Chattanooga Bucket List Adventures

If you're looking for outdoor activities, Chattanooga is your natural playground. Tennessee's Scenic City is full of things to do outside from adrenaline-pumping activities like whitewater rafting and rock climbing to low-impact hiking and walking trails. As one of only three National Park Cities in the world, Chattanooga celebrates the Great Outdoors, its irreplaceable natural resources, and the thriving culture that protects its scenically green beauty. Check out the article below for your bucket list adventures in Chattanooga.

Chattanooga Outdoor Activities

Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking 

Chattanooga is an outdoorsperson’s dream. Nestled in the ridge-and-valley Appalachians and the Cumberland Plateau, the “Scenic City” comes by its name honestly with seemingly endless outdoor activities. For paddling enthusiasts, enjoy whitewater kayaking or whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, Nantahala River, Suck Creek or North Chickamauga. You can even visit the “Bat Cave” by kayak on Nickajack Lake. Where, At dusk, hundreds of thousands of endangered gray bats emerge from a half-flooded cave. 

Rock Climbing near Chattanooga

With incredible heights in the surrounding mountains, world-class rock climbing is everywhere from the Tennessee Wall to Foster Falls Small Wild Area to Sunset Rock. The Tennessee Wall is one of the premier trad climbing destinations in the Southeast. With hundreds of great routes on hard sandstone, you can enjoy the climbing at all levels. Sunset Rock is home of some of Tennessee’s finest sing-pitch trad climbing. You’ll love the views as you scale the different and various climbing routes. To climb walls rain or shine, head to High Point Climbing and Fitness located downtown and at Riverside.

Hiking Trails near Chattanooga

Chattanooga hiking is some of the best in the country with myriad trails. Snoopers Rock Trail in Prentice Cooper State Forest is a 5.9-mile trail that rewards you with stunning views of the Tennessee River Gorge. Signal Mountain offers miles of hiking trails, and Renaissance Park is the spot for exploring 23 acres of peaceful wetlands. At Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, wander beautifully landscaped gardens, walk along the boardwalk over wetlands, and see a variety of native wildlife. The Cravens House Loop Trail in Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is a 3.4-mile loop trail full of history. Here, you can see the old CCC Camp Demaray that housed 200 men, the Hardy house and a turn-of-the-century Tudor home in addition to stunning overlook views, rock formations and more. For additional history ladden hikes, explore Native American history at the 750-acre Moccasin Bend National Park, or walk along The Passage, a downtown pedestrian walkway marking the beginning of the Trail of Tears.

National Park City Strolls near Chattanooga

Known for its fusion of outdoors and urban spaces, exploring downtown Chattanooga provides a rare opportunity for a fully accessible outdoor environment. Even spending brief moments in the city explains Chattanooga's status as the first National Park City in North America. For dramatic city views, stroll over the Tennessee River on Walnut Street Bridge, walk through the centrally located Miller Plaza, or enjoy a picnic at Ross’ Landing – Chattanooga Pier. Experience large-scale artwork in Chattanooga’s outdoor green spaces when you explore the serene grounds of the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, Main Terrain Art Park or the River Gallery Sculpture Garden in the Bluff View Art District. You can even see the city by waterway, rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak from L2 Outside to paddle through downtown Chattanooga on the Tennessee River.

Biking near Chattanooga

From wild surroundings to urban overlooks and roadways, Chattanooga is a ride-friendly region that caters to the biking community. In a suburb of Chattanooga, the Signal Mountain Out and Back route offers scenic views with the convenience of urban amenities. This route features undulating roadways with some of the best overlooks of the Chattanooga region. Explore the wilderness on mountain bike at Stringers Ridge Park or pedal along the 13-mile paved Tennessee Riverwalk, which winds alongside the Tennessee River from downtown Chattanooga to the Chickamauga Dam. Enterprise South Nature Park is known for its more flowing trails and high-speed runs. At Raccoon Mountain, challenging mountain bike trails run throughout the area and attract mountain bikers from all over the country. After your ride, cool off with the natural AC of a cave on a subterranean tour of Raccoon Mountain Caverns, where sightseeing includes ancient fossils and incredible rock formations. For another unique biking experience, Pair beer tasting and bicycling when you book a biking and bar-hopping tour with Chattanooga Pints & Pedals. 

Family Friendly Fun near Chattanooga

Visitors of all ages will enjoy getting up close to more than 300 animals at Chattanooga Zoo or glimpsing sharks, seahorses and jellyfish at the Tennessee Aquarium. There you can learn about the Tennessee River Watershed, complete with just about every type of fish and wildlife you can find on the largest tributary to the Ohio River. Little ones will also love playing in the interactive splash fountain and riding the historic carousel at Coolidge Park. For group boating experiences, get out on the water with a 16-person pedal boat ride by Chattanooga Cycleboats, or enjoy a leisurely dinner cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat. 

Lookout Mountain

Just minutes from the heart of Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain is full of things to do outside, boasting iconic attractions and breathtaking vistas that promise unforgettable experiences. If you’re looking for things to do outside, Lookout Mountain provides with attractions like Rock City or the Incline Railway, which has been transporting passengers up and down Lookout Mountain’s slopes since 1895. From the top of the mountain, view awe-inspiring vistas of the Tennessee River Valley and downtown Chattanooga below. Adventurers looking for an aerial thrill won’t want to miss soaring through the air with Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding or diving from the skies with a tandem jump by Chattanooga Skydiving Company. 

Ruby Falls

Descend 260 feet via a glass-front elevator into the heart of Lookout Mountain and take the cavern trail to encounter the tallest cave waterfall accessible to the public in the United States. Discover the fascinating tale of the cavern's accidental discovery, marvel at striking rock formations and immerse yourself in the exhilarating roar of the waterfall. Plus, Ruby Falls proudly holds the distinction of being the first attraction in the United States to receive certification from Green Globe for their eco-friendly initiatives. Ruby Falls also overs a host of additional experiences such as the treetops obstacle course and zipline at Ruby Falls High Point ZIP adventure.

Rock City

Perched atop Lookout Mountain just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City stands as a magnificent testament to nature's wonders and is one of the breathtaking outdoor activities you can do in Chattanooga. Here, you'll encounter colossal ancient rock formations, meander through gardens boasting more than 400 native plant species and breathtaking "See 7 States" panoramic vistas. Meander along the Enchanted Trail where each step unveils the natural beauty and marvels along the woodland path. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, explore regional gift shops and indulge in a delicious meal at the Big Rock Grill.

Chickamauga Lake

Famous for record-setting bass and part of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative, Chickamauga Lake is a must-visit for all categories of anglers and seekers of Chattanooga adventures. As you navigate its waters, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of catfish, largemouth bass, crappie or bluegill gliding beneath the surface. Spanning 36,000 acres and boasting 810 miles of shoreline, this expansive lake offers ample room to cast your line and reel in that tournament-winning bass while immersing yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Tennessee's natural landscapes.

With this Chattanooga adventure bucket list, you'll have lots of opportunity for adrenaline-pumping experiences. Set up your home base with a bunk or a private room at boutique hostel The Crash Pad and then get outdoors. Find even more things to do outside in Chattanooga and more areas in Tennessee on our Trip Inspiration page.

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