Winter is setting in, and for many of us, that means snuggling up with a cozy blanket by the fire and setting some outdoor activities aside until spring. But if you’re looking to extend your outdoor season, here’s a tip: Plan a weekend trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee.
With highs in the mid-50s throughout winter, the quaint southern city has ideal weather for getting outside, whether you’re interested in hiking to see waterfalls flush with seasonal rains or sending one of the many world-class rock-climbing routes. The variety of adventure in Chattanooga is as astounding as it is close to town. There are more than 100 miles of singletrack for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running within 20 minutes of downtown, while hundreds of climbing routes traverse sandstone cliffs rising from the Tennessee River Valley floor. The unparalleled access to outdoor adventure is one of the many reasons Chattanooga has been named North America’s first National Park City, a designation underscoring the blurred line between “city” and “nature”that defines Chattanooga. They are one and the same.
“Our downtown has nature and adventure,” says Brian Smith, communications director for Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors. “It has culture, history, and the arts, so visitors have the freedom to explore the rugged and refined all right here.”
And both the city and nature thrive throughout winter while many communities hunker down. Here’s our guide to the perfect winter weekend in Chattanooga, where culture, adventure, and southern hospitality come together.
Day 1
Climbing
Chattanooga is known for its striking sandstone rock, which is climbable year-round. But many will argue that winter is the best season for rock climbing here, as the warm sun and mild temperatures combine for perfect conditions. Head to the Tennessee Wall, just 30 minutes from downtown, which has more than 600 routes spread across miles of sandstone cliff. Most of them face southwest and get full sun throughout winter. The climbing on the T-Wall is mostly traditional, with a range of grades from 5.5 to 5.13, so there’s something for every skill level. Prerequisite for Excellence, a 5.8 that follows a dramatic corner for 80 feet, is the classic climb. Regardless of which route you choose, the views of the Tennessee River Gorge from the wall are awesome in the literal sense of the word.
There are plenty of unique places to stay in Chattanooga, but the Crash Pad is designed specifically for travelers looking for adventure. This “uncommon hostel” has a combination of bunk rooms, private rooms, and suites, as well as a communal space featuring a kitchen and library stocked with local guidebooks and maps. There’s even a fleet of bouldering crash pads you can rent by the day.
Back in Town
Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights
Rock City is an iconic destination that showcases an otherworldly boulder garden and forest on Lookout Mountain, just outside of downtown Chattanooga. In winter, the city of rock turns into a festive show as thousands of colorful lights and decorations illuminate the landscape. The Enchanted Garden of Lights runs from November 14 through January 4.
Fuel Yourself
Grab coffee and a bagel at Goodman Coffee Roasters, which has a flagship location in an old train station in Warehouse Row. Dinner is at Frazier Five and Dime, a casual fine-dining staple in the Northshore neighborhood that elevates southern classics like deviled eggs and fried pork chops. The only thing better than the food is the cocktails. Order the Thirsty Cougar, a vodka, Goldschlager, and espresso cocktail that is perfect on a chilly night out.
Day 2
Mountain Biking
The only thing better than the rock climbing in Chattanooga? The mountain biking. Local advocates have worked for decades to build one of the most comprehensive urban trail systems in America. And while most of those other mountain bike towns are shoveling snow, riders in Chattanooga are ripping perfect conditions. Stringer’s Ridge, with easy access on the edge of downtown, offers seven miles of singletrack that’s ideal for beginners. If you want to see some of the local trail builders’ best work, head to Five Points, a system on Lookout Mountain that features 20 miles of purpose-built singletrack for all skill levels in a former coal mining area.
Chattanooga mountain biking trails
Back in Town
Holiday Markets
The Chattanooga Market is an artisan marketplace that showcases produce, food, arts, and crafts made by local Chattanoogans. The public market is open every weekend and highlights many seasonally rotated items. Show up in November to experience the Holiday Market, where the goods turn festive.
Fuel Yourself
Kick off your day with pastries and caffeine at Sleepyhead, a coffeeshop decorated in vibrant shades of pink and green that you’ll want to see for yourself. The Main Street location also offers breakfast quesadillas and waffle sliders.
It’s winter, so comfort food is a necessity. At 2nd American, the menu is inspired by the big family dinners from Chef Daniel Lindley’s youth. Think: tomato pie, acorn squash soup, and braised rabbit served with mashed potatoes.
Day 3
Waterfall Hunting
Chattanooga sits on the Tennessee River, surrounded by steep mountains bisected by spring-fed creeks. And when you get steep elevation and streams, you get waterfalls. Lots of waterfalls. Chattanooga also gets 53 inches of rain annually, much of which falls in winter. Translation: The colder months are peak waterfall season. After a heavy rain, hike the Greeter Falls Loop Trail inside Savage Gulf State Park, which will take you to three stunning waterfalls in under a mile. Lower Greeter Falls is the showstopper, however, as the river drops 50 vertical feet into a sandstone amphitheater. The 15-foot Upper Greeter Falls isn’t bad either, as the smaller waterfall spans more than 30 feet across the entire river.
Back in Town
Find Holiday Lights in Chattanooga
When the sun sets, bundle up with a warm coat and a cup of cocoa and explore Chattanooga’s dazzling holiday light displays. Take a self-guided adventure at your own pace to discover festive neighborhoods, glowing attractions, holiday meals, live music, and even a few Santa sightings along the way.
Fuel Yourself
Experience the best Korean-American fusion at Han-Mi, where Chef Panda takes what he’s learned from his mother and grandmother and interprets it for the modern palate. Show up hungry, because you need to start with the pork dumplings before digging into the Korean fried chicken. Or bibimbap with sliced pork collar. Or the rabokki, an udon noodle dish with fish cakes. Or maybe order all of the above.
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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