Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is a Tennessee treasure. It’s not too big, not too small—Chattanooga is just right. It’s also my original hometown, and I couldn’t be more proud of the city’s continuing revitalization.
Chattanooga received noteworthy recognition last week, being designated as the first National Park City in America and one of only three in the world. This title highlights Chattanooga’s scenic views, its abundant opportunities for nature exploration, and the city’s ongoing dedication to preserving and enhancing its natural beauty.
From classic attractions to a blossoming art scene to outdoor adventures, there are plenty of reasons to add America’s First National Park City to your travel plans.
Lookout Mountain’s Classic Attractions
See Rock City—the simple three-word advertisement for Chattanooga’s oldest attraction, which can be seen painted on barns along highways leading to the region. And it’s exactly what it sounds like—a city of rocks high atop Lookout Mountain. Hold your tummy in as you pass through the Eye of the Needle and Fat Man’s Squeeze or head up to Lover’s Leap where (on a clear day) you can see seven states.
Just down the road, Ruby Falls is another Chattanooga classic. A guided tour leads you through the cavern’s amazing rock formations to a stunning 145-foot-tall underground waterfall. There’s more to Ruby Falls than underground waterfalls. Glide through the treetops at Ruby Falls High Point ZIP Adventure, taking in scenic views with a shot of adrenaline. Then conquer the 40-foot climbing tower.
Discover Renaissance Park
Renaissance Park is a 23-acre urban wetlands park that offers an opportunity to observe the natural environment. Visitors can walk along the nature trails, view the native trees and wildflowers, and study the river ecosystems and wetlands area. The park also features an outdoor pavilion, designated picnic areas, and public art installations. Marked areas of historical significance provide insights into the past and the various transformations of the riverfront.
Montague Park Sculpture Fields
Art and nature converge at Montague Park Sculpture Fields where you can immerse yourself in a blend of creativity and natural beauty with Lookout Mountain as the backdrop. Located in Chattanooga’s Southside, this 45-acre public park boasts an impressive array of sculptures from around the world. As the largest sculpture park in the Southeast, it attracts visitors from all over the globe. The park features more than 50 large-scale sculptures placed along winding trails.
Explore the Bluff View Art District
Stretching for one and a half city blocks on East Second Street, the Bluff View Art District is a historic downtown Chattanooga neighborhood. Set high above stone cliffs that afford spectacular views of the Tennessee River, the Walnut Street Bridge, and downtown Chattanooga, the area is full of art galleries, coffee shops, bed and breakfasts, courtyards, and gardens. Stroll through the perfectly manicured grounds of the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, the city’s first outdoor art museum. Don’t miss the Hunter Museum of Art, an antebellum home on one side and a steel sculptural building on the other.
Choose Your Adventure on the Tennessee Riverpark
A 13-mile paved urban greenway, the Tennessee Riverpark connects downtown Chattanooga to Chickamauga Dam. Open to cyclists, runners, skaters, and walkers, the Riverwalk links various neighborhoods and business districts within Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
The Riverpark can be accessed from numerous parking areas and trailheads from Chickamauga Dam to St. Elmo. Additionally, the Riverwalk connects to the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway at Riverpoint off Lost Mound Drive, extending an additional 3 miles out to Sterchi Farm Park.
The Tennessee Riverpark also provides paddle sport enthusiasts and boaters with numerous access points to the Tennessee River Blueway. The park features several fishing piers and overlooks for spotting the river’s diverse wildlife. Popular fishing piers include Chickamauga Dam and the Hubert Fry Center.
Walnut Street Bridge
Cross over the Tennessee River with a walk on the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge. Take in the stellar views of the Chattanooga skyline and surrounding area. Erected in 1890 and standing 2,376 feet high, the Walnut Street Bridge connects the north shore of the Tennessee River to downtown Chattanooga. It’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in North America. Time your stroll for sunset when the lights of the city begin to decorate the sky.
Coolidge Park at the foot of the bridge provides an ideal place for an afternoon or evening of picnicking and Frisbee. Central to the park is a restored antique carousel with 52 hand-carved whimsical animals; rides are only $1.