Beautiful Parks & Trails Near Chattanooga
Booker T. Washington State Park:
350+ acre park nestled on the shores of Chickamauga Lake featuring beautiful lake views, BBQ stations, picnic tables, fishing spots, and trails.
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Signal Point, NPS:
Located on Signal Mountain, Signal Point overlooks the Tennessee River and offers picnic tables, trails, and restrooms.
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 Chickamauga Battlefield:
This Civil War military park is located in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and features a visitors center, museum, and battlefield tours.Â
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Point Park:
Memorial park set at the point of Lookout Mountain, featuring a visitors center, Civil War monuments, artillery, and scenic views of the valley and river below.
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Harrison Bay State Park:
1,200-acre park set on the shores of Chickamauga Lake. This park features campgrounds, picnic areas, and gets its name from the partially submerged town of Harrison.
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Prentice Cooper State Forest :
This 6,939-acre forested area boasts hiking and mountain biking trails, streams, rock climbing, horseback riding, bird watching, and camping.
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7,093-acre area in Hamilton and Sequatchie counties and is a popular spot for hikers and kayakers and is also considered to be a trailhead for Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail.
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Maclellan Island:
This 18.8-acre island sanctuary sits in the center of the Tennessee River and can be seen from downtown Chattanooga. This island hosts a diverse array of wildlife. There are restrooms available in the picnic area, but beware of poison ivy.
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 Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center:
Chattanooga’s beloved 317-acre nature center offers 15 miles of trails, picnic tables, botanical garden, native plants for sale, live animals, and a treehouse.
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Cloudland Canyon State Park:
This beautiful park sits at the western edge of Lookout Mountain and features beautiful waterfalls, pools of water, trails, a picnic area, and lots of steps that lead down to the waterfall.
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Sunset Rock:
This incredible view can be found atop Lookout Mountain. There is a small parking lot, and a quick hike down to the views. Or be adventurous and hike up from Cravens House.
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Chester Frost Park:
Chester Frost Park is located on the shores of Chickamauga Lake and features picnic tables, sandy beaches, camping, boat docks, and fishing spots.
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Tennessee Riverpark:
Also known as the Tennessee Riverwalk, boasts 10-miles of river views, parks, fishing spots, picnic areas, and restrooms along the way. This is a paved walking trail that is a favorite among bicyclists and families catching the fresh air.
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John C. Wilson Memorial Park:
Located on Cummings Highway, on the north side of Lookout Mountain, this 3-mile walking trail is a favorite among hikers and mountain bikers and features views of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga.Â
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Ross’s Landing:
This historic site is the last site of the Cherokee’s 61-year occupation of Chattanooga, as well as the starting point for the removal of the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears. Today, you’ll find picnic tables, an amphitheater, views of the Tennessee River, a launch point for kayaks, walkways along the river, and a playground.
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 Ruby Falls:
These underground caves and waterfalls are spectacular, being the tallest and deepest underground waterfall. While you’re there, take advantage of the guided tours and zip lining.
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Falling Water Falls State Natural Area:
This 136-acre area offers access to rare species, a hiking trail, a 110-foot high waterfall, and beautiful views.
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Enterprise South Nature Park:
This 2,800-acre wooded park was previously the site of the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant. Today, visitors enjoy picnics, well-kept trails, a playground, a bunker, and a dog park.
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Audubon Acres Nature Sanctuary:
Here, you’ll enjoy visiting the 130-acre park perched along the edge of a South Chickamauga Creek, as well as trails, beautiful seasonal wildflowers, and canoe and tube rentals.Â
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Glen Falls:
This is a short hike featuring a waterfall, pool, and cave, accessible from Ochs Highway on Lookout Mountain.
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Tennessee River Gorge Trust:
This land trust is a part of a conservation effort to protect 17,000-acres of land. Enjoy access to a diverse range of species, hiking, camping, and creeks.
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 Coolidge Park:
Known for its historic carousel, Coolidge Park offers open green spaces, scenic waterfront and bridge views, and walking paths. Popular for picnics, family outings, and city events.
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 Renaissance Park:
A modern urban park with wetlands, walking trails, art installations, and scenic views. Ideal for nature walks, birdwatching, and enjoying the blend of natural beauty and artistic elements.
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Cravens House:
A historic Civil War site with panoramic views, hiking trails, and preserved artifacts. Perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a blend of historical significance and natural beauty.
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Stringers Ridge Park:
A serene urban park with wooded trails, scenic overlooks, and mountain biking paths. Ideal for hiking, wildlife observation, and enjoying peaceful natural surroundings with stunning views of the Chattanooga skyline.
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Edward’s Point Overlook:
A breathtaking overlook with panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge, accessible via hiking and biking trails. Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a serene escape with stunning vistas.
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Chickamauga Dam Day Use Area:
A recreational area with picnic spots, fishing opportunities, a swimming area, nearby boat ramps, and scenic river views. Perfect for family outings, water activities, and enjoying a relaxing day by the water.
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 Rainbow Falls:
A picturesque waterfall on Signal Mountain with a scenic hiking trail, lush surroundings, and a vibrant mist creating rainbows. Ideal for nature hikes, photography, and enjoying the serene beauty of cascading waters.
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South Chickamauga Creek:
A scenic creek with lush green surroundings, kayaking routes, and walking trails. Perfect for paddling, fishing, and enjoying the tranquil natural beauty and wildlife along the waterway.
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Lula Lake Land Trust:
A conservation area, located in the area around Lookout Mountain, featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and stunning vistas. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and appreciating preserved natural beauty and serene landscapes.
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 Cumberland Trail:
A scenic trail stretching over 300 miles, featuring rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. Perfect for hiking, backpacking, and exploring the natural beauty of Tennessee’s wilderness.
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South Cumberland State Park:
Tennessee’s largest state park with rugged terrain, waterfalls, rock climbing, and diverse hiking trails. Ideal for camping, rock climbing, and exploring the stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the region.
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Ochs Gateway Trailhead:
Located on Lookout Mountain, it serves as an access point to various trails within the area, offering beautiful views and connections to other scenic routes.
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Nearby Parks & Outdoor Adventures
Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park Reliance Picnic and Boat site
At just over an hour from downtown Chattanooga, the Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park offers thrilling white water rafting, scenic trails, and breathtaking river views
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The Caverns
One hour from Chattanooga, The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee, features one of the world’s largest underground rooms, unique concert experiences with amazing acoustics, and cave tours. Enjoy a cool escape in summer and warmth in winter.
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 The Lost Sea Adventures
Just over 1 hour from downtown Chattanooga, The Lost Sea is America’s largest underground lake and a Registered National Landmark. Explore rooms with ancient history and enjoy a boat ride 140 feet below ground.
One of the biggest things locals appreciate about living in Chattanooga is its proximity to outdoor recreation, parks, the Tennessee River, lakes, waterways, and the awe-inspiring scenery. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions about the best local outdoor recreational spots and nearby neighborhoods.
