Chattanooga is not like other cities. While some towns can boast about being close to the outdoors, adventure is seamlessly woven through the fabric of this city, from the Tennessee River that wraps around downtown to the towering cliffs and lush mountains that rise from the edge of its neighborhoods.
“A lot of cities are gateways to the outdoors, but with Chattanooga, it’s all right here within the city limits,” says Brian Smith, communications director for Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors. “You can be mountain biking and hiking or kayaking or climbing within the city limits, and then go directly to a restaurant downtown. It’s amazing.” That means a long weekend in Chattanooga can feel like a week of fun and adventure—you can simply do more when you’re not spending hours driving between activities, amenities, and lodging.
Thanks to its unparalleled access to nature and the outdoor culture that pervades the city, Chattanooga recently earned the distinction of being North America’s first National Park City, a new designation that celebrates communities that protect their natural resources for generations to come. It’s a global movement celebrating a community-driven approach to conservation and the values, places, and culture that can make urban centers uniquely livable.
Ready to discover Chattanooga for yourself? Use this guide to plan the perfect three-day weekend in one of America’s most adventurous cities.
Day 1
Biking/Walking/Running
You could spend all weekend exploring the 16-plus-mile Riverwalk, a paved pedestrian and bike path that runs along the southern banks of the Tennessee River from Chickamauga Lake through downtown to the Incline Railway. If you want to explore the entire path, check out a bike from one of Bike Chattanooga’s public bike stations, which are scattered along the path. (Running is also a great way to see a big chunk of the route.) The Riverwalk is mostly flat, with gorgeous views of the Tennessee River and plenty of opportunities for refueling at a variety of restaurants. (Rembrandt’s Coffee has great lattes!) If you want to walk a shorter section, the two-mile stretch from Battery Place to Ross’s Landing cruises through downtown. You’ll pass by the Bluff View Arts District, which has sculpture gardens and unique architecture; the Hunter Museum (check out the view from the backside of the museum overlooking the river); and the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge.
Climbing
Stop for lunch at the Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar—the oysters are a staple, but you also can’t go wrong with the roasted chicken sandwich. Next, head to the northern edge of Lookout Mountain, where Sunset Rock, a 100-foot-tall sandstone cliff within Point Park—part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park—has been attracting rock climbers for decades. You’ll find a mix of traditional and top-rope routes, all of which offer stunning views of the Tennessee River Valley below. Even if you’re not a climber, the mile-long access trail is a beautiful hike.
Eating
For dinner, head to Chattanooga’s Southside neighborhood, which has one of the most vibrant food scenes in the South. Honey Seed has wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches. Check out the 2 AM Burger, which has eggs and hash browns smashed into the situation. If you’re looking for something more refined, Alleia offers hand-crafted Italian dishes like gnocchi with local chicken and mushrooms.
Listening
Stay in the neighborhood and wander over to Yellow Racket Records, where local bands occasionally play on the stage and you can always find an incredible selection of vinyl.
Day 2
Mountain Biking
Fat tire fans have plenty of trails to choose from. The Raccoon Mountain trail system is world class, with 30 miles of fast, flowy singletrack just 15 minutes from downtown. Most of the trails are for intermediate or advanced riders, with plenty of rocks and root gardens and some steep climbs. Want something even closer? Ride Stringer’s Ridge, a seven-mile system of singletrack on the edge of downtown that’s loaded with easier trails.
Raccoon Mountain Biking Trails
Caving
If you’re not interested in pedaling, go subterranean with a tour of Raccoon Mountain Caverns, where miles of caves wind beneath the surface. You can take it easy with a guided stroll through the Crystal Palace, where the rooms are larger but still packed with stalagmites and stalactites, or get dirty on a Wild Cave Tour that will have you squeezing through tight channels and sliding down muddy chutes.
Paddling
Grab lunch at River Street Deli, in the eclectic North Shore Neighborhood, then rest your legs and kayak the downtown stretch of the Tennessee River.
You can rent kayaks or standup paddleboards at L2 Outside, near Coolidge Park, and paddle the broad Tennessee beneath downtown Chattanooga’s four bridges. The river is slow enough to travel in both directions, so you can choose your mileage and create an out-and-back through town, ogling the tall, gray cliffs that rise from the water beneath the Hunter Art Museum. Look for great blue herons and other waterfowl as you paddle a circle around McClellan Island, a sanctuary managed by the Audubon Society.
Eating
For dinner, head back into downtown, which has undergone a foodie revival in recent years. Wooden City offers classic cocktails and thoughtful takes on comfort food like chicken schnitzel and beet ravioli. Whitebird, at the base of the Walnut Street Bridge, takes Appalachian cuisine upscale with standout dishes like their chicken pot pie and bone-in pork chop.
Spectating
If you hit the schedule right, catch a baseball game at AT&T Field, home to the Chattanooga Lookouts, a AA affiliate team for the Cincinnati Reds.
Day 3
Bouldering
Ready to squeeze in one more quick adventure before heading out of town? Check out the Boulders on Wauhatchie Pike, a bouldering area next to Chattanooga’s St. Elmo neighborhood that offers the closest climbing to downtown. You’ll find roughly 30 boulders scattered throughout the area, with something for beginners and hard chargers alike.
Splurging
Spent from bouldering or not, make sure you grab a scoop (or two) of handcrafted ice cream from Clumpies. They have all the traditional flavors, plus rotating options like Blueberry Lookout Lavender.
Hiking
Get one last look of the Tennessee River Valley from the top of Signal Mountain, which played a pivotal role in the Civil War. Today, it’s the jumping-off point for the Cumberland Trail and other hiking trails within the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Hike a 2.9-mile section of the Cumberland Trail beginning at Signal Point, passing waterfalls and unique rock formations along the way before hitting Edwards Point, which offers a long-range view of the Tennessee River Gorge below.
Chattanooga Tourism Co. is the official destination marketing organization for Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dedicated to promoting visitation and showcasing the city’s unique attractions, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures, Chattanooga Tourism Co. works to inspire travel and enhance the visitor experience. For more information and to plan your Chattanooga getaway, please visit visitchattanooga.com.
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