The South, USA
Chattanooga is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with opportunities for hiking, water sports, and climbing in scenic settings.
Lookout Mountain has various trails (Bluff Trail: moderate, Guild Trail: easy). Cloudland Canyon State Park (GA) offers strenuous trails. Options range from easy paved paths (Riverwalk) to strenuous climbs. A Small daypack is useful for water.
Rock Climbing/Bouldering: Popular at Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain and High Point Climbing. Hang Gliding/Paragliding: Lookout Mountain is a prime location. Tandem flights are offered by Lookout Mountain Flight Park. Caving/Spelunking: Wild cave tours are available at Raccoon Mountain Caverns.
Tennessee Riverwalk: A paved, flat path for leisurely cycling. Stringer's Ridge Park: Offers mountain biking trails (easy to moderate). Raccoon Mountain: Provides an extensive network of challenging mountain bike trails. Book a bike tour of Chattanooga for guided experiences.
For white water rafting on the Ocoee River, book through reputable guided tour companies only. This river is known for its Olympic-level rapids and requires professional guidance.
Immerse yourself in Chattanooga’s local culture through workshops, performances, and community initiatives.
Support local businesses, artisan shops, and farmers' markets (e.g., Chattanooga Market) to contribute to the community.
This is not a main tourism focus, as English is universally spoken.
Riverbend Festival (June): A large outdoor music festival. Chattanooga Film Festival (August): An independent film festival. Mainx24 (December): A Southside neighborhood festival. Ironman Chattanooga (September): An international triathlon event.
Engaging with local businesses and markets directly benefits the community.
Check the local calendar for unique seasonal events that showcase Chattanooga's spirit.
Visit galleries in the Bluff View Arts District for local and regional art.
Find opportunities for relaxation and self-care in Chattanooga, from spa services to tranquil natural settings.
Coolidge Park Splash Pad: (Seasonal) An interactive water fountain for children.
Many hotels have swimming pools for guests.
Lakefront Parks: Harrison Bay State Park offers a beach area on Chickamauga Lake.
These are not a prominent feature of Chattanooga's tourism.
Explore options in the broader Tennessee Valley for specialized wellness and nature retreats.
Songbirds: A dedicated music venue hosting various genres. JJ's Bohemia: A dive bar with local and touring bands. The Signal: A larger venue for national acts. Various restaurants and bars feature live music.
Tivoli Theatre: Hosts live music, comedy, and Broadway tours. Memorial Auditorium: A large-scale venue for concerts and events. Chattanooga Theatre Centre: Features community theater productions.
Nightclubs are limited. Some bars have dance floors or DJ nights. Bar districts: Southside (Main Street/Market Street) contains a high concentration of bars and breweries. North Shore is a more relaxed bar scene. Downtown offers rooftop bars.
Discover local crafts, unique souvenirs, and a range of shopping experiences in Chattanooga’s markets and boutiques.
North Shore: Independent boutiques offer clothing, jewelry, and gifts. Downtown: Find some upscale shops and galleries. Hamilton Place Mall: Major national retailers and department stores (on the outskirts of town).
For international visitors, be aware of your home country's customs regulations for items purchased in the U.S. Major shipping carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS) are available for sending packages.
Ask local vendors for stories behind their products to enrich your shopping experience. Discover hidden gems in smaller, independent shops.
Discover unique finds at seasonal markets. Many local shops offer distinct items not found elsewhere. Explore the North Shore for charming independent boutiques and art studios, great for one-of-a-kind purchases.
