This one’s dedicated to you Amber!
Considered to be the outdoor adventure hub of the south, Chattanooga was truly blessed with an endless portfolio of things to do. There are mountains pretty much surrounding the city and a river cutting right through. Waterfalls and rapids are just a short drive away.
When I visited, Chattanooga surprised me. The city’s metro sits just above a half-million, but it feels so quaint! There are surprisingly fantastic dining and shopping options and about a million views that will drop your jaw. Here are some of my favorite things to do, with an emphasis on the outdoor adventurey things.
Rock City Gardens
I don’t know even how to begin to describe Rock City. The “gardens” are a mix of tacky tourist trap, charming kitsch and jaw-dropping natural scenery. In lieu of flowers and trees, of which there are many, the highlights along the mile trail are the rock formations. With attractions such as the Fairyland Caverns (a diorama set of nursery rhyme tales inside a cave) and the swing-a-long bridge, you definitely won’t be bored. Perhaps the most beautiful part is looking at a waterfall framed by Lover’s Leap behind, which is conveniently pictured above! From the top you can allegedly see seven states on a clear day.
Lookout Mountain
The most popular tourist attraction in the area, Lookout Mountain is more of a collection of some of the most random things you could find. There’s the Incline Railway, a funicular that climbs almost 73 degrees up the mountain. The railway is over 125 years old and an, um, different alternative to the seven minute drive. Ruby Falls is a 145-foot waterfall in a cave. Utilizing the darkness, they light it up with cool colors. Point Park, owned by the National Park Service, takes a more historic approach to the tourist trap troupe. Commemorating the Battle of Chattanooga, it has pretty fantastic views of the city below. Finally, Sunset Rock is a free vantage point of the valley. It’s an easy hike to reach and grants fantastic views. If you couldn’t guess from the name, the westward facing rock is stunning at sunset.
Tennessee Aquarium
For a landlocked state like Tennessee, I’m surprised the aquarium is as extensive as it is. The $40 admission gives you access to otters, sharks, penguins and tons of other animals. The aquarium is broken into two sections, with one dedicated to the ocean and the other to a river environment. Full disclosure, I have not visited, but it looks really cool.
Stringer’s Ridge
As if Lookout Mountain isn’t enough views, Stringer’s Ridge lends a pretty fantastic one of the skyline. There are seven miles of trails around the 92-acre park and some are bicycle accessible. At its summit is a shelter, perfect for soaking in the view.
Bluff View Arts District
Bluff View Arts District is right next to downtown, high above the Tennessee River. Be sure to swing by Rembrandt’s Coffee Shop for some of their freshly baked bread and terrific coffee. Take a walk around the Sculpture Garden for some of the best views and some cool pieces. For a more typical art museum experience, the Hunter Museum of American Art covers the bases, from early American art to Expressionism. The museum also sits on a cliff over the water with fantastic views, check out their outdoor balcony!
Walnut Street Bridge
This pedestrian bridge crosses the Tennessee River and into the Northshore neighborhood. It has really pretty views of the river, the skyline and the mountains around the town. Sure, its not going to take all day, but its a nice place to walk!
Northshore
Northshore is a neighborhood composed of an artsy collection of local boutiques. Collective Clothing and Winder Binder are two of my favorite, with the latter being an adorable bookstore. Cooldige Park has a ton of green space and river views with a trail that parallels the Tennessee. In the summer, a splash park attracts the families from around the city.
Ross’s Landing
This small green space on the southern side of the Tennessee River is a nice park. There’s a cool fountain/waterfall that flows from the aquarium and through an underpass called “The Passage.”
Russell Cave National Monument
Ok so it’s technically in Alabama and like 40 miles outside Chattanooga, but this cave is sick! Russell Cave has been used as shelter for humans for over 10,000 years! The National Monument has a small museum, trail and facilities for seamless access to the cave. When I visited, my main draw was to step foot in Alabama, but I was blown away. It sounds stupid, but the connection you feel to 10,000 years of humanity is insane.
Paddleboard/Kayak
The tranquil Tennessee River is practically begging to be paddled/explored. Seeing downtown from the river is a different experience. There are a few places to grab rentals around town, like L2 Outside and Chattanooga Guided Adventure.
Turquoise Skies 