests provide miles of spectacular paddling.
When the Tennessee River widens into Nickajack Lake, it reveals its enormous scope before dropping Blueway paddlers off at the headwaters of Nickajack Dam. The scenic terrain of the Tennessee River Gorge creates a unique diversity of landforms, thousands of varieties of plants, grasses and wildflowers and a rich wildlife population. There are many ways to access wildlife viewing in the gorge: mountain biking Raccoon Mountain, paddling the Tennessee River Blueway or even climbing at the Tennessee Wall. The most accessible way to get a good overview is to hike the Pot Point Nature Trail, a 3.5-mile loop that begins at the Tennessee River Gorge Trust’s Pot Point Cabin at the river’s edge and climbs the side of the Cumberland Plateau to nearly 1,000 feet.Directions
Difficulty
Paddling
Hours and Cost
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly
Yes, on a leash
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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.