Chattanooga Bucket List Adventures

Chattanooga is full of fantastic outdoor activities. 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.

• Operation Season: official rafting season typically runs from March/April to October. Be sure to check with specific outfitters for operation days and hours. Nickajack's Bat Cave experience runs from late March to early October.
• Pricing: prices are per person and vary by outfitter, group size, and season but generally fall between $60-$80 depending on length of the rafting trip.
• Parking: numerous rafting outfitters operate along the Ocoee and other nearby rivers and each has dedicated parking for customers.
• Accessibility: rafting requires participants to be over 12 years old and all participants must wear secure, closed-toe shoes; the experiences do require amounts of physical strength and stamina. 

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.

• Climbing Type: Tennessee Wall's climbing is primarily trad, featuring hundreds of routes which are mostly single-pitch on hard sandstone.  Foster Falls Small Wild Area is extremely popular for sport climbing with some trad and is known for technical routes on steep compact sandstone. Sunset Rock is trad climbing only.
• Operation Hours: climbing is typically available from sunrise to sunset
• Fees and Permits: each climbing area has different rules and may require you to get a climbing permit, so be sure to check online prior to arriving.
• Parking: parking is often limited at these locations.
• Indoors: High Point Climbing is a great indoor climbing option with over 100 boulder problems, Kid Zone, and iconic outdoor walls that soar above Broad Street downtown; it's open from 6am to 10pm and offers classes for beginners.  

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.

• Trail Facts & Difficulty: these trails near Chattanooga range from very easy to rugged and difficult. Prentice Cooper State Forest has trails from easy to very steep while Renaissance Park and Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center both offer easy trails.
• Parking: Each trailhead has different parking options. Prentice Cooper State Forest, Signal Mountain, Moccasin Bend National Park, and Reflection Riding Arboretum all have dedicated parking available. Renaissance Park has paid parking available in nearby lots of on-street. Cravens House has limited free parking available.
• Hours, Fees & Highlights: most trails are open dawn to dusk, while Reflection Riding Arboretum is typically open from 8am to 4pm and requires a day pass for entry. Moccasin Bend National Park is best visited in fall or winter to avoid low-lying swampy areas. Signal Mountain trails can lead to panoramic views of the Tennessee River Gorge, Moccasin Bend, and downtown 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 Bike TN 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.

• Type of Biking: Stringers Ridge Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Raccoon Mountain feature mountain biking. Tennessee River Walk and the Signal Mountain Out & Back offer road cycling.
• Difficulty & Terrain: Stringers Ridge Park is mixed, with well-groomed singletrack with rolling hills and both beginner-friendly and higher-difficulty trails available for experienced riders. Tennessee Riverwalk is a flat urban greenway perfect for a leisurely ride. Enterprise South Nature Park has five mountain bike trails with different levels of difficulty. Raccoon Mountain is known for its raw, natural feel so expect technical challenges like rocks, roots, and steep pitches with beginner trails available closer to the top. Signal Mountain Out & Back is generally difficult with significant elevation gain, fast descents, and steep climbs on paved roads shared with vehicle traffic.
• Amenities: Stringers Ridge Park has ample parking, restrooms, and a pump track with a great city overlook. Tennessee River Walk connects downtown to the Chickamauga Dam and the Historic St. Elmo neighborhood. Enterprise South Nature Park has free entry, is open daily from 7am to sunset, and offers multiple parking lots. Raccoon Mountain is about 15 minutes from downtown.  

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.

• Parking: for many downtown locations, paid parking is available in nearby lots and garages.
• Accessibility: all locations are highly accessible.
• Operation Hours: Ross's Landing is open 24 hours, Sculpture Fields is open 8am to sunset, Main Terrain Art Park is open 6:30am to 9pm, River Gallery Sculpture Garden is open Mon-Sat from 10am to 5pm, and Walnut Street Bridge is open 24 hours.
• Pricing: all locations are free and open to the public. 

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.

• Parking: Chattanooga Zoo offers a free parking lot on site while the rest of the locations featured have paid parking available in nearby garages and lots.
• Accessibility: Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, and Coolidge Park all offer highly accessible options. Southern Belle Riverboat and the Chattanooga Cycleboats may have varied accessibility options depending on nature of the boats and boarding access.
• Operation Hours: Tennessee Aquarium is open 10am to 5pm daily; Chattanooga Zoo is open 9am to 5pm daily; Coolidge Park Historic Carousel is typically open 11am to 7pm; Southern Belle Riverboat and Chattanooga Cycleboats are open 10am to 6pm, while the Riverboat cruise times vary.
• Pricing: General Admission to Tennessee Aquarium is typically from $35 for adults to $27 for children. Chattanooga Zoo rates depend on add-ons and special encounter experience. Carousel rides at Coolidge Park are typically around $1. Southern Belle Riverboat tickets vary by cruise but sightseeing tours start around $39.99. Chattanooga Cycleboats prices vary. 

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.

• Accessibility & Parking: Rock City has free parking on site and a wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms; some narrow areas and trail portions may be challenging for large equipment.  Incline Railway has parking available on site; call ahead to ensure the tram can accommodate wheelchairs or other equipment. For hang gliding and skydiving, parking is available onsite, and be sure to call ahead about accessibility as there are mobility requirements to participate safely.
• Hours: Rock City is generally open from 10am to 10:30pm though there may be seasonal variation. Incline Railway is open 10am to 6pm with extended summer hours. Hang gliding is open 9am to 6pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) and skydiving is open 8am to 6pm daily.
• Other Requirements: Hang gliding requires a minimum age of 14 for tandem flights and a maximum of 250 lbs for tandem and 200 for paragliding. Skydiving requires participants to be 18 years or older and a maximum of 260 lbs.

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.

• Accessibility & Parking: Dedicated parking is available at Ruby Falls; the cave tour is not wheelchair accessible but the visitor center, restrooms and main observation deck are generally accessible.
• Pricing: standard tickets are typically around $29 with children under 3 free. Treetop obstacle course and zipline is a separate ticket which is usually around $22.
• Operation Hours: Ruby Falls is open 8am to 8pm year-round. Timed-entry cave tour tickets should be purchased in advance online since timeslots can sell out fast. 

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.

• Accessibility & Parking: dedicated parking is available at Rock City; the park is partially accessible, with the entrance, restrooms and the main overlook being accessible. The trails are not fully accessible due to the natural, narrow, and uneven terrain.
• Pricing: ticket prices vary by day and time but buying ahead of time online is highly recommended for best price and to ensure entry. Adult tickets usually start around $21 and child tickets start around $15.
• Hours: Rock City is open 10am to 10:30pm but hours change seasonally so check their official calendar for your visit date. 

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. 

• Accessibility & Parking: ample free parking is available near the boat tamps and day-use areas.  A wheelchair accessible parking lot, restrooms, and entrance as well as an accessible fishing pier below the dam.
• Hours: day-use areas are open sunrise to sunset
• Pricing: no charge for day-use areas or lake access; if you are fishing, be sure to have your Tennessee fishing license ahead of time by visiting gooutdoorstennessee.com. 

With this adventure bucket list, you'll have lots of opportunity for adrenaline-pumping experiences and outdoor things to do in Chattanooga . 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.