Battlefield Bicycle Tours
Join Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and Outdoor Chattanooga for a free, leisurely paced bicycle tour through the Chickamauga Battlefield. A National Park Service Ranger recounts the history of the battlefield during frequent stops, while Outdoor Chattanooga staff and volunteers provide ride support. Loaner bicycles are available for riders five feet tall and over at no charge, thanks to sponsorship from the National Park Partners and the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga. Reservations for these bicycles are required. If you have and use your own equipment, no reservation is necessary.
These free tours begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center and last approximately 2 hours. Ride distance is typically three to four miles on flat to gently rolling terrain. The rides are considered beginner friendly and are appropriate for adults, and children ages eight and older when accompanied by an adult. NO training wheels, please. All participants are required to wear helmets during the ride. Please make your bike selection during the check out process. For more info or questions call 423-643-6888.
What You’ll Discover
- The history of Chickamauaga Battlfield
- Hear stories of soldiers of the confederacy and union
- How to access the paved trail system at the park
- Basic bicycle safety and helmet check
FAQs
When is this tour offered?
In collaboration with the Park Rangers at Chickamauga Battlefield, National Park Partners and the Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga, these free bicycle tours are offered 3 times in 2021 on the 3rd Saturday of the month.
2021 Tour Dates: August 21, September 18, and October 16 beginning at 9:30 a.m. ending at 11:30 a.m.
Click here to register online.
Can I use my own bike?
Yes, you can use your own bike. If you do use your own bike, you do NOT need to make a reservation. We do have a limited number of bicycles to loan out from our fleet, so if you want to bring a friend or family member that doesn’t have a bicycle, please have them make a reservation in advance and make the appropriate selection during the check out process. Click here to register online
How much does it cost and do I have to reserve in advance?
FREE! Whether you use your own bike or borrow one from us, these battlefield bike tours are free thanks to the Nationa Park Partners and Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga.
What's the minimum age?
This tour is appropriate for ages 8+ when accompanied by an adult. No training wheels, please. Kids on bikes with training wheels have a difficult time keeping up with the group pace.
Do I need to know how to ride a bike to participate?
Yes. Riders must be able to ride independently, shift, maneuver, and operate a bike unassisted.
How long and far is the ride?
Ride time is approximately 2 hours, covering 3 to 4-miles of flat to rolling terrain with a few stops to learn about the history of the Battlefield.
Events
Did You Know?
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (NMP) is the oldest and largest of America’s Civil War park. It commemorates the 1863 battles for Chattanooga that marked a major turning point in the war. The NMP spans the borders of Georgia and Tennessee, with major units at Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob and Signal Point. The park is headquartered at Chickamauga Battlefield, where the fields and woods of northwest Georgia witnessed the last major Confederate victory of the Civil War. Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, the newest addition to the NMP in 2003, not only commemorates the Civil War but preserves over 12,000 years of human history and heritage.
The Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center includes extensive exhibits, the Fuller Gun Collection, an orientation film and fiber optic map, maps of hiking and biking routes, and information on how to experience the Civil War history offered at the park units.
Chickamauga Battlefield hours of operation: Open daily 6 a.m. – sunset (EST). Admission to the Chickamauga visitor center and the battlefield is free. Visitor center hours of operation 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST).