Situated conveniently along the Tennessee River and numerous highways, Chattanooga’s long been valued for its strategic importance (it was dubbed the “gateway to the Deep South” during the Civil War). After wintery walks and horse-drawn carriage rides in the city, it’s time to explore beyond.
Nestled in the bluffs and mountains of the Cumberland Plateau, the city continues to be a convenient jumping-off point for various trips around the region. Just two hours from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham, not to mention countless other regional destinations, it’s the perfect base for a winter holiday.
If you’re wondering what the best day trips from Chattanooga might be, these are our top picks.
Head to Atlanta for Food, Shopping, Arts, and Culture
Just a two-hour drive south from Chattanooga (depending on Atlanta’s famously snarly traffic), Georgia’s capital offers shopping, live music, comedy, arts, and culture without the need to overnight. You can easily pop down for dinner and drinks before a show and be back for a late bedtime. Arts and crafts can be found at the High Museum, Center for Puppetry Arts, and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film.
Additionally, learn about Black history at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site, Ebenezer Baptist Church (New), and Center for Civil & Human Rights. Dining options range from Waffle House (a true Atlanta staple) to upscale fare at Kimball House. Each of Atlanta’s neighborhoods offers unique experiences, making it easy to find something new every time you visit.
How to Get to Atlanta: It’s a straight shot down I-75 from Chattanooga to Atlanta.
Nip Over to Nashville for Dive Bars and Live Music
Music City has earned a big reputation in recent years with revelers looking to celebrate various occasions. Fortunately, Chattanoogans benefit from Nashville’s proximity, located just two hours away, making it easy to visit for concerts, shows at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, or a Predators game at Bridgestone Arena. Make sure to factor in the time difference – Chattanooga occupies the Eastern Time Zone, while Nashville is on Central Time.
How to Get to Nashville: Nashville is two to two and a half hours away via I-24 West.
Visit Knoxville: The Gateway to Appalachia
There’s more to Knoxville than just the University of Tennessee and Vols football games. Knoxville boasts several highly-rated local restaurants, from the James Beard–rated JC Holdway to Yassin’s Falafel House. It’s become a second home to some of Asheville’s favored eateries like Tupelo Honey Cafe. Additionally, a thriving brewery scene offers fun stops like Balter Beerworks and Alliance Brewing Company.
Moreover, Knoxville serves as Tennessee’s gateway to Appalachia, offering insights at the Museum of East Tennessee History, the Museum of Appalachia, and the Green McAdoo Cultural Center. You also pass through Knoxville on the way from Chattanooga to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, if you wish to extend your day trip into a longer getaway.
How to Get to Knoxville: Just get on I-75 north and keep going straight for a couple of hours.
For History and Cuisine, Go to Birmingham
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, Birmingham offers just that. Its industrial past contributes to a picturesque present, with exciting destinations like the Sloss Furnaces, Vulcan Park, and Railroad Park. Learn about the Civil Rights movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the 16th Street Baptist Church. Additionally, experience art from around the world at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
A meal at Highlands Bar & Grill is a must; this establishment revolutionized Southern cuisine by blending regional ingredients with French cooking techniques. Leave room for barbecue, as Saw’s Soul Kitchen should not be missed. Birmingham also has a trendy side, evident in spots like the Atomic Lounge and Marty’s PM, where retro and geeky vibes reign.
How to Get to Birmingham: Begin on I-24 West out of Chattanooga, then merge onto I-59 South for a journey of about two hours.
Raft, Kayak, or Hike the River Valley at Ocoee, Tennessee
When Atlanta hosted the Olympics in 1996, it was actually Ocoee that hosted the paddling events. The river features Class III-V whitewater rapids, with numerous rafting companies along the drive from Chattanooga to Cleveland, Tennessee. These companies provide transportation to put-ins using retrofitted school buses. However, you don’t need a kayak or other watercraft to enjoy a day on the Ocoee, as there are plenty of swimming holes and hiking trails in the nearby Cherokee National Forest. You can grab a bite at the Ocoee Dam Deli & Diner.
How to Get to Ocoee: Take I-75 north for approximately 27 miles, then exit 20 onto US-74 E. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
Marvel at the Faux-Bavarian Town, Helen in Georgia
Kitschy Helen, Georgia, is just two and a half hours from Chattanooga along one of the prettiest drives in the state. You’ll hug the Ocoee River across southeast Tennessee to the north Georgia border, enjoying stunning mountain views along the way. Once you reach Helen, there’s much to see and do. This faux-Bavarian town is filled with shops, souvenir stands, beer gardens, and fishing spots.
Float the Chattahoochee River on a hot summer day; several outfitters, including Cool River Tubing, offer services to send you downriver. There are also several fun waterfalls and hiking destinations in the area, such as Anna Ruby Falls and Unicoi State Park. Afterward, reward yourself with a frosty drink at King Ludwig’s Beer Garden, a must-visit spot with live music at the foot of a replica German castle.
How to Get to Helen: Take I-75 to Cleveland, Tennessee, then switch to US-64 East and US-129 South to State Route 180 in Union County, Georgia.
See the Views atop Monteagle Mountain at Sewanee, Tennessee
Home to the University of the South, Sewanee is a curious town atop Monteagle Mountain. This private, Episcopalian liberal arts college covers 13,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau, where a beautiful Gothic campus is laced with nature trails and surrounded by charming historic homes. Like every good college town, Sewanee features some beloved local businesses where students, faculty, and townsfolk can meet and greet.
The fried zucchini at Shenanigans is worth the drive up from Chattanooga all by itself. Enjoy a coffee at Sterling’s to fuel your hiking adventures on the Perimeter Trail or for a stroll through Sewanee’s cemetery, known for its sardonic epitaphs left by former professors and priests. One can also visit the Cross, a towering 60-ft-tall Christian symbol overlooking Monteagle Mountain, which offers stunning views of the valley below.
How to Get to Sewanee: It’s just a forty-five-minute drive up I-24 West from Chattanooga, but ensure your brakes are in good order for the descent down the steep Monteagle Mountain.
Waterfalls and Local Artisan Shopping in Mentone, Alabama
At the far end of the long ridgeline of Lookout Mountain sits the charming town of Mentone. Mentone is known for its bevy of private summer camps, yet boasts much more as an enjoyable day trip destination, including the whimsical and well-regarded Wildflower Cafe.
Be sure to explore nearby DeSoto Falls, featuring a stunning three-part cascade that is Alabama’s tallest waterfall. A small dam creates one level of the falls, originally constructed to power the homes at the canyon’s edge, carved by the Little River that feeds DeSoto. After hiking around the falls, Mentone’s local shops and boutiques offer handmade pottery and other unique treasures.
How to Get to Mentone: It’s a 45-minute drive along I-59 S to Mentone.
Get into Tech in Rocket City: Huntsville, Alabama
Chattanooga is known as the Gig City due to its hyper-fast municipal internet, but Huntsville carries the title Rocket City, a name derived from its long association with NASA. Discover Huntsville’s tech legacy at the US Space & Rocket Center. However, Huntsville has much more to offer beyond aerospace activities.
The Huntsville Depot Museum reflects the city’s older transportation modes, while Concerts at Three Caves draw visitors underground rather than high above. Appreciate the diversity of life at the Huntsville Botanical Garden or savor various Southern dishes at restaurants like Betty Mae’s Restaurant, a soul food classic, and the upscale Cotton Row.
How to Get to Huntsville: Start on I-24 W, then transition onto US-72 W/ to Huntsville; it’s only an hour and forty-five minutes away.
This article was originally published on July 7, 2021, and updated on December 19, 2021.
