News
Our Response to COVID-19
Our primary mission is to connect residents and tourists with Chattanooga’s outdoor scene. Unfortunately, due to the impact of COVID-19, we are temporarily adjusting how and what it means to experience the outdoors in Chattanooga. For now, all of our programs and group activities are suspended until further notice to adhere to the social distancing recommendations of the CDC and the City of Chattanooga.
We believe the outdoors can be a place of solace and serenity while offering opportunities for reflection, recreation and a connection with nature – all important elements of staying healthy. While we practice social distancing and do our part to prevent the spread of the virus to get through this uncertain time, we’ve compiled a list of park and public spaces closures, along with resources, ideas, and activities for how you can still experience the great outdoors in the greater Chattanooga region, in a variety of ways. >>
Updates/Information on closures of Parks and Public Spaces
- Chattanooga City Parks
- Hamilton County Parks
- Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
- Rainbow Lake / Signal Point Trails
- Reflection Riding Nature Center and Arboretum
- Tennessee State Parks
- Georgia State Parks
- Alabama State Parks
- TVA Day Use Areas, Campgrounds, Restroom Closures
- Cherokee National Forest Closure of Campgrounds + Public Areas
- Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Closure Notification
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Closure Alert
- Appalachian Trail
- Southeastern Climbers Coalition Property Closures + Cancellations
- IMBA Mountain Bike Safety
Contact Us
We know this is an uncertain time and people have lots of questions. Feel free to reach out to us. We can’t promise that we’ll have the answers but we’ll do our best to provide you with helpful information and resources. Contact Outdoor Chattanooga>
Outdoor Recreation + Self Guided Tours During COVID-19
Chattanooga has plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and going outside to recreate is a great way to maintain physical and mental well-being during this time of uncertainty, as long as you practice smart social distancing. While taking advantage of our fantastic local parks and trail systems, avoid group activities and keep six feet away from others you encounter.
If you’re going out for a walk, run, or ride, we’d like to encourage you to use free tools like STRAVA, MapMyWalk, MTB Project, and Trailforks so that you can track your route and share it with others! It’s a fun way to encourage group participation while still adhering to social distancing.
Please note that many public day-use areas, restrooms, campgrounds, beaches, and recreational sites are closed (check the list provided on this page) so you plan accordingly and practice Leave No Trace Principles and recommendations for going outside during COVID-19.
Ideas and resources for getting outside and coping with COVID-19:
- Solo Park Adventures
- Lookout Wild Film Festival Social Distance Series
- The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks
- 30 Chattanooga Hikes in 30 Days
- Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt
- 33 Virtual National Park Tours
- 11 Great Places to Ride your Bike in Chattanooga
- 50 Best Hiking Trails in Chattanooga
- Explore 5 Great Hikes in Chattanooga
- 8 Chattanooga Area Scenic Vistas
- Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids
- Ideas for Keeping Kids Active During Social Distancing
- Bikeways of the Scenic South
- Gravel Grinding in Southeast Tennessee
- Virtual Tours and Learning with Reflection Riding & Nature Center
- Paddle the Tennessee River Blueway
- Virtual Explorations with Southeast Tennessee Tourism
- Support an Adventure Project
- Discover Chattanooga Mountain Biking Trails
- Discover Chattanooga Hiking/Running Trails
- Discover Chattanooga Walking Trails
- Horseback Riding Adventures near Chattanooga
- Go Fishing in Chattanooga
- Virtual Tours of the Tennessee Aquarium
- Four Mountain Goat Trail Stories
- Paddle Tennessee Valley Water Trails
Outdoor Chattanooga’s newsletter highlights the awesome outdoor activities happening in and around Chattanooga that will connect you to the outdoors and inspire you to come out and play with us!
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