Straddling the Tennessee River and framed by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is easy on the eyes. Thanks to those rolling green hills and the river’s serpentine course, this southern Tennessee town has been dubbed the “Scenic City.”
Moreover, it offers a rich history: the city was a Civil War battleground, and its Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is the largest and oldest military park in the nation. Elsewhere, year-round opportunities for incredible outdoor adventures abound, thanks to its abundance of green space, including the 13-mile-long Tennessee Riverwalk, and natural wonders, like Ruby Falls, one of the world’s largest underground waterfalls.
If you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga, here are some great things to add to your must-do list.
Learn More About Civil War History at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Lookout Mountain is home to the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, the oldest and largest military park in the nation. Tour the park either on your own with your smartphone as your guide or with a park ranger. The Visitor Center features exhibits on the 1863 Campaign for Chattanooga, a series of pivotal Civil War battles, the Fuller Gun Collection, one of the most comprehensive displays of small military arms in the United States, along with a small theater screening a short orientation film titled The Campaign for Chattanooga: Death Knell of the Confederacy every 30 minutes during park hours.
Descend 260ft by Elevator and Hike to Ruby Falls
Set off on a guided cave walk that will lead you 260ft deep into Lookout Mountain. As you hike the cavern trail to Ruby Falls, one of the world’s largest underground waterfalls, you’ll encounter speleothems, stalactites, stalagmites, and even “cave bacon,” layered flowstone that looks strikingly similar to the breakfast favorite, before you reach the thundering falls.
Hike the “Enchanted Trail” at Rock City Gardens
Rock City is not an actual city, but a series of massive, ancient rock formations perched high atop Lookout Mountain. Hike the 4100ft Enchanted Trail to see Rock City’s majestic rock formations, which include the Fat Man Squeeze, a narrow passage through an immense boulder that you’ll have to squeeze through sideways. Climb the wall at Lover’s Leap for the “See 7 States” panoramic view of Tennessee and its six neighboring states.
Ride “America’s Most Amazing Mile” Aboard the Incline Railway
The single-track Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways, made its first one-mile run up Lookout Mountain in November 1895. This funicular railway is both a National Historic Site and Mechanical Engineering Landmark, offering a chance to climb the ridge at a 72.7% grade. Your journey along “America’s Most Amazing Mile” begins at St. Elmo’s Station at the base of Lookout Mountain and ends at Point Park, a ten-acre memorial park that is part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, where stunning views of Chattanooga Valley from 2100ft above await.
Paddle Lookout Creek at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center
Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center is a 317-acre green oasis located just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, with over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. The center also features a boat launch on the banks of Lookout Creek. You can bring your own watercraft or rent canoes from Reflection Riding for an additional fee and enjoy a paddle along this winding tributary of the Tennessee River.
Explore the Tennessee Aquarium
The Tennessee Aquarium, home to over 10,000 animals, is Chattanooga’s most visited attraction. Dive into the River Journey, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world, and follow the path of a raindrop from high in the Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico. Or stroll through the Delta Country exhibit, where American alligators and alligator snapping turtles rest in a recreated bayou. The Ocean Journey showcases the river’s flow into the Gulf of Mexico, with the exhibit’s largest tank, the Secret Reef, housing sand tiger sharks, bonnethead sharks, and green sea turtles.
Cruise the Tennessee River Aboard the Southern Belle
Experience the Tennessee River while enjoying a cruise aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat, a replica of a classic river steamboat with a breezy, open-air, third-floor deck. Choose from a sightseeing, lunch, dinner, sunset, or twilight cruise. During autumn, the Southern Belle’s Fall Foliage Cruise offers a scenic three-hour tour of the Tennessee River Gorge dressed in its fall best.
Sip Local Beer Culture
Cherish Chattanooga’s long history of beer crafting and vibrant beer scene by sampling IPAs, stouts, or pilsners at one of the city’s unique breweries. Chattanooga Brewing Company began brewing its German-style beers in 1890. Settle into a comfy leather sofa and taste traditional German Lagers at OddStory Brewing Company. Hutton & Smith Brewing Company offers a cozy taproom with rock-themed beers. On the Southside, Terminal Brewhouse combines old-world character with elevated pub fare. Additionally, Naked River Brewing, located in one of Chattanooga’s oldest buildings, pairs its beers with BBQ.
Sample Hand-crafted Whiskey at the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery
Tour the Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery, the first legal whiskey distillery in Chattanooga in over 100 years, and observe the production process in action. Sample flights of the latest releases and seasonal whiskey-based cocktails in the distillery’s cozy tasting room.
Stroll the Historic Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel
The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel is a Beaux-Arts beauty of a former railway station located in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga. Built in 1909, the Terminal Station saw passengers during the Golden Age of Rail Travel until 1973; it was restored and reopened as a hotel in 1989, marking the city’s first historic preservation project. Choose to stay at the hotel or simply stroll along the former railroad tracks, now picturesque Glenn Miller Gardens.
Take a Swirl on a Circa 1894 Carousel
Coolidge Park is a stretch of green space overlooking the Tennessee River on Chattanooga’s north side. Enjoy a ride on the park’s crown jewel, a circa-1894 carousel featuring 52 hand-carved animals and a calliope band organ. Kids will also love the park’s interactive water play fountain.
Shop Warehouse Row
Once a turn-of-the-century warehouse district, Warehouse Row now houses upscale boutiques, cozy coffee shops, and casual eateries.
Journey Through the Chattanooga Zoo
Meet the animals from around the world as you explore the Chattanooga Zoo. Travel through the Himalayan Passage, home to snow leopards and the largest indoor red panda exhibit. Encounter chimpanzees in the Gombe Forest or mingle with macaws and spider monkeys in the Corcovado Jungle. The Walkin’ the Tracks exhibit showcases native animals such as bobcats, cougars, and coyotes, set against the backdrop of Chattanooga’s history as a railway hub.
Explore the Bluff View Art District
Stretching 1½ blocks along the Tennessee Riverfront, this tiny district boasted three major art institutions: The Houston Museum of Decorative Arts showcases over 15,000 pieces of decorative art glass; The River Gallery hosts local and regional artists through rotating exhibits, complete with a two-acre outdoor sculpture garden; and the Hunter Museum of American Art displays the most complete collection of American art in the Southeast, featuring masterpieces from the 1700s to present.
Amplify Your Guitar Knowledge at Songbirds
Songbirds is dedicated to music history. During the day, it’s a museum showcasing vintage guitars owned by musicians such as B.B. King and Chuck Berry along with interactive exhibits about Chattanooga’s music history. In the evening, Songbirds’ custom-built stage hosts live concerts and music-focused events.
Bike or Walk the Tennessee Riverwalk
Rent a bike and ride the 13-mile-long Tennessee Riverwalk, stretching from historic Ross’s Landing to the Tennessee Riverpark and Chickamauga Dam.
Play a Few Rounds of Pinball at the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum
Challenge yourself to a few rounds of pinball featuring classic machines such as Caribbean Cruise (1989) and Cyclone (1988). The Classic Arcade Pinball Museum offers classic arcade games and pinball machines, with unlimited play through a flat-rate admission.
This article was first published Nov 27, 2017, and updated Aug 18, 2021.
